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Tag: NFF

  • NFF reacts to former U-20 captain, Isaac Promise’s death

    NFF reacts to former U-20 captain, Isaac Promise’s death

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has condoled with the family and friends of Isaac Promise, who passed away on Wednesday at 31.

    Promise, who captained the U-20 side, was an unused substitute as USL Championship side, Austin Bold FC, secured a 2-1 away victory at Portland Timbers on Tuesday.

    He captained Nigeria to the 2003 FIFA U17 World Cup held in Finland, as well as the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

    At the 2008 Olympics, Promise played a key role in Nigeria’s silver finish in Beijing.

    “We are sad to hear of the sudden demise of former @NGSuperEagles forward, Isaac Promise.

    “Promise was captain of the Beijing Olympics’ Eagles squad that won silver.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May his soul Rest In Peace, Amen,” a tweet from the NFF’s official Twitter handle read.

  • Alleged fraud: Court insists NFF boss Pinnick, others must appear

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has insisted on the appearance of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and four others to answer to a pending criminal charge against them.

    Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu gave the order yesterday at the resumed hearing in the charge brought against them by the Federal Government, through the now disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel (SPIP) on the recovery of public property.

    Those charged with Pinnick are NFF Secretary, Sanusi Mohammed; the 1st Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi; the 2nd Vice-President, Shehu Dikko and an Executive member, Yusuff Fresh.

    Pinnick and others are, in the charge 17-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/93/2019, accused among others, of misappropriation of $8,400,000 belonging to the football body.

    The money was said to have been paid by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to the NFF as appearance fees in the group state of the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    They are also accused of “moving dishonestly and intentionally the sum of about N4bn” belonging to the NFF without the consent of the NFF.

    When the case was called on Thursday, the defendants were absent, despite the court’s order of July 1, 2019 for bench warrant compelling the defendants to appear on the next adjourned date.

    SPIP’s lawyer, Celsius Ukpong drew the court’s attention to the fact that his agency, (the SPIP) has been shut down on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Ukpong said, because of the development and subsequent directive by the President, SPIP’s activities and functions have been transferred to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

    He added that part of the SPIP’s activities transferred to the AGF was the case file containing the Pinnick and others’ charge and related processes.

    Ukpong said: “It was the panel that file the charges. But, we have been disbanded and President Buhari directed us to handover all our activities to the office of the AGF.

    ” In view of the new development, we believe that the office of the AGF will do justice to this matter.”

    A lawyer, who said he was from the AGF’s office, Abubakar Musa confirmed Ukpong’s explanation, but said he believed the case file was in transition to the office of the AGF, following the closure of the SPIP by the President.

    After listening to the lawyers, Justice Ojukwu expressed displeasure at the defendants’ absence.

    She noted that it was a slight on the court for its order to be ignored by the defendants, and threatened to excuse herself from the case.

    The judge noted that had the defendants been in court, she would have excused them in view of the absence of a competent prosecution counsel before the court.

    The judge thereafter, adjourned until November 5, 2019, but insisted that the defendants must attend court.

  • Super Eagles coach Rohr selects team to face Brazil [See List]

    Super Eagles coach Rohr selects team to face Brazil [See List]

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has invited midfielder Ramon Azeez and forward Peter Olayinka into Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the Oct. 13 friendly with five-times world champions Brazil in Singapore on Sunday.

    Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), disclosed in a statement on Thursday that Rohr is also having defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem back from injury.

    “Otherwise, the squad is largely unchanged from the side that was forced to a 2-2 draw by Ukraine in Dnipro on Sept. 10,’’ he said.

    Olajire said goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Maduka Okoye were also retained in the squad.

    “But England-based Leon Balogun and Russia-based Bryan Idowu are however left out of those called up for the defence.’’

    The NFF spokesman said Azeez, a former under-20 national team captain now with Spanish La Liga side Granada was called up just as English side Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho was left out.

    “Girondins Bordeaux’s Joshua Maja will sit this one out, with his place taken by another new boy, Olayinka,’’ he said.

    Olajire disclosed further that England-based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi also returns after missing the Ukraine encounter with injury.

