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Tag: Ibrahim Gusau

  • Gusau pledges continued support for women’s football at all levels

    Gusau pledges continued support for women’s football at all levels

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has reiterated that his administration is committed to providing more opportunities for women to enhance their capacity and also find gainful employment within the Nigeria football ecosystem as they develop themselves.

    Speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the three-module CAF-C License Coaching Course (exclusively for women) in Abuja, Gusau stated that football being for all – men, women, young and old – the present NFF administration will always support women coaches to get employment with either government-owned, privately-owned or community-owned clubs after building their capacity to a certain level.

    “FIFA has been putting much premium on women football over the years, and we are also happy to follow suit. Women football continues to grow worldwide, and our country should not be any different. Whatever we are doing, without training those who train the footballers, we are not doing anything meaningful. Those who train the players must continuously improve their own capacity in knowledge of modern tactics and techniques in order to make our teams much better.

    “This is the whole essence of the women-exclusive CAF-C License Course. By next year, we hope to conduct a CAF-B Course, and by the following year, perhaps a CAF-A Course.”

    Gusau pledged that the men will not be neglected, as there are plans for a CAF-C program for them in a number of weeks.

    NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen praised the leadership of the Federation for always treating favourably, and with dispatch, all memos related to coaching education. He also confirmed that the program is in three modules, with the first module 15th – 25th July, to be followed by a two-week internship for the participants between 27th July – 7th August. The participants will return to Abuja for the second module that is scheduled for 12th – 20th August, after which they will go on another two-week internship, 23rd August – 4th September.

    The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will take place 9th – 19th September.

    Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, NFF’s Head of Education, is among the coach educators’ team, which also includes Coaches Isah Ladan Bosso, Wemimo Olanrewaju and Lanrence Ndaks.

    Among the 30 participants are former Super Falcons’ stars Precious Dede, Joy Jegede, Esther Michael, Maureen Eke, Otas Ogbonmwan, Vera Okolo, Cecilia Nku, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Gloria Ofoegbu and Amenze Aighewi. There are also Barr. Victoria Nlemigbo and retired FIFA referee Folusho Ajayi.

    NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi advised the participants to dedicate themselves fully to improving themselves through the program, as opportunities abound within the Nigerian and African football environments for qualified, competent and ambitious coaches.

    Also at the event were NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Deputy Director, Technical Mrs Faith Ben-Anuge; Assistant Director, Technical Abdulrafiu Yusuf; Chief Technical Officer Garba Lawal; SA to GS Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu; COO of Nigeria Women Football League, Modupe Shabi and; NFF Head of Admin, Kut-Kut Fon.

    PHOTO: Gusau and Sanusi with NFF Management, coach educators, resource persons and participants at the opening of the CAF-C License Coaching Course in Abuja on Monday.

  • NFF will treat Supersand Eagles like other National Teams – Gusau

    NFF will treat Supersand Eagles like other National Teams – Gusau

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Thursday disclosed that the Federation is committed to ensuring that the Beach Soccer National Team, otherwise known as Supersand Eagles, enjoys the same attention as other National Teams, when restored to international competitions.

    The NFF boss made the pledge at the inauguration of the Federation’s Futsal and Beach Soccer Sub-Committee, at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja.

    “Nigeria is a big footballing nation, and it will be inappropriate if we continue to stay out of some activities that other African countries are involved in, football-wise. We will do whatever is necessary to restore Nigeria’s presence in futsal and beach soccer.

    “I am assuring the committee that whether through financial or other means, futsal and beach soccer will enjoy equal treatment as other National Teams.”

    It can be recalled that the Supersand Eagles brought honour to the country at various times in the past, winning the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in 2007 and 2009, winning a couple of silver medals at the same competition and also harvesting bronze medals on a couple of occasions. The team also represented Africa at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on many occasions, including reaching the quarter-finals in Ravenna, Italy in 2011 before losing to Brazil in overtime.

    The NFF decided to pull the team out of international competitions five years ago, after high-score losses at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay.

