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Tag: NFF

  • Football stakeholders gather in Abuja for FIFA talent development scheme

    Football stakeholders gather in Abuja for FIFA talent development scheme

    Nigeria’s football administrators and stakeholders across different spectra will converge in the nation’s capital, Abuja on Thursday to mull, deliberate and cogitate on new developmental initiatives as the FIFA Talent Development Scheme project drivers hold a workshop in the city.

     

    As the game of football (nicknamed The Beautiful Game by the late King Pele) continues to grow in all its ramifications, the need for new ways and manners of discovering talent to make the game even more beautiful cannot be over-emphasized, and this has brought world football-governing body, FIFA into the mix to help the cause of bringing to the fore future matadors of the game.

     

    FIFA High Performance specialist Abdul Faisal Chibsah and FIFA Talent Development Scheme strategist Amit Desai are in Nigeria to moderate Thursday’s meeting which seeks to educate all stakeholders on the importance of the scheme and to get them to key into the initiative.

     

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will declare the meeting open, with Members of the NFF Executive Committee and the Management, led by Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary) also expected to be in attendance.

     

    Dr. Sanusi told thenff.com: “The FIFA Talent Development Scheme is designed to discover football talents from the grassroots, which is actually one of the key objectives of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led NFF administration. The meeting is meant to educate administrators and stakeholders on the scheme and to get their buy-in.”

     

    The principal objectives of the gathering, according to the visiting FIFA officials, is to “initiate conversations and create greater alignment towards our goals for Nigeria Football, and to understand how we as the team can get the best out of one another and the team as a whole.”

     

    The mission is chiefly designed to initiate the dialogue and feedback between the Nigeria Football Federation and its key stakeholders towards joint goals, and to understand where each stakeholder can support the NFF across its technical priorities.

     

    NFF’s Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen and assistant directors Abdulrafiu Yusuf and Faith Ben-Anuge have been working in tandem with the FIFA officials to develop the programme of the day, including the topics for discussion.

     

    NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi will deliver an opening address to administrators and stakeholders that will include NFF Executive Committee members, NFF Management, Chairmen of the State Football Associations, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, representatives of the National Institute for Sports, representatives of the Nigeria School Sports Federation, chairmen and chief executive officers of the Leagues and representatives of the Universal Basic Education scheme.

     

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar are expected to be special guests.   

  • Why we can’t sack Jose Peseiro now – NFF

    Why we can’t sack Jose Peseiro now – NFF

    An executive member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Rt. Hon Nse Udofot Essien has opened up on why Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro cannot be sacked at the moment.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Essien, a prominent board member of the NFF, revealed details on why Peseiro cannot be sacked despite Super Eagles’s poor performance in two 2026 World Cup qualifying games.

    The NFF board member noted that the NFF’s inability to pay compensation is making it difficult to sack the Super Eagles Portuguese gaffer.

    “We find ourselves in a very precarious situation. We didn’t employ him [Jose Peseiro], the Ministry of Sports employed him.

    “We supposed to have paid for their salaries but up till now, they have not paid a dime. If we sack the coaches now, who pays for compensations?” Essien queried.

    Recall that the Super Eagles could only record two draws in two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe and stand to miss out of 2026 World Cup qualification.

    Peseiro has been singled out for criticism for the Super Eagles’ slow start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    “If we had the money (to pay for compensation), we will be willing to relieve him of his job, we’re not happy. But, not a dime has been paid to this coach, who is earning about 700,000 Dollars every month.

    “Everybody is asking for the sack of the head coach. If we sack him, you give us the responsibility. It’s unfortunate that from a possible six points we only have two points,” Essien said.

    South Africa lead Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with three points and will be expected to widen the gap on Tuesday when they visit Rwanda, while Lesotho host Benin in South Africa.

  • Nobody has a say on Peseiro’s choice of goalkeeper – NFF

    Nobody has a say on Peseiro’s choice of goalkeeper – NFF

    The Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, on Thursday said the Federation would not influence the choice of goalkeeper for the Super Eagles in their next World Cup qualifying game.

