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Tag: NFF

  • 2026 WCQ: Why South Africa took long trip to Uyo – NFF

    2026 WCQ: Why South Africa took long trip to Uyo – NFF

    The Nigeria Football Federation has insisted that the South African delegation has no reason to cry foul after having to stay the night in Port Harcourt on Wednesday after arriving in Nigeria. The team only flew into Uyo on Thursday morning.

    NFF’s Protocol chief, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi said the South African Football Association informed the NFF that its chartered aircraft would depart South Africa on Wednesday morning by 8am and land in Lagos to undergo immigration formalities before proceeding to Uyo.

    “The problem has nothing to do with the NFF. As at the time they said they were taking off, it took them a further five hours to actually depart from South Africa. We were not informed. We had informed officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies in Lagos to expedite action on the formalities for them.

    “It was less than two hours to landing that they contacted us to say that the landing right they got was for Port Harcourt International Airport and not the MMA in Lagos. We had to quickly get in touch with officials of NMS and other agencies in Port Harcourt and mobilize people to ensure smooth formalities for them. Having completed all immigration formalities, they wanted to take off for Uyo but were informed that the Obong Victor Attah Airport only operates from sunrise to sunset, and so that was not possible. The NFF immediately mobilized resources for them to comfortably spend the night in Port Harcourt.”

  • NFF, Super Eagles players speak on report of unpaid bonuses and allowances

    NFF, Super Eagles players speak on report of unpaid bonuses and allowances

    The Nigeria Football Federation and players of the Super Eagles have lambasted a report in an online publication, which claimed that players of the team have not been paid from monies given by the Presidency to the NFF to offset their bonuses and allowances.

    The Presidency had, late last year, and following a process supported and personally followed-through by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, released monies to the NFF for payment of outstanding bonuses and allowances of players and officials of the various National Teams.

    However, the said online publication on Monday put together what a senior administrative official of the Super Eagles described as “tissues of lies” and challenged the writer to come forward with evidence of his claims.

    “The report is absolutely false, in every ramification, and we challenge the owner of the website and writer to come forward with proof of the claims. We want him to name the players who spoke to him, because these are all tissues of lies.

    “Players and officials of the Super Eagles have been paid for all matches played at the AFCON, yet he claimed the team was paid for only three matches. His outlandish claim of the team being owed for 25 matches is the biggest lie ever concocted by any writer.”

    The writer also falsely claimed that only members of the NFF Board and staff of the Secretariat have been paid their outstanding allowances from the government money.

    “This story is a shame. No player of the Super Eagles spoke to the writer. It is all pure fabrication,” a senior player told thenff.com.

    Another senior official of the Super Eagles added: “The story is absolute bunkum. People should make an effort to verify whatever they hear from anywhere before going to the press. It is clear that this writer did not even hear anything; he simply brought forth something from his own imagination.”

  • Federations Cup: Men, Women round of 16 fixtures released

    Federations Cup: Men, Women round of 16 fixtures released

    The Nigeria Football Federation has released the fixtures for the round of 16 in the women and men Federations Cup.

    The Round of 16 games will begin on Wednesday May 16 with most matches fixed for between 1pm and 4pm local time.

    Men Round of 16 fixtures

    Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs EFCC FC (FCT) – Kano – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Kebbi United (Kebbi) Vs Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) – Abuja Bwari – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs Shooting Stars (Oyo) – Abuja Goal Project – 29/05/24 – 1pm

    Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos) – Akure – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Kwara United (Kwara) Vs Abia Warriors (Abia) – Ikenne – 29/05/24 – 1pm

    Sokoto United (Sokoto) Vs Enyimba (Abia) – Abuja Goal Project – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Sunshine Stars (Ondo) Vs Rivers United (Rivers) – Abuja Area 3 – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano) – Jos – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    President Federation Cup: WOMEN’S ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES

     

    Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Enugu – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Dannaz Ladies (Lagos) Vs Remo Ladies (Ogun) – Akure – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Abia Angels (Abia) Vs Naija Ratels (FCT) – Benin City – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs FC Robo Queens (Lagos) – Asaba – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Kwara Ladies (Kwara) Vs Delta Queens (Delta) – Ikenne – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Honey Badgers (Benue) – Aba – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Osun Babes (Osun) Vs Confluence Queens (Kogi) – Ilorin – 29/05/24 – 4pm

    Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Rivers Angels (Rivers) – Awka – 29/05/24 – 4pm

  • How Tinubu is supporting us – NFF

    How Tinubu is supporting us – NFF

    George Aluo, Executive Board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration has been very supportive of the federation.

    Aluo, who spoke in Abuja on Monday, said that the federation has not had it so good like this in the recent past.

    “I will say that we at NFF have not lacked support from the administration of Tinubu.

