TheNewsGuru

Tag: NFF

  • Clemens Westerhof visits Okocha in his Lagos home

    Clemens Westerhof visits Okocha in his Lagos home

    Nigerian football sensation Jay-Jay Okocha recently hosted his former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, at his Lagos home.

    Westerhof, who posted photos from the visit on Instagram on Friday, called it an “unforgettable night of my life” and thanked Okocha for his warm hospitality.

    Westerhof, a Dutch national, managed the Nigerian national team from 1989 to 1994.

    Under his leadership, the Super Eagles won their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 and made their FIFA World Cup debut the same year, impressively topping a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.

    Okocha made his national team debut during Westerhof’s tenure and later became one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers.

    Credit: Instagram (clemens_westerhof)

  • NFF, Nigerians react over Peter Rufai’s death

    NFF, Nigerians react over Peter Rufai’s death

    Nigeria’s football community is mourning the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, fondly called Dodomayana.

    Rufai died on Thursday in Lagos at the age of 61, after a prolonged illness, according to family sources.

    He captained Nigeria and featured in two FIFA World Cups — USA 1994 and France 1998 — becoming one of the country’s most celebrated goalkeepers.

    Rufai earned 65 caps for the national team and played a key role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory in Tunisia.

    He was the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally in Europe, with spells in Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

    In an interview with NAN, ex-international and former Super Eagles coach, Kadiri Ikhana, described Rufai’s death as a painful loss.

    “Rufai was a dedicated sportsman who gave his all to the growth and development of football in Nigeria,” Ikhana told NAN.

    He praised Rufai’s impact at both national and club levels, especially during his time with Stationery Stores of Lagos in his early playing days.

    “He was a great goalkeeper whose contributions to the Super Eagles were immense and unforgettable.

    “It’s really sad to lose another legend, coming shortly after the demise of Christian Chukwu. May Rufai’s soul rest in perfect peace,” Ikhana said.

    He added that Rufai’s legacy as a leader, mentor, and icon will live on in the heart of Nigerian football.

    Beyond football, Rufai was admired for his humility and unwavering passion for developing young talents through grassroots initiatives.

    He founded the Staruf Football Academy and launched the “Dodomayana Soccerthon”, which discovered and mentored future stars across the country.

    His efforts inspired young Nigerians to combine sports and education, shaping the next generation of footballers and leaders.

    Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, said Rufai was “a true Nigerian legend who inspired generations of players and fans.”

    Born in Lagos in 1963 to a royal family in Idimu, Rufai chose football over kingship, chasing his dreams on the pitch. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon by the family.

    NFF mourns as Nigeria’s goalkeeping legend Peter Rufai dies at 61

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed shock at the death of Nigeria’s goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai at the age of 61.

    Reports say the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks.

    This was before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6 a.m. on Thursday.

    A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, said Nigeria football firmament turned pale on Thursday evening following Rufai’s death.

    The NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi was quoted as saying that the death came to the Federation as a rude shock, adding that the NFF wasn’t aware he had been ill.

    “This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.

    “We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones, as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”

    Olajire stated that former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni had confirmed that the body of Rufai had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.

    Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981.

    He won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994.

    He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.

    The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions).

    Rufai dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players and also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.

    Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, he was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.

    He also played professional football in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

  • NFF approves Sam Okwaraji schools championship

    NFF approves Sam Okwaraji schools championship

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday approved the Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Soccer Championship for schools across the country.

    The NFF’s approval follows the endorsement by the Senate Committee on Sports Development, chaired by Sen. Abdul Ningi.

    The annual tournament is an initiative of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, aimed at honouring the late Nigerian international who died during national duty.

    Okwaraji collapsed at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Aug. 12, 1989, during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola.

    In a letter signed by Ruth David, Acting Director of Competitions, the NFF stated that the endorsement recognises the championship’s noble aims.

    It noted that the event would positively influence young participants while also supporting football development across the nation.

    The NFF commended the foundation for its commitment to grassroots football development in Nigeria.

    The federation urged the organisers to comply with existing football rules as outlined by FIFA.

    The competition is expected to begin later this year.

    Okwaraji was deeply committed to the Nigerian national team as he placed national service above personal interest, showing rare patriotism.

    His dedication to the Super Eagles, formerly the Green Eagles, remains an enduring example for Nigerian youth.

  • NFF President visits injured Awoniyi in UK

    NFF President visits injured Awoniyi in UK

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, on Thursday paid a visit to Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, at his residence in Nottingham, UK.

    The purpose of the visit was to check on Awoniyi’s health and to ascertain the stage of his recovery following a serious injury sustained during a match.