    Olajire said this in an interview with NAN during the 10th Nigeria Pitch Awards media briefing in Lagos.

    The Super Eagles will square up against the against the Crocodiles of Lesotho and Zimbabwe on Nov. 16 and Nov. 19 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

    The Super Eagles will trade tackles with Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Thursday at 5.00 p.m. and will fly to Butare in Rwanda to take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe on Sunday.

    Lending his voice to the underwhelming performances of the Super Eagles’ goalkeepers, Olajire said Peseiro was still in the best position to determine what was best for the team and not NFF.

    “The choice of goalkeeper still boils down to the Super Eagles’ coach and not NFF, nobody has a say on who will man the post but Peseiro.

    “The Coach, Peseiro will be the one to choose among the three goalkeepers he has in the camp as his preferred choice and the one that he thinks will do the job.

    “Fans can have their opinions, but the coach will have the final say.

    “For us, all is set for the battle in Uyo and the players themselves know the importance of the game, having missed the last world cup, they are ready for this one,” he said.

    On the expectations from the Super Eagles in the absence of injured Napoli FC striker, Victor Osimhen, former Eagles player, Etim Esin, said he would bank on Victor Boniface to take up the challenge.

    “I am rooting for Victor Boniface to do the job, this is his time to shine and take up the responsibility in the absence of Osimhen.

    “This is his opportunity because it will not come more, Victor Boniface has been banging in goals for his club in Germany; he needs to replicate that now.

    “We should have faith in him to do the best job because we all know the pedigree of Osimhen. He is a formidable front man, Boniface needs to prove himself as well,” he said.

  • Gusau implores Falconets to grab Colombia 2024 opportunity to enhance career

    Gusau implores Falconets to grab Colombia 2024 opportunity to enhance career

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on Thursday charged the country’s U20 girls, Falconets to go all out and win their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg tie against Tanzania on Sunday in order to start paving their way to greatness in their chosen career.

     

    Speaking when he visited the girls at the FIFA Goal Project inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, in what was their last training session before their trip to Dar es Salaam, Gusau said the players must comport themselves appropriately on and off the pitch as they are ambassadors of Nigeria.

     

    “Your first port of call is Tanzania, but your destination is Colombia, where the World Cup will take place next year. You must have it in mind that this is only the beginning of the journey. I have no doubt that you will conquer Tanzania and go ahead to qualify for the World Cup finals.

     

    “Our country has never failed to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition started more than 20 years ago, and I am sure you girls will not want to be the first set to be associated with failure. Therefore, you must put in extra effort, listen to your coaches and play to instructions.”

     

    Gusau told the players that the character they display off the field of play at all times is as important as the talent and skill that they advertise on it.

     

    “As ambassadors of our great nation, you have a responsibility to be of the very best conduct on and off the field. You must fly the flag brilliantly and conscientiously, and emerge victorious. After the Tanzanian hurdle, there are still more hurdles for you to overcome before earning the ticket to Colombia. So, it is a long journey with a lot of hard work and determination, but it is worth it to put your career on track and head towards greatness in your chosen field.”

     

    The Falconets’ contingent will depart Nigeria on Friday aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight to Addis Ababa and onwards to Dar es Salaam, where they clash with the Tanzanian U20 girls on Sunday. Both teams will again trade tackles at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

     

  • Sanusi gingers Super Falcons as race for Olympics ticket hots up

    Sanusi gingers Super Falcons as race for Olympics ticket hots up

    The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi at the weekend charged the Super Falcons to work as a team and bring their A-game to Tuesday’s 2024 Olympics second round, second leg qualifier against Ethiopia at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

     

    Sanusi spoke after watching the nine-time African champions train at the Turf Arena in the Federal Capital, and also reminded players and officials that Nigeria has been absent from the past three Women Olympic Football Tournaments and this certainly does no credit to the country’s rating as a leading global power in women’s football.

     

    “The whole world still talks about how you captivated everyone at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand during the summer. The Government of Nigeria, the NFF and all stakeholders remain very proud of you. The NFF loves you and is happy with your outing and general conduct at the World Cup, on and off the field of play.