    A member of the NFF Executive Committee, Otuekong Nse Essien is the committee’s chairman, with Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh) as vice chairman. Members are Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, former NFF Executive Committee member and Chairman, Plateau State FA; Mr. Richard Jideaka, foremost journalist; Alhaji Aminu Mohammed Inuwa; Hajji Liameed Gafaar, Chairman of Lagos State FA and; Yabagi Alhaji Baba, vice chairman of Niger State FA. The secretary is Abubakar D. Umar Barde).

    Also present at the inauguration were NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and some directors of the Federation.

  • African Games: Gusau charges Flying Eagles to go all out for semi-final ticket

    African Games: Gusau charges Flying Eagles to go all out for semi-final ticket

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has called on players of the U20 Boys, Flying Eagles to be ready to put up more than their level best when they confront Senegal’s Young Lions of Teranga on Friday in a make-or-break 13th African Games group phase final match at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.

    The NFF boss minced no words in saying he has not been impressed with the outing of the seven-time African champions at the continental meet so far, in which they have lost 1-2 to Uganda and edged South Sudan thanks to a late penalty converted by Isiyaka Muhammad Sadiq.

    “Nigeria has a high pedigree in youth football across the globe and that is a fact that should ring loud in the minds of every player wearing the green-white-green at that level. We did not fare well against Uganda and I gave the boys a piece of my mind.

    “Against South Sudan, we should have done more and taken the three points quickly but had to struggle. I believe the players have the potential to do far more and they should start by showing their stuff against Senegal on Friday. It is a match we have to win to reach the semi finals.”

    Initially, the group B housing Nigeria had five teams, which would have amounted to each team playing four matches instead of three. However, Tunisia pulled out late in the day, and with six-pointer Uganda having picked the first semi-final ticket from the pool, the second ticket is a straight fight between Nigeria and Senegal. South Sudan are out of the running having lost both games.

    On their part, defending champions Falconets have no such worries in the women’s event of the Games as they head into their final match of the group phase having picked up the semi-final ticket, with six points from their first two matches.

    Chioma Olise and Yina Adoo scored to send Morocco packing on Matchday 1, before an avalanche from Loveth Edeh, Motunrayo Ezekiel, an own goal by Aisha Kales and again Chioma Olise put Senegal to the sword on Monday night.

    Cameroon, who have endured a string of defeats by Nigeria in various sporting spectacles in recent weeks, face another humiliation as they must take on the supercharged Falconets at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday evening.

  • Super Eagles will take Sao Tome match seriously – NFF President

    Super Eagles will take Sao Tome match seriously – NFF President

    President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will take the match against Sao Tome and Principe seriously, in spite  already securing 2024 AFCON qualification.

    The Super Eagles will on Sunday lock horns with Sao Tome and Principe in a dead rubber 2024 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

    Gusau gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), National President, Isaiah Benjamin led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

    The NFF boss told newsmen after the visit that that the Federation will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for the team.

    “I want to assure you by the grace of God, in spite of the fact that we have already qualified for the AFCON, we still have the integrity to protect of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “I know the players also have that at the back of their minds and by the grace of God we are going to come out victorious on Sunday, Insha Allah,” he said.

    Gusau said  the match will also serve as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to commence in November.

    “As you are aware the coach has invited the best players for the match, which a lot of people were even looking at it that it doesn’t warrant that.

    “But don’t forget we still have a very big task ahead of us, which is the World Cup qualifiers, which starts in November.

    “After this match we don’t have any time to bring the Super Eagles players together again.

    “So it’s imperative for the coach to have the best team at his disposal, so that he can make sure he has a team that can face the next challenge,” he said.

    The Super Eagles will commence their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on Nov. 13.

    Earlier, SWAN president, Isaiah Benjamin said the visit was meant to strengthen the synergy between the NFF and SWAN.

    “Based on your track records in the football circle even before becoming NFF President, we have no doubt that you will deliver. It will be my joy that we work and achieve success together.

    He reiterated SWAN’s commitment to professional and balanced reportage of NFF’s activities, while stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to take football to the next height in the country.

  • Gusau assures Technical Committee of NFF support in herculean tasks

    Gusau assures Technical Committee of NFF support in herculean tasks

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday inaugurated the recently-constituted NFF Technical Committee, while charging them to be ready to accomplish the herculean tasks of constituting fresh technical crews for most of the National Teams, and providing direction for the teams.