    “Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Scotland-based Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, who scored on his debut against Ukraine, are all back in midfield, with Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu and Emmanuel Dennis all back in the frontline.

    “Substantive captain Ahmed Musa is still down with injury,’’ he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all invited players are expected to arrive in Singapore on Oct. 9.

    Nigeria and Brazil will face each other at the Singapore National Stadium at Kallang in Singapore on Oct. 13.

    The clash is coming 23 years after Nigeria, on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal, spanked Brazil 4-3 after extra time in the Atlanta Games’ semi-finals.

    The match was played at the Athens Stadium in the State of Georgia, U.S.

    THE INVITED PLAYERS

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)

    Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Anderson Esiti (PAOK Salonica, Greece); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

    Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Super Eagles coach Rohr sends list of players to NFF

    Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed that he has submitted the list of players he intends to use for October 13 international friendly match against Brazil in Singapore to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Nigeria will play against Brazil in an international friendly in Singapore on October 13.

    Looking forward to a tough game against the record World Cup winners, Rohr told completesports.com that he was not toying with game hence he has decided to play with the best available players in Singapore.

    “I am glad that we have all the Super Eagles regulars back in training and playing for their respective clubs, so I have to play my best players against Brazil. It’s a good test game and we shall give it our best shot ahead of our AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho,” stated.

    “Brazil have invited their best players to tackle us and we cannot afford to toy with our list of players. I have submitted the list of players I think will give a good game to the South Americans. NFF should release them list soon.”

    Rohr revealed that the Nigerian federation was working hard to get an African opposition to shape up the Super Eagles after the Brazil game ahead of the qualifiers.

    Among players expected to be in Rohr’s list for the game against Brazil are Francis Uzoho and Joe Aribo, as well as skipper Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi and Kenneth Omeruo, who missed the friendly game against Ukraine will return.

    Shehu Abdullahi, William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, Alex Iwobi. Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Samuel Kalu are also expected in the squad for the Brazil friendly.

     

  • NFF reinstates Salisu after bribery ban

    The Nigeria Football Federation has reinstated Salisu Yusuf to the national team after serving a one-year ban for receiving bribe.

    The NFF made this known in a press statement by its spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, on Thursday.

    Salisu was in August 2018 caught on camera accepting cash from men who posed as football agents to select two players for his Morocco 2018 African Nations Championship squad.

    He was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 by the federation after the NFF Ethics and Fair Play Committee ruled that the coach received $1,000 from the men.

    Though the NFF didn’t state that Salisu would take over as the Eagles coach, the federation bade coach Imama Amapakabo farewell.

    Imama was Salisu’s assistant in the U-23 national team and the CHAN team before the ban.

    In the absence of Salisu, Imama led the U-23 Eagles to qualify for the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Sudan 5-0 in Asaba on Tuesday.

    With Salisu’s return, Imama is expected to return to his position as an assistant coach of the U-23 team.

    Announcing Salisu’s return on Thursday, NFF said, “The federation has noted that the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf, has now fully served the one-year suspension clamped on him last year.

    “The federation thanked coach Imama Amapakabo for his sterling efforts while in charge of the U-23 National Team in the absence of the suspended Yusuf, and for eventually seeing to the team’s qualification for the U-23 AFCON.”