    “That the Super Eagles did well at the Nations cup is because of the huge support of the President, who approved all that the Minister of Sports Development presented to him as needs of NFF.

    “It was amazing to see that after the Sports Minister met with the President; the Federal Government cleared all the debts that were owed by NFF.

    “The President also made sure that all the bonuses and backlog arrears were cleared,”he said.

    Aluo, who commended Tinubu for his support to sports, described him as a sports friendly president.

    The board member, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), said that Tinubu’s support for the NFF encouraged the national team to go that far at the competition in Cote d`Ivoire.

    He explained that the issue of bonus which had always been a problem and caused serious distraction in the past was not experienced.

    “I remember when we went to Russia for the World Cup; the Government had to only wake up at the last minute to do a fire brigade thing for the players’ bonuses to be paid.

    “We did not have such a situation in Cote d’Ivoire and to this extent I will say kudos to the President,” NFF executive board member said.

    Aluo said that their major challenge at the moment was lack of corresponding support from the corporate and private individuals.

    He said that football and sports generally was a big business that should not be left alone for the government to fund.

    The NNL chairman said that what is expected of the government is to create an enabling environment to make it easy for corporate and individuals`s support.

    “I know that the Federal Government has a policy where if you invest in sports, you will get your return on investment.

    “Under Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Sports, he was able to talk to the federal government and made sports a lucrative business.

    “That policy has been passed, so no corporate body will say that they are putting money in sports development without getting a tax rebate.

    “I think the federal government by this development has created an enabling environment and it is now the responsibility of corporate Nigerians to tap into it,” Aluo said.

    Aluo commended the NFF President, Mr. Ibrahim Gusua for his commitment and dedication in ensuring that football succeeds in the country.

  • 2026 FIFA WCQ: Finidi lists Lookman, Osimhen, Nwabali,19 others for Bafana, Cheetahs

    2026 FIFA WCQ: Finidi lists Lookman, Osimhen, Nwabali,19 others for Bafana, Cheetahs

    Nigeria’s Head Coach, Finidi George, has picked rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman, African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and safe hands Stanley Nwabali among a crop of 23 players who will do battle with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

    George also selected goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, England-based defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.

    Remo Stars’ hard-as-nails defender Sadiq Ismael is called for the first time, with Turkey-based midfielder Fisayo Bashiru, Bayer Leverkusen of Germany’s Nathan Tella and lanky forward Paul Onuachu also called.

    Nigeria confront South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday, 7th June starting from 8pm, and then fly to Abidjan to tackle Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, 10th June starting from 4pm CIV time (5pm Nigeria time).

    EAGLES FOR BAFANA, CHEETAHS BATTLES

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

    Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)

    Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)

  • Finidi George reveals immediate task for Super Eagles

    Finidi George reveals immediate task for Super Eagles

    Super Eagles Head coach, Finidi George has says his immediate task and priority is to qualify the team for the 2026 World Cup slated for Canada, Mexico and U.S.

    The Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on April 19, appointed George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

    George stated this at his unveiling as the new head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), at the Moshood Abiola National stadium on Monday in Abuja.

    The former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who was assistant to former Super Eagles gaffer Jose Peseiro was jointly unveiled by the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Sports Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh.

    “For me, my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the AFCON qualifiers will also be coming up soon.

    “But the major target for me is the two games we have, we will do everything to win against South Africa and Benin Republic.

    “Once we do that we will have set the tone and we will take it from there,” he said.

    The coach warned that going forward; players will be invited to the Super Eagles based on regular playing time in their clubs and commitment to the national team.

    He dismisses insinuations about having rift with some players in the Super Eagles, stressing that the relationship with the players was ‘perfect’ and professional.

    “My relationship with the players is very perfect. I will try to improve on my relationship as this will be different. You will not hear any controversy on my relationship,” he said.

    Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the coach will be given all the support he needs to succeed in the task ahead.

    “We have given our coach the opportunity to choose his assistants. We won’t impose anybody on him.

    “We are going to engage the assistants on game basis but will pay the head coach monthly salary. We want to avoid salary issues,” he said .

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh stressed the importance of having and supporting indigenous coaches to succeed.

    “We have an opportunity to have a local coach to lead the Super Eagles. Back then in my University days, I would go to UJ Eseune stadium to watch Calabar Rovers and see Finidi George play.

    “I am honoured to be here to witness his unveiling, if you love Nigerian football, you must love and support Finidi George. His success will bring joy to Nigerians.

    “Any country I find an indigenous coach sitting on the bench, I always feel very proud and I am glad that we have an opportunity that have a Nigerian coach, Finidi George, as football men national team coach, ” he said.

    According to reports, the details of the contract was not revealed.

    The  coach has picked  ex-international, Daniel Amokachi as assistant coach,  Olatunji Baruwa as goalkeeper trainer,  Mehmet Ozturk, match analyst, Benjamin James and Chima Onyeike, fitness trainers.