     

    “Let me assure you that you have been carefully selected based on your individual track record and what we know you can contribute to this assignment. It will not be an easy assignment, as most of the National Teams have concluded one competition or the other and are now preparing for fresh tasks.

     

    “That raises the need to compose new technical crews and provide guidance and vision to the crews. The Super Falcons are back from the FIFA World Cup with aplomb, but we must remember that they have 2024 Olympics and 2024 Women AFCON qualifying matches shortly and start to prepare for those games. The home-based professionals have qualifiers for the CHAN and the male and female U17 and U20 teams have qualification matches of high importance in a few months to come.”

     

    Gusau promised that the NFF will support the committee to accomplish its work while emphasizing that meetings can be either physical or by video conference.

     

    Responding, Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa stated that the committee will discharge its duties with every sense of responsibility and be guided by the vision of the Gusau-led administration to work proactively and energetically to ensure the real growth of the game of football in Nigeria in all its aspects and ramifications.

     

    The committee has as Vice Chairman the NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, while Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye, Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi, Mallam Zanna Mohammed Mala, Mr. Victor Ikpeba and Mr. Olayinka Olagbemiro are members. NFF’s Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen is the secretary.

     

    Also at the occasion were Hon. Silas Agara (Chairman of the Nigeria Nation-Wide League One); NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; immediate past NFF General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; CEO of the Nigeria National League, Mr. Emmanuel Attah; Assistant Directors Abdulrafiu Yusuf and Faith Ben-Anuge; Member of NFF Marketing Committee, Ibrahim Danbatta and; special assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Barde.

  • NFF inaugurates league boards

    NFF inaugurates league boards

    Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday inaugurated three leagues board to the federation.

    The inauguration was held at the NFF secretariat at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Gusua called on all the newly inaugurated leagues board to leave no stone unturned to ensure the growth and development of the Nigerian league.

    According to him, a former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Agara has been appointed as Chairman of the Nation-Wide League One, (NLO) which has been reconstituted along with the boards of the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

    “Agara will have Adeoye Adepeju as his vice chairman, Hassan Garo will be the chief executive officer while others  are Sabo Duste, Ogheneochuko Ambakedermo, Tunji Onatola, Bucknor Akinlade and Danladi Ibrahim.

    “George Aluo is the  new chairman of the Nigeria National league,( NNL) with Khamisu Mailantarki as vice chairman, Emmanuel Attah as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and other to serves as members include’ Yakubu Sarma, Sani Mohammed, Dr Donald Ikpe, Joseph Ebowusim and Dotun Sanusi.

    “Renowned marketing expert, Nkechi Obi will head the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), with Hussaina Suleman as vice chairman, Rukayat Alaya, former FIFA referee, Hadiza Musa, Ayodele Thomas, Henrietta Ehiobor and Danny Nazzal will be members,” he said.

    A total of 23 board members from three  league federation NNL, NLO and NWFL were inducted.

  • Argentina 2023: Gusau charges Flying Eagles to go for semi-final ticket

    Argentina 2023: Gusau charges Flying Eagles to go for semi-final ticket

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has again implored Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles to be focused and disciplined as they go all out for a semi-final ticket against South Korea in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina.

    The NFF President made the plea during a video conversation with players and officials of the team on Saturday.

    Gusau also commended the team for their resilience and victory against host-nation Argentina in the Round of 16 tie on Wednesday and urged them to put up even a stronger performance against the nifty Asians on Sunday.

    “Gentlemen, I want to use this medium to commend and congratulate you for the hard-fought win against Argentina. What you demonstrated was the true Nigeria spirit and I urge you to replicate the same against South Korea tomorrow.

    “The game tomorrow is crucial and I believe you can do it for yourselves, your families and above all our dear nation, Nigeria. Nigerians are happy with your performance over there and are solidly behind you.”

    The Flying Eagles will be gunning for a semi-final ticket at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals for the first time since 2005, when they go up against the South Koreans on Sunday at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in the City of Santiago Del Estero. The game starts at 2.30pm Argentina time (6.30pm Nigeria time).