  • NFF can sack me if they want, says Rohr

    Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has admitted that his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), allows either party to terminate it.
    Speaking with SportingLife, Rohr said he will take a few weeks to consider his future, after winning bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
    The German also addressed some of the criticisms he has faced during his time in charge of the national team.
    “I said that I would give my answer after the tournament but the tournament has not ended yet.
    “It still remains the final game to be played. I will need a little rest and think about it deeply with my staff, family and friends.
    “In our contract, it is very correct and fair play contract. It states that the NFF can stop it if they want and I can also end it if I want.
    Perhaps I will, I don’t know yet. I will think about it and in a few weeks, I will give an answer.
    “I heard in some social media that they said I am too relaxed and that I am always smiling when I am on the bench.
    “They are wondering why a coach is so relaxed under pressure. I don’t know.
    “You know I have experience and I have witnessed a lot of situations. I think it is not good for the players to have a coach that is under pressure who shows his stress while speaking to the players. The players will be stressed also.
    “We are a relaxed team and also fighters. We never give up. We can concede two goals in a few minutes to halftime and we can say we have the courage to muster a comeback. I think I have the right philosophy and if you stay humble it makes our young players not to become proud.
    “Everything is going so quickly. Right now John Obi Mikel is going to the end of his career with the Super Eagles. He had a very good attitude and he accepted to be on the bench and to be replaced even when he starts a game. It is a good example for our young players to stay humble all the time because football career does not take long.
    They must not forget how they started as players,” he said.
    Rohr was appointed in 2016 and has one year left on his current deal.

  • CAF denies receiving $565,471 from NFF

    CAF denies receiving $565,471 from NFF

    The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has denied receiving any amount from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to attend its April 7, 2015 Congress in Cairo, Egypt.
    CAF, in a statement, was reacting to claims that $565,471 was spent by the NFF for the Congress, following a letter from the Special Investigative Presidential Panel (SPIP) dated June 10, 2019.
    Part of the letter to CAF which was signed by SPIP chairman, Okoi Obono-Obla, read: “The Agency is investigating the Nigeria Football Federation on the 2014 FIFA World Cup payments and other financial transactions made to CAF on 2nd of April, 2015 and 10th of April, 2015 respectively.
    “The NFF had by its President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick claimed to have spent to your organization the sum of $565,471 to attend the 2015 Congress on the above stated in Cairo, Egypt. Please kindly clarify if you received such payments from the NFF to attend the said Congress.”
    In its reply through its general secretary, Mouad Hajji, on June 30, 2019, CAF said attending any of its congresses does not require any financial contribution from members associations.

    “Referring to the final report (please find attached the enclosed copy) approved by the 2015 General Assembly It appears that CAF did not receive any payment from the Nigeria Football Federation.
    “The participation of all the National Associations in the Congress is free and requires no contribution from the latter to the holding of these General Assemblies and the expenses are borne by CAF for all the representatives of the participating federations.
    “In conclusion, I confirm that no contribution from the Nigeria Football Federation has been received by CAF.

    “While remaining at your disposal, for more clarifications, please accept dear Mr. Chairman our most sincere greetings,” the statement read.

  • Alleged fraud: Court orders arrest of Pinnick, other NFF officials

    Alleged fraud: Court orders arrest of Pinnick, other NFF officials

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and four other officials of the organisation accused of misappropriating funds belonging to the football body.
    Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu gave the order on Monday after the case involving the NFF officials was called and they were absent in court.
    Also, those affected by the arrest order are NFF Secretary, Sunusi Mohammed; the 1st Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi; the 2nd Vice-President, Shehu Dikko and an Executive member, Yusuff Fresh.
    The Federal Government had earlier this year filed a 17-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/93/2019, before the court, in which it accused the NFF officials of alleged misappropriation of $8,400,000 belonging to the football body.
    The money was said to have been paid by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to the NFF as appearance fees in the group state of the Russia 2018 World Cup.
    The defendants are also accused of “moving dishonestly and intentionally the sum of about N4bn” belonging to the NFF without the consent of the NFF.
    Justice Ojukwu gave the order for the arrest of the defendants upon an oral application by the prosecution lawyer, Celcius Ukpong when the case was called and the defendants were absent.
    Details shortly.

  • NFF says it has received part of funds budgeted for 2019 AFCON

    NFF says it has received part of funds budgeted for 2019 AFCON

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday confirmed receiving part of the money approved by the Federal Government for the participation of some national teams in international competitions.

    Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, said in a statement that the approved money included the fund for the Super Eagles’ participation at the ongoing 32nd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    He quoted NFF’s Acting President, Seyi Akinwunmi, as saying on Tuesday that the Federation received part of the money on Tuesday morning.

    Olajire added that Akinwunmi had also disclosed that NFF had immediately launched the process to convert the sum to U.S. dollars to pay the players their only outstanding entitlement.

