TheNewsGuru

Tag: NFF

  • Rashidi Yekini’s mom not abandoned, Son’s lawyer

    Mr Jubril Mohammed, an Ibadan based lawyer and legal adviser to late Super Eagles’ striker, Rashidi Yekini, on Friday stated that the star player’s mother never lacked any care.

    Mohammed made the remark during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while reacting to speculations that his former client’s mother had been abandoned and left to suffer.

    Mohammed stressed that Mrs Sikiratu Yekini had caused a lot of confusion to the public about her true condition and state of health.

    “As a very close friend of the family, I am not aware of any form of hardship or misfortune which Yekini’s mother is undergoing.

    “Long before his demise, my friend, Yekini had made solid preparation for his mother’s care.

    “He built a two story apartment containing five flats which were rented out to people and the mother collects the money directly.

    “In addition, a warehouse where provision of all sorts was stocked for sale was constructed for her.

    “Besides, two shops were built by the house for her to sell her provisions.

    “Also, governments of Oyo and Osun States made huge monetary donations to her when Yekini just died.

    “Furthermore, philanthropists like former Kwara State governor, Mr Bukola Saraki, gave her an undisclosed amount of money, just like many journalists raised money for her living.

    “In fact, an arrangement was made for her to appear on a TV programme: Who wants To Be a Millionaire, where a huge sum of money was given to her,” Mohammed said.

    However, the lawyer pointed out that he did not know the motive behind the old woman’s attitude.

    Also, a veteran sport journalist in Ibadan, Ayo Ademokoya, stated that he had worked with many people to ensure that Yekini’s mother was well catered for.

    Ademokoya also alleged that she had connived with some people to help her feign as if she had been abandoned so as to get public sympathy.

    NAN reports that the Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Sunday Akindare, as well as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), recently announced that a total monthly allowance of N40,000 would each be paid to the mothers of two deceased football stars.

    While the ministry plegded N10,000, NFF also promised N30,000 as monthly upkeep allowances each for Yekini and Samuel Okwaraji’s mothers.

  • I missed 2014 World Cup for not paying bribe – Obasi

    I missed 2014 World Cup for not paying bribe – Obasi

    Nigeria striker Chinedu Obasi said he was sad and heartbroken after he was dropped from the country’s team for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil because he refused to pay a bribe.

    The former Schalke 04 star recalled how he was denied selection for his second World Cup tournament after his fine outing with the Bundesliga outfit in the 2013-14 season.

    Obasi was part of the Nigeria U-20 squad that finished second at the Fifa World Youth Championship in 2005, scoring the country’s only goal in their 2-1 loss to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

    The Enugu-born forward stated how an injury in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa cost him a move to England and how a request for a bribe came as a disappointment for him.

    ”I was playing for Schalke, I was playing in the Champions League and I was doing well. Two days before the list came out, I was asked to pay some money if I want to be in the team,” Obasi said in an Instagram Live.

    “I felt like I’ve paid my dues for the country, I shouldn’t do this. If I was a young player, maybe I would have done that, but it was a bit personal for me and I felt very heartbroken. I was supposed to move from Hoffeinheim to England and I got injured playing for Nigeria at the World Cup [in South Africa].

    “After that competition, nobody called me to know how I am doing. I spent a lot of money to get fit. All people talked about was the injury. They don’t care to know what I went through on a daily basis making sure I get my body in shape, to stay healthy.

    “It takes a lot of dedication, money, investing in myself and my body. I went through surgery, did everything I can. Now a competition is coming up, you’re inviting me to the national team. I’ve exhausted my own money and you want me to pay, which is a slap in the face for me.

    “I said I’m not comfortable doing that. They said I should know the system, and I should act like I’m a Nigerian. I said it’s not about being a Nigerian but doing the right thing.”

    Goal

  • Rashidi Yekini’s mother placed on another monthly stipend, to receive N30,000

    Rashidi Yekini’s mother placed on another monthly stipend, to receive N30,000

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Thursday, announced a N30,000 monthly stipend each for mothers of its two ex-internationals, Rashidi Yekini and Samuel Okwaraji.

    The NFF, through its verified twitter handle, said it was acting in furtherance to the placement of both matriarchs on monthly N10,000 by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

    “In furtherance to and in appreciation of the recent pronouncement of the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, to put the mothers of the two late ex-internationals on a monthly stipend.