    Gusau was accompanied by some members of the NFF Executive Board, who also extended their support and encouragement to the injured Nottingham Forest forward.

    Speaking during the visit, Gusau expressed his delight upon seeing that the striker was in good spirits and steadily recovering from his recent surgery.

    The NFF President, recently appointed President of the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B), also offered prayers for Awoniyi’s swift recovery and wellbeing.

    He described Awoniyi as a key player for Nigeria and Nottingham Forest, noting his importance to both club and country on and off the pitch.

    Gusau added that the NFF would continue to monitor Awoniyi’s progress and offer any support needed to help him return to full fitness.

    In his response, Awoniyi thanked the NFF President and his delegation for their thoughtful visit and the encouragement they brought with them.

    He expressed appreciation for the love shown by the football authorities and assured them that his rehabilitation was going well under the guidance of medical experts.

    Awoniyi stated that he remained hopeful of returning stronger and was doing everything possible to get back to playing competitive football as soon as possible.

    The striker sustained the injury during a Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.

    The game, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw Awoniyi collide with the goalpost while attempting to score, a moment that caused great concern.

    In spite of the pain, Awoniyi managed to continue playing for some time before being substituted and taken for medical assessment.

    It was later confirmed that the striker had suffered a ruptured intestine, a serious condition which required emergency surgical intervention to address.

    Since undergoing surgery, the player has been recuperating at home, under close medical supervision, and receiving regular follow-up care from the club’s health team.

    The NFF’s visit highlights the Federation’s commitment to player welfare and its ongoing efforts to maintain strong connections with Nigerian footballers based abroad.

  • Ex-NFF president, Amaju Pinnick loses FIFA council seat

    Ex-NFF president, Amaju Pinnick loses FIFA council seat

    Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has failed in his bid for re-election into the FIFA Council, missing out by just one vote.

    The two-term president of NFF missed out by just one vote.

    At the Confederation of African Football General Assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi secured the last available seat with 29 votes, edging out Pinnick, who managed 28.

    Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa topped the election with 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hani Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hamidou each polled 35 votes. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Waberi also secured their places with 29 votes apiece.

    The outcome marks a setback for Pinnick, who had served on FIFA’s highest decision-making body since 2021 and was hoping to extend his tenure.

    In the women’s category, Kanizat Ibrahim from Comoros clinched the seat with 30 votes, outpacing Lydia Nsekera (13 votes) and Isha Johansen (7 votes).

  • NFF intensifies search for truth regarding Lawal’s death

    NFF intensifies search for truth regarding Lawal’s death

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says it has continued the search for clarity concerning the tragic death of former Nigeria U20 player Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda on Monday.

    Lawal, who played for Vipers Sports Club, died on Monday morning, with initial reports saying he died in a motorbike accident, and later in a car crash.

    Hours later, the Ugandan Police stated that he actually died after falling from the third floor of a hotel at the Voicemail Shopping Mall in Bwebajja.

    He was said to have been at the mall to visit a friend, Tanzanian lady Naima Omary, who moved into the hotel a month earlier.

    Omary has since been taken into custody by the Ugandan Police.

    A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Friday quoted

    NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, as saying that the country’s football-ruling body has kept its feet on the throttle regarding the matter.

    He added that Sanusi reiterated that the NFF would not relent until the truth is unveiled on the cause of the player’s death.

    “We are not relenting in the search for the truth.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed the determination to dig out the truth, we have reached out to our counterparts in the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to help us find out the truth.

    “The circumstances surrounding the player’s passing remain steeped in mystery, but we are committed to doing the little we can to shed light on it and help the Federal Government in its quest for the truth,”he said.

    Olajire said  Sanusi had put a call through to his opposite number in the Federation of Uganda Associations (FUFA), Edgar Watson Suubi, to call for urgent assistance in getting to the root of the matter.

    He said Suubi in his response had expressed regret about the incident, saying that it was a very sad situation.

    “I also have received divergent reports on the incident, but I have delegated somebody to go and find out what happened.

    “Afterwards, we’ll be able to send you a copy of the report from either the Police, the Medical or any authority that’s in the position to give us a satisfactory answer,” Suubi was quoted to have said.

    Olajire said that the NFF followed up Sanusi’s phone conversation with a formal letter to FUFA in which it disclosed that there had been so much outcry in the country with regards to the mystery of Lawal’s death.

    “I have decided to reach out to you, as a colleague, to help shed light on how the player actually met his end.

    “It is a very sad situation for us in Nigeria football and for his family, and it is important to get these facts to enable some closure on his tragic passing.