    On Saturday evening, Israel held on valiantly to eliminate five-time champions Brazil 3-2 after extra time, to become the first team to reach the last four.

  • NFF to install VAR in regional stadium

    NFF to install VAR in regional stadium

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded arrangements to install Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in regional stadiums in the country as plans are underway to train and retrain referees to achieve the purpose.

    The President of the federation, Malam Ibrahim Gusau, stated this on Saturday in Ilorin at the National Elective Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Referees’ Association (NRA).

    Gusau, represented by an NFF official, Malam Muhammed Ameenu, charged the incoming leadership of the association to come up with  development plans, to forecast, organise and ensure the future of Nigeria Referees are properly nurtured and watered towards the growth of the game.

    While reiterating the unflinching support of the NFF to NRA in their quest to change the face of football in the country, Gusau said installation of VAR is to the growth and development of football.

    Malam Sani Zubair emerged winner after polling 53 votes from the 54 accredited delegates to beat Elder Daniel Olokor to replace Otunba Tade Azeez.

  • NFF fumes after Super Eagles’s loss to Guinea Bissau

    NFF fumes after Super Eagles’s loss to Guinea Bissau

    President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, on Saturday in Abuja read the riot act to national team players in view of dwindling performances in recent times.

    Gusau told Super Eagles players that visible total commitment would now be a key factor, apart from competence and current form, for selection for the national team at any level.

    The senior men’s national team had on Friday in Abuja lost 0-1 to Guinea Bissau in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

    The defeat at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium pushed the Eagles down to second place in their qualification group.

    “Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time.

    “If an invitation is extended to you at any time but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.

    “Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward,” the NFF President said.

    He expressed his disappointment at the team’s performance and demanded an immediate reaction.

    ”I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed.

    “Things must change, starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at international level,” Gusau said.

    He recalled that the under-23 male team, the Olympic Eagles, also failed to score against Guinea in a 2023 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations qualifier at the same venue on Wednesday.

    “This message is for all the teams, down to the under-15 male side known as Future Eagles.

    “Total commitment which we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys.

    “If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” the NFF President stated.

    Responding on behalf of his group, team captain Ahmed Musa, apologised to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat.

    He assured that the players were ready to redeem themselves in the return match on Monday.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria delegation to Monday’s match in Bissau will depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 7 a.m. on Sunday aboard a chartered flight.

    The match comes up at the Estadio 24 de Setembro from 5 p.m. Guinea Bissau time (6 p.m. Nigeria time) on Monday.

  • NPFL: Gusau thumbs up referees, charges them to sustain credible officiating

    NPFL: Gusau thumbs up referees, charges them to sustain credible officiating

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended the group of officiating officials who took charge of the Match Day 1 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, saying they should sustain through the season and thenceforth, the credibility that was apparent in their output on the first day.

    The Match Day 1 of the NPFL witnessed four away wins and four draws with only two home teams earning the maximum points. Champions Rivers United fought hard to defeat Lobi Stars 2-1 in Port Harcourt, while Remo Stars turned back El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Ikenne.

    “I am happy with the results in which so many teams won on away ground, as well as the reports we received from most of the centres concerning the performance of the referees.

    “I want to commend the NFF Referees Committee for putting their right foot forward from the beginning and also charge the referees themselves to sustain credible output going forward. We are determined to ensure that so many things about the League change for the better and we will not relent in our efforts,” Gusau said at the weekend.

    The NFF boss underscored the commitment of the present NFF administration to rebranding the domestic game and giving it life to spur the real growth and sustainability of a football economy that will delight all stakeholders and other indirect income earners.

    MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS (A)

    Nasarawa United 1-2 Enyimba FC

    Akwa United 0-2 Bendel Insurance

    Plateau United 3-3 Shooting Stars

    Kwara United 0-0 Gombe United

    Remo Stars 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

    MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS (B)

    Bayelsa United 1-1 Dakkada FC

    Wikki Tourists 0-2 Niger Tornadoes

    Doma United 1-1 Sunshine Stars

    Rivers United 2-1 Lobi Stars

    Rangers Int’l 0-2 Abia Warriors