    “The NFF has decided to support this noble initiative with a further monthly stipend of N30,000 to each of the two matriarchs.

    “In addition, the NFF will henceforth review the situation of surviving mothers of our ex-internationals that died in active service for the country and resolve on what to do for them on monthly basis,’’ the NFF tweeted.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ministry had, on Wednesday, announced the decision when the minister donated Ramadan gifts and N50,000 to Yekini’s mother in Ijagbo, Kwara.

    NAN also recalls that Yekini died eight years ago in Ibadan after retiring from football while Okwaraji collapsed and died of congestive heart failure in the 77th minute of a World Cup qualification match against Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in 1989.

  • Gernot Rohr accepts NFF pay cut, reveals two other offers

    Gernot Rohr has agreed the fresh terms included in his new contract by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for him to remain as the Super Eagles coach.

    Rohr’s current contract runs out at the end of June and both parties are keen to continue their working relationship which started in 2016.

    Earlier this month, NFF President Amaju Pinnick revealed the details in the new contract with the ex-Bordeaux manager expected to receive his salary in naira and also reside in Nigeria.

    Few days after receiving the federation’s proposal, Rohr disclosed he has accepted the conditions, and he also agreed to lower his salary in order to achieve his mission in the West African country.

    “I never talk about my contract in public, as you know,” he told ESPN.

    “But I heard like everybody what was said by President [Amaju] Pinnick, that I have to accept to be paid in naira, and I have to be resident in Nigeria. I agree to these two things, and even I agree to have a lower salary.

    “I am not doing my job for money. I am doing my job because I like it. Because we have built a team like you know, and money is not the most important. But I also have to look after my assistants.

    “I accept because I think that my mission in Nigeria is not finished yet, and I know very well my players. I know very well the officials. We are now just like a family, and I think it is good to continue especially in this period now where it is difficult to change, to travel, to see new people.”

    Rohr’s answer to the proposal goes with amendments, and he awaits the NFF’s response to it.

    While he waits, the 66-year-old said he has two job offers he has not replied to, pending the final draft of his Nigeria contract.

    “If the answer I give with some little changes in my contract is positive, I will continue,” he added.

    “If not, I have to see what they give me because I have still the requests from two other federations. I received it – they are waiting for my answer – but I will take my time to give the NFF to make the final draft before I answer them.”

  • NFF to revise 2020 budget, cut down on competitions to attend

    NFF to revise 2020 budget, cut down on competitions to attend

    The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday met via video conferencing to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian football, according to a statement from the football body.

    The NFF Executive Committee, according to the meeting’s eight-point communique, resolved that the Federation should revise its budget for the year, among other stringent measures.

    “The Executive Committee mandated the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, to within the next four weeks and armed with the realistic projections derivable from the meetings with the partners/sponsors and equipped with new figures from probable subvention from Government and expected grants from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and world governing body FIFA, submit to the Board a revised budget for the Federation for the year.’’

    The communique made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stated that the revised budget would “form the new working document/financial estimate to be submitted to the NFF Congress for approval at a virtual meeting within the next five weeks’’.

    “It will guide the operations of the NFF for the remaining part of the year. Extensive sensitisation and mobilisation of stakeholders in the football family will be done for everyone to understand, align with and ingest the new workplan.’’

    The NFF Executive Committee also agreed that the Federation, in line with these new realities, would “prioritise programmes, activities and competitions in which to partake, with the engagement of the senior teams being the fulcrum’’.

    The communique stated that the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and Sanusi have been mandated to cut down expenses in the running of the Federation from all areas possible and enforce belt-tightening measures.

    “This is to ensure the Federation operates only within the framework of guaranteed revenue.’’

    The NFF Executive Committee further set up an ad-hoc committee headed by its President to interface with the Federation’s partners and sponsors in the next weeks.

    “This is with a view to appraising, balancing and optimising the relationship each way with a model that will take care of the interest of all parties within the realities on ground.

    “We took this decision in deep appreciation of the realities that are bound to unfold after the COVID-19 pandemic and the resumption of football activities, and the various scenarios possible in the circumstances.’’