     

    “Now, it is time to destroy this vexed issue of Olympics jinx. The last time you attended the Olympics was in 2008, in China. That was a long time ago. Missing three consecutive tournaments is enough; we have to take our place in Paris. I am happy with your game in Addis Ababa and I know you have the capacity to finish off the job here in Abuja on Tuesday.”

     

    The Falcons trained at the Turf Arena on Friday and Saturday before moving to the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Sunday. On Monday, both the Falcons and visiting ‘Lucy’ will have their official training sessions on the turf of the magnificent arena.

     

    Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s screaming half volley flew past the opposing goalkeeper for Nigeria’s equalizer six minutes into the second half at the Abebe Bikila Stadium on Wednesday, to restore parity after the home team bundled home from a corner kick in the sixth minute.

     

    Ajibade, Toni Payne, Gift Monday, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Omorinsola Babajide, Esther Onyenezide, Oluwatosin Demehin, Peace Efih, and Michelle Alozie all looked very sharp in training, though Alozie was sometimes given time off to recover from the slight disorientation caused by a late knock to the face during the first leg.

     

    The winner over two legs will take on the winner of the Cameroon/Uganda fixture in the third round of the series. Uganda, who narrowly eliminated Rwanda in the first round, are in the ascendancy after defeating the Indomitable Lionesses 2-0 in Kampala on Thursday.

  • Nigerian ambassador hails Gusau, wants Super Eagles to go for AFCON trophy, WC ticket

    Nigerian ambassador hails Gusau, wants Super Eagles to go for AFCON trophy, WC ticket

    The Ambassador of Federal Republic of Nigeria to Portugal, His Excellency Alex E. Kefas on Tuesday hosted the Nigeria contingent to the international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal, saying that the team’s victory over Mozambique in their second game has created a winning mentality that must be sustained in upcoming matches and championships.

     

    Speaking while hosting the delegation of players and their officials, as well as the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Executive Committee member Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Ambassador Kefas lauded the leadership qualities of Alhaji Gusau and charged him to consolidate efforts to ensure the Eagles keep winning.

     

    “We want a Super Eagles’ team that will, once more, be the joy of all Nigerians at home and abroad. Nigerians love their football and they love their National Teams, and I charge you to start winning the major trophies to make us all happy.

     

    “The leadership qualities of the NFF President, Alhaji Gusau, are not in doubt. I know he has what it takes to ensure the Eagles keep winning, beginning with the Africa Cup and the ticket to the FIFA World Cup.”

     

    Also at the reception were Ambassador Kefas’ wife, some players of the Super Eagles, technical and backroom staff of the Eagles and staff of the embassy.

     

    With few weeks to the commencement of the race to 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, the Super Eagles won their first friendly match in 55 months, defeating Mozambique 3-2 in Portimao on Monday to underscore that their ‘Let’s Do It Again’ mantra for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals is no fluke.

     

    In an earlier game on Friday, Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons netted a last-minute equalizer to tie 2-2 with the Super Eagles at the same venue

  • Nigeria vs Mozambique: What NFF scribe said about Super Eagles victory

    Nigeria vs Mozambique: What NFF scribe said about Super Eagles victory

    Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has hailed the Super Eagles for their victory over Mozambique, saying it is, indeed, a morale booster for the team.

    Goals by Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon steered Nigeria to a 3-2 victory over 10-man Mozambique in their second international friendly on Monday.

    The Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw in their first friendly game against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal.

    The win against the Mambas of Mozambique in the Portuguese city was the first for the Super Eagles in a friendly match in 55 months as the last time Nigeria won was way back in March 2019.

    This was when Paul Onuachu’s first minute goal accounted for the defeat of seven-time African champions Egypt at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

    Sanusi told NAN that the Super Eagles’ victory over the Mambas was vital as it had established a winning mentality for the team ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    “The win over Mozambique is a good one and of course we are happy we have won.

    “It is also a morale booster for the team as they begin preparations for both the World Cup qualifiers as well as the AFCON,” he said.