    “We will also like to know what arrangements are being made to get his remains back to his family in Nigeria,” the letter from NFF read.

    Lawal was a member of the Nigeria squad at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in New Zealand 10 years ago, and a key player for Ugandan elite division club Vipers FC before his demise.

  • NFF to unveil Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

    NFF to unveil Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will on Monday in Abuja present to the public the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle.

    A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Sunday said the event has been scheduled for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja by 11 a.m.

    Chelle’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the football ruling body’s Technical and Development Committee.

    The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF,  Ibrahim Gusau, was quoted on Sunday as saying that the Coach had all it takes to succeed.

    “The Franco-Malian embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

    “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle.

    “However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.

    “The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” Gusau said.

    Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa.

    This is before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

    Chelle, who took Mali’s Aiglons within breathing distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his job at top Algerian side MC Oran – 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists – to team up with the Super Eagles.

  • BREAKING: NFF appoints new Super Eagles coach

    BREAKING: NFF appoints new Super Eagles coach

    The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national football team, Super Eagles.

    At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, 2nd January 2025, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of former Coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This recommendation was on Tuesday, 7th January endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee.

    Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

    At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

    The 47-year-old featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

    His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) taking place in March.

  • NFF condoles with Nwabali over father’s demise

    NFF condoles with Nwabali over father’s demise

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commiserated with Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, following the demise of his father on Friday.

    The South Africa-based player announced the sad news of his father’s demise on his Instagram page on Friday morning.

    A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Friday quoted the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi as saying that the NFF were shocked and saddened about the incident.

    Sanusi noted that the sad news was coming a day after the player featured in the match that won Nigeria the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ticket.

    He said that the news made for a day of low morale as the team flew from Abidjan to Uyo.

    “The death of a parent is always a thing of deep sorrow and sadness. However, we want Stanley to take heart in the fruitful and fulfilled life that his father lived.

    “We pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest, and also grant Stanley and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the big loss,” he said.

  • NFF, Amaju Pinnick urge court to strike out Jalla, Baribote’s suit

    NFF, Amaju Pinnick urge court to strike out Jalla, Baribote’s suit

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its former President, Amaju Pinnick on Monday, urged a Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out a suit filed against them by Harrison Jalla and Chief Victor Rumson Baribote, among others.

    NFF and Pinnick, through their lawyer, Jibrin Okutekpa, SAN, told Justice Inyang Ekwo following the absence of the plaintiffs and their counsel in court.

    In the writ of summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1376/2021, Jalla, Chief Baribote, Austin Popo and the Registered Trustees of National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) had sued the NFF as 1st defendant.

    They also joined Pinnick and the Minister of Sports and Youths Development as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

    The claimants sought an order of injunction restraining the defendants, their agents and cronies from preparing and conducting the next election of the NFF executive body without taking proper procedure for amendment  of 2010 NFF statute as requested by the claimants, particularly composition of the congress and executive committee (board), among others.

    When the matter was called, neither the plaintiffs nor their lawyer was in court. Okutekpa said though the matter was fixed for continuation of hearing, the plaintiffs were not in court

    “And they are consistently absenting themselves from court leading to the court striking out this matter once. On our part, we are ready and they are not here. I will be applying that they are tired of the case and urge the court to strike It out,” the senior lawyer prayed. I would have loved to do that,” Justice Ekwo responded.

    Okutekpa said on May 8, the plaintiffs’ witness was in the witness box and had difficulty with the exhibits.

    “We were to come the next day, and that day, the court did not sit and we were asked to come before the court,” he said.

    He said he filed two applications on behalf of NFF and Pinnick.

    “One is challenging the competency of this suit and the court said he will take them at the conclusion of hearing,” the lawyer said.

    The judge said: “Let me give them one more opportunity and if they do not come to court on that day, your application will be ripe.”

    Justice Ekwo consequently adjourned the matter until Feb  6, 2025 for hearing. He ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the parties that were not in court.

    It was observed that the 3rd defendant (minister), in a preliminary objection filed on May 7 by his lawyer, E.A. Ezebilo, also challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

    Ezebilo argued that the 3rd defendant is non-existent and therefore lack the legal capacity to sue and be sued.

    The lawyer argued that the facts and circumstances of the case did not establish any reasonable cause of action against the 3 defendant to warrant his trial.

    According to the Ezebilo, the 3rd defendant is not a necessary party to the case.

    “That the claimants did not meet with the condition precedent before instituting the action as provided in Article 69 (1)(2) of the NFF Statutes 2010,” the lawyer said, urging the court to strike out the matter.