    According to the communique, the NFF Executive Committee also received and endorsed the report of a virtual meeting of the League Management Company (LMC) and the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LMC/NPFL clubs’ meeting was held on Thursday.

    Decisions taken included a commitment to conclude the League season after the COVID-19 and resumption of football activities, and consider the most plausible format for conclusion of the remaining games.

    The meeting also agreed to continue to communicate with the clubs and ensure commitment by the clubs to continuous payment of the salaries of their players, coaches and backroom staff under the current circumstances.

    They are to arrange testing for all players, coaches and backroom staff (about 1,200 persons in all) before the commencement of matches, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    Also, they are to await realities thence to determine whether matches will be played with crowds or not immediately after the restart.

    Furthermore, they are to give priority to privately-funded clubs for special funds if the LMC secures any exceptional support, and “ensure that the LMC and NPFL continue to cogitate on the best way forward for the game this season and coming seasons.’’

    The NFF communique indicated also that Chairmen of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) also presented their projections.

    “All the three leagues are prepared to adjust their programmes to align with the six to eight weeks window agreed with at a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on April 16.’’

    The NFF Executive Committee also mandated its President to meet with the Federation’s Official Optimum Partner, AITEO.

    “This is specially to discuss matters involving the AITEO Cup 2020 competition and payment of coaches’ salaries.

    “The NFF will create windows for the various stages of the AITEO Cup competition to run its full course in order for Nigeria to register her representatives for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup competition.’’

    The NFF then assured that the NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship, whose state competitions have already been concluded and some zones having also completed their competitions would run its full course.

    It said this would be immediately after the COVID-19 and resumption of football activities.

    The NFF Executive Committee further assessed a report by the General Secretary on the recent visit of the FIFA West Zone B Coordinator to Nigeria in respect of its FIFA Forward Project.

    “The Committee approved the commencement of construction of new projects in Delta and Kebbi, renewed attention to the abandoned project in Bauchi and the renovation of the Goal Project inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Complex in Abuja, complete with a new pitch and pavillion.’’

    NAN reports that the NFF Executive Committee meeting involved Pinnick, the Federation’s two Vice-Presidents, Sanusi and eight other Committee members, with Yusuf Ahmed and Musa Duhu unavailable.

  • NFF shouldn’t have made Rohr’s contract public – Akanni

    A former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Mr. Wahidi Akanni said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been unfair to Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles’ Head Coach.

    According to Akanni, the public disclosure of terms and conditions of a possible renewal of Rohr’s contract by the NFF was unnecessary.

    Earlier, NFF President Amaju Pinnick had said Rohr would be handed a new contract to sign if he agreed to the terms.

    Akanni, an ex-international, said that making Rohr’s contract public as Pinnick did would only mean that the two parties had not been communicating effectively.

    “I think, with the back and forth media correspondences between NFF and Rohr, it is obvious that both are not talking.

    “A contract between an employee and his employer should not be in the public for that matter. Changing terms in an employment contract also should not be a problem if it’s acceptable by the employee.

    “But, while we hope this will be resolved quickly and amicably, one must acknowledge that NFF has no right to make the contract public because this will bring in a lot of negative sentiments against the coach,” he said.

  • NFF, Pinnick under fire over Rohr’s contract

    NFF, Pinnick under fire over Rohr’s contract

    Wahidi Akanni, a former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, says the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been unfair to Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles’ Head Coach.

    Akanni spoke on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said that the public disclosure of terms and conditions of a possible renewal of Rohr’s contract by the NFF was unnecessary.

    NFF President Amaju Pinnick recently disclosed that Rohr would be handed a new contract to sign if he agreed to the terms.

    But Akanni, an ex-international, said making Rohr’s contract public as Pinnick did would only mean that the two parties had not been communicating effectively.

    “I think, with the back and forth media correspondences between NFF and Rohr, it is obvious that both are not talking.”

    He insisted that a contract between an employee and his employer should not be in the public for that matter.

    “Changing the terms of an employee’s contract also should not be a problem if it’s acceptable by the employee.”

    Hoping that the matter will be resolved amicably soon, Akanni said: “one must acknowledge that NFF has no right to make the contract public because this will bring in a lot of negative sentiments against the coach”.