    The immediate task of the coach is to get the Super Eagles back on track in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers where Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, with two points from two matches.

    Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the first two matches in the qualifying series in November.

    The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin Republic in June, in what has been described as a make or mar clash

  • NFF unveils Finidi George as Super Eagles head coach in Abuja

    NFF unveils Finidi George as Super Eagles head coach in Abuja

    Finidi George has been unveiled as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

    The 53-year-old was unveiled at the secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja on Monday.

    He will take charge of the Super Eagles for the next one year.

    Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and secretary general of the soccer house, Mohammed Sanusi, were among the dignitaries that were present at the unveiling ceremony.

    The Rivers born tactician is expected to resume duties immediately.

    The former Ajax and Real Betis winger was an assistant to former handler of the team, Jose Peseiro for 20 months.

    He handled the Super Eagles as caretaker coach for the friendlies against Ghana and Mali in Marakech.

    Finidi will be on the sidelines when Super Eagles play South Africa and Benin Republic in June World Cup qualifiers.

    His contract is subject to renewal after a period of 12 months.

     

     

  • NFF to unveil Finidi George as Super Eagles’ head coach today

    NFF to unveil Finidi George as Super Eagles’ head coach today

    The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday [today] in Abuja unveil Finidi George as substantive Head Coach of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

    NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said the occasion would be witnessed by Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Tinuke Watti, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, among others.

    George, who passed up an opportunity to coach a second-tier team in Spain to return to Nigeria and lead two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba FC, won the Nigeria elite division title with the People’s Elephant in his second season.

    The club is also in the running to retain the title this season, with six matches to go.

    George formally bowed out of the Aba giants few days ago, with Enyimba FC in third place on the NPFL log, with 53 points from 32 matches, four adrift of table-toppers Enugu Rangers and three off second-placed Remo Stars.

    The 52-year-old spent 20 months as assistant to Portuguese José Peseiro from the summer of 2022.

    The Super Eagles qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ) and came within 28 minutes of a fourth African title in Cote d’Ivoire.

    George, as a player, won 62 caps for Nigeria at senior level, during which he won the AFCON gold, silver and bronze, while also playing at two FIFA World Cup finals.

    The coach has the immediate task of picking maximum points from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa (home) and Benin Republic (away).

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

    NFF to unveil Finidi George as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

    The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday morning in Abuja stage an unveiling ceremony to formally present to the public, Mr. Finidi George, as the new substantive Head Coach of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, alongside Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Tinuke Watti, President of NFF Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, are among prominent personalities expected at the unveiling.

    George, who passed up an opportunity to coach a second-tier team in Spain to return to Nigeria and lead two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, won the tough-as-nails Nigeria elite division title with the People’s Elephant in his second season and has left the club in with a chance of retaining the title this season, with six matches to go.

    When George formally bowed out of the Aba giants days ago, Enyimba FC remained in third place on the NPFL log, with 53 points from 32 matches, four adrift of table-toppers Enugu Rangers and three off second-placed Remo Stars.

    The 52-year-old spent 20 months as assistant to Portuguese José Peseiro from the summer of 2022, during which the Super Eagles qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and came within 28 minutes of a fourth African title in Cote d’Ivoire three months ago.

    George, who as a player won 62 caps for Nigeria at senior level, during which he won the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze, and played in two FIFA World Cup finals, has the immediate task of picking maximum points from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa (home) and Benin Republic (away) in a few weeks.

  • President Federation Cup: Round of 32 fixtures released

    President Federation Cup: Round of 32 fixtures released

    The Nigeria Football Federation has rleased the fixtures for this season Federation Cup scheduled to begin on the 22nd of May.

    Federations’ cup holders, Insurance of Benin will continue defense of  their title against Wikki Tourist of Bauchi,  another Nigeria Premier Football League side,Lobi Stars will trade tackles with Shooting Stars.

    SEE fixtures Below:

    Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) – Abuja Area 3 – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Edel FC (Anambra) – Ilorin – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi) – Abuja Goal Project – 23/05/24 – 4pm

    Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara) – Abuja Bwari – 23/05/24 – 4pm

    Gombe United (Gombe) Vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) – Kaduna – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs Shooting Stars (Oyo) – Awka – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Coal City (Enugu) – Benin City – 23/05/24 – 4pm

    Hammola Int’l (Osun) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos) – Ibadan – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Kwara United (Kwara) – Enugu – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Abia Warriors (Abia) Vs Sporting Supreme (FCT) – Benin City – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Sokoto United (Sokoto) – Kano – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia) – Yenagoa – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo) – Abuja Goal Project – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Niger Tornadoes (Niger) – Auchi – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) – Abuja Bwari – 22/05/24 – 4pm

    Doma United (Gombe) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano) – Bauchi – 22/05/24 – 4pm