    Akinwunmi had said this was the win bonus for the match against Burundi, played in Alexandria on Saturday evening, and for subsequent matches.

    “We want to specially thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his keen interest in resolving this matter quickly, which has enabled us to receive part of the money in record time.

    “We have immediately started the process of converting the money to U.S. dollars at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in order to pay the players the bonus for the win over Burundi three days ago as well as plan for subsequent games.”

    Akinwunmi added also that the NFF had on Monday transferred to the players and their officials their camp allowances up to the last day of 2019 AFCON group phase matches.

    He had said there was also the fund for the appearance fee for the friendly match against Zimbabwe in Asaba on June 8.

    “We have paid these monies through our funds managers, Financial Derivatives Company on Monday.

    “The only issue we had was that some of the players did not send their bank accounts and instead authorised the bank to pay their monies to some other individuals. The bank requested clear authorisation for this to happen.

    “I was on a telephone discussion with the team captain Mikel Obi this morning and can safely say that all clarifications have been made and the usual cordial relationship and understanding between the players and we the administrators are still intact.

    “I have challenged them to go all out and win the trophy, assuring them that their monies all the way to the final are guaranteed.

    “It is now for the players to focus on the championship and deliver glory to the nation. I have no doubt of their ability to do that.”

    Akinwunmi, who is deputising for NFF President Amaju Pinnick who is fully involved with AFCON’s organisation as its President, also
    specially commended the maturity of the team and its leaders.

    “The team leaders, including skipper Mikel, deserve commendation, especially for their unflinching focus on the job at hand, which is winning the AFCON trophy,’’ he said.

  • AFCON 2019 will be tough, Super Eagles’ll give 100% fight – Media Officer

    AFCON 2019 will be tough, Super Eagles’ll give 100% fight – Media Officer

    The Media Officer of Super Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye, on Saturday predicted an acid test for the team as they seek their fourth time glory in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    Ibitoye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that though the 32nd AFCON tournament would be tough, the team would give a 100 per cent fight to win the title.

    NAN reports that the Eagles will begin their campaign in the Group B that includes Madagascar, Guinea and Burundi with a game against Burundi on June 22 at the Alexandria Stadium.

    Ibitoye told NAN that though many opinions had tilted towards Eagles going through the knockout stage in a group that looks seemingly easy, yet it could be a tricky one.

    “The fight is to defend the integrity of Nigeria and try to win our games in the qualifiers before we can be champions. The other teams in our group are not there for a picnic or vacation, they also want to win.

    “It will be the battle of those that are well prepared, so we need to go the extra mile and push towards getting results because there are lots of teams that will want to spring surprises in Egypt.

    “The AFCON tournament is now bigger and will be tougher because of the new format of 24 teams which means that we will have to play more games. It is not going to be easy.

    “The good news, however, is that we are going there to give our 100 per cent fight in it. We will take the matches one at a time, we are in a group where if we work hard, we can top them,” he said.

    Ibitoye said that the Eagles would camp in Asaba where they will play a game and then play another friendly match against Senegal in Egypt.

    “The team will have few weeks of camping in Asaba, but we want to be in Egypt early to start preparations. By the end of May, we would have the full details of the preparations.

    “The plan is for us to get to Egypt at least seven or eight days before our first match. So, in Egypt, we will play a friendly against Senegal because we want to really focus on getting our players fresh.

    “There is a need to understand that AFCON is coming up at the end of European football season, so the trick is to get the players fresh and keep them away from injuries.

    “It is going to be a tough challenge in Egypt, so the coach has been talking to the players on his approach and the need for them to be fit so that we can come together to play the tournament with full blast,” he said.

    Ibitoye said that Egypt remained the tournament favourites considering the fact that they were the host nation and also have a good squad.

    “The tournament will be taking place in Egypt so they are the favourites and also have a good squad. Morocco also comes to mind and Senegal.

    “The likes of the defending champions, Cameroon and Ghana are potential winners and outsiders such as South Africa, Mali and Guinea; these are teams that can spring surprises,” he said.