  • FG`s directives on COVID-19 alters NFF investigative panel’s work plan

    FG`s directives on COVID-19 alters NFF investigative panel’s work plan

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday said the work plan of its investigative panel on the death of Nasarawa United FC player, Chineme Martins had been altered.

    The cancellation was as a result of the directives of the Federal Government on the raging coronavirus outbreak.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the panel constituted by the NFF was expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nasarawa United FC player, Martins during a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match in Lafia on March 8.

    The committee was mandated to investigate the medical, security and administrative lapses which led to the untimely demise of the defender.

    Dr Peter Singabele, a former member of the NFF Executive Committee and member of the Committee on Sports Medicine of the Confederation of African Football, is the Chairman of the 12-man panel.

     

    The committee was expected to submit its final report on Thursday to the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare in Abuja.

    However, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, said following the current trend of events arising from the Covid-19 scourge, the panel had temporarily suspended its activities including submission of its final report.

    It noted that the change in work plan had also been approved by the NFF leadership.

    The statement also quoted Singabele as saying that the members had been working tirelessly since the inauguration of the committee in Benin City on March 16.

    “We have inspected facilities in Benin City and Lafia, and spoken to personalities who were involved one way or the other in the organisation of the match in which the player died.

    “We have been able to extract useful information all round. Our plan was to submit the report to the minister on Thursday.

    “We returned from Lafia on Tuesday morning, but have had to change our plans because of the trend of events and the pronouncement by Mr President himself, as well as other directives by the Federal Government,“ he said.

    The chairman said that if the committee had a challenge in its job, it was the risk that members took to interact with people at this trying period in Nigeria.

    “I won’t say strictly that there were challenges. If there was a challenge; it was that we took a big risk moving around at this time.

    “We were bound to hold meetings and meet people and we could not tell who was infected at any time.

    “We just have to observe preventive measures by returning to our homes and continuing to work from there,” he said.

    The panel also assured members of the football family its findings and recommendations would be submitted as soon as the current health challenge is under control.

    Other members of the committee include Amanze Uchegbulam, Chairman of the Imo State Football Association and former first Vice President of the NFF as well as respected technocrat Abba Abdullahi Yola.

    Others are Dr Paul Onyeudo, head of sports medicine of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports; Otunba Tade Azeez, President of the Nigeria Referees Association and Mr Isaac Danladi, Chairman of NPFL club owners.

    Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company, Commissioner of Police Umar Baba, Oladunni Oyekale, Francis Adejoh, Dr Ibrahim Gyaran and Miss Kisu Remi Sulola are the other members, with China Acheru as Secretary.

  • NFF shuts down activities including street football

    NFF shuts down activities including street football

    The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF on Wednesday announced the cessation of all forms of football activities in the country for the next four weeks, as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

    According to the country’s supreme football –governing body, the shutdown affects all on-field activities the various National Teams, the Nigeria Professional Football League, the other Leagues, youth football programs, and even street football.

    President of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick said the cessation will be for four weeks after which the situation will be reviewed in line with events and trends worldwide.

    He also advised all members of the football family to observe the various safety precautions and conduct as advised by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, such as hand-washing, the use of sanitizers and social distancing.

    Pinnick also stated that the only football activity that will be permitted is the work of the NFF investigation committee into the death of Chineme Martins, which was inaugurated yesterday in Benin City and will submit its report within the next 10 days.

  • NFF relocates to Dankaro House, six years after

    NFF relocates to Dankaro House, six years after

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) has relocated to it’s new secretariat, six years after the office was completed.

    The new secretariat named ‘Sunday Dankaro House’ is located in the Moshood Abiola national stadium, Abuja.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the office, constructed at the cost of N337 million, was inaugurated in July 2013 by former Vice- President, Namadi Sambo, but had remained abandoned until recent moves by Sports Minister, Sunday Dare to get it fully utilised.

    Dare had visited the Dankaro House in January to assess the renovation work and mandated the NFF to fast track relocation there.

    NAN observed the presence of members of staff and NFF officials at the Dankaro House, which now wears a new look.

    NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed had confirmed the federation’s gradual relocation from its popular “Glass House” in Zone 7 to the Dankaro House.

    The Sunday Dankaro House comprises of 27 offices with six board rooms, a penthouse and a 120-car parking space.