    The NFF Scribe noted that the players invited had proved themselves and showed that their invitation was not a fluke.

    He said the NFF was satisfied with their performance and had seen that it was not a mistake for the coach to have invited them.

    “These are some of the positives and reasons for organising friendly matches such as these.

    “It is not just about winning but more about trying out the players we intend to use in the upcoming tournaments.

    “Players could be good but when they come to play with other players they actually don’t gel together.

    “But we have seen that these players that came for the first time have been able to integrate and play very well as a team,” he said.

    The Super Eagles will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Lesotho and Zimbabwe on Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 respectively.

    The three-time African champions will then head for the 34th AFCON taking place in Cote d’Ivoire from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11. 2024.

  • Warri Again: Davido hits back at former NFF president, Amaju Pinnick

    Warri Again: Davido hits back at former NFF president, Amaju Pinnick

    Popular Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, famously known as  Davido, has hit back at the former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) Amaju Pinnick over accusations that he refused to show up at an event in Warri, Delta State, despite being paid an excess of $94,600 (about N72 million).

    Recall that Pinnick recently called out Davido for refusing to perform at this year’s Warri Again festival despite allegedly receiving a payment of $94,600 and the organisers booking a private jet for him for $18,000.

    He threatened to teach the singer a lesson, adding that he was becoming too proud despite not being a bigger artist than Burna Boy who is half Itsekiri.

    Responding to the accusations, Davido via a post on his Platform X wrote: “Throwing stones but u dey live for glass house.”

    In another post, Davido bragged that nobody could stop him from performing anywhere in Nigeria, assuring his fans in Warri that he would be in their city soon.

    “Nobody can stop me from performing anywhere in Nigeria… Warri I will see you soon,” he wrote.

    He also posted a picture of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, logo with the caption; “Make I no talk.”

  • FIFA World Cup: NFF congratulates Morocco on 2030, backs Saudi Arabia’s quest for 2034

    FIFA World Cup: NFF congratulates Morocco on 2030, backs Saudi Arabia’s quest for 2034

    The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco over Wednesday’s decision by FIFA that the North African country will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup finals with Spain and Portugal.

     

    Morocco first threw her hat into the ring more than three decades ago, with a bid to host football’s biggest showpiece in 1994, but lost to the United States of America. The country lost a couple of other bids after that, including that for the 2010 finals which went to South Africa.

     

    President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said on Thursday that Morocco fully deserves the honour: “The NFF is celebrating with the Government and people of Morocco for the success of their tripartite bid with Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. We have no doubt that the tournament will be a huge success, as the stadia infrastructure and other relevant facilities are already there on ground, and the country has an established culture of hosting major tournaments.

     

    “The whole of Africa is excited at the prospect of the continent hosting the FIFA World Cup for the second time.”

     

    The 2030 finals will be the centenary anniversary of the FIFA World Cup, which began in 1930 with Uruguay as host and Cup winners. FIFA has also announced that as part of the celebrations, the first three matches in 2030 will be staged in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina, before the whole party moves to North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.

     

    Gusau added that the NFF will be throwing its weight behind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s bid to stage the 2034 finals – four years after the expected spectacle in Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

     

    “We believe the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the infrastructure and facilities to stage a spectacular FIFA World Cup in 2034.”

     

    USA, Mexico and Canada will stage the next FIFA World Cup finals in 2026. 

  • Abdulrahaman takes over from Adesanya as COO, Nigeria National League

    Abdulrahaman takes over from Adesanya as COO, Nigeria National League

    The Nigeria Football Federation has deployed Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahaman to the Nigeria National League as the chief operating officer, to take over from Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya who has retired from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the age of 60 years.

     

    Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate degree in physical and health education, has robust sphere and institutional experience in football organization and administration. He is a deputy director in the Federal Civil Service.

     

    Before his deployment, Dr. Abdulrahaman worked as deputy director in the NFF Competitions Department. He had also worked for many years previously as chief operating officer of the NNL, and also in the same capacity in the Nigeria Women Football League.