Contrary to reports of signing a one year contract to manage the Super Eagles, newly appointed coach Finidi George will be staying longer on the job.
The Nigeria Football Federation NFF unveiled George last Monday in Abuja with the former Enyimba head coach reportedly penning a one-year contract subject to an extension.
However, the president of NFF Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has now debunked the reports of George signing a year’s deal to coach the team, claiming the gaffer will remain in charge of the Eagles at least till the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NFF boss also revealed the soccer house’s target for the coach.
“I don’t know where the one-year contract information emanated from, all I know is that, as far as our contract with Finidi is concerned, he is going to be in charge of the team till the end of 2026.
“So I don’t think 2026 is going to be a one-year contract,” Gusau said on Soccer Africa, a football Show on Supersport TV.
“The key thing is, in every contract, there must be some indices and some targets that you must put in place for somebody in other for him to get optimal performance.
“And the first target is to qualify the team for next year’s Nations Cup and to get to at least the semi finals of the Nations Cup, as well as qualify the team to the World Cup and to get us the target of playing in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
“So these are the main targets we put in place for him in the contract, and by the grace of God, we are working hard to see how we can achieve that,” he stated.
Tag: NFF
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A delegation of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF has paid a condolence visit to former Nigeria international forward and President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria Tijani Babangida who was involved in a ghastly auto crash along the Kaduna – Zaria Road last Thursday.
The unfortunate incident, on the spot, claimed the life of Tijani’s younger brother, Ibrahim – a member of the 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup winning Golden Eaglets.
Tijani’s infant son, Fadil reportedly passed away Friday night during surgery, while his wife, Maryam is said to have successfully undergone facial surgery.
The visiting NFF delegation included the President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Executive Committee member Timothy Heman Magaji and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
Others were NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Member of the NPFL Board, Mr. Jude Anyadufu; former Nigeria international and Chairman, Bauchi State Football Association, Mr. Pascal Patrick; and ex international goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro.
The delegation met Tijani Babangida at a hospital in Abuja after he was transferred to from ABUTH.
They commiserated with the former World Cup star on the deaths of his brother and son, praying for quick recovery for him and his wife who is still under intensive care at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. -
Six-time winners Enugu Rangers have been booted out of this year’s President Federation Cup at the very first hurdle after losing 5-6 on penalties to Kano Pillars following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja on Thursday.
Mustapha Umar scored for ‘Sai Masu Gida’ early on but Chiedozie Okorie equalized for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ in the 38th minute of the encounter.
In the penalty shootout, both teams could still not be separated after the first five kicks each, leading to the session going to sudden death before the boys from Kano prevailed.
Cup holders Bendel Insurance are among the teams that have progressed to the Round of 32, after a slim 1-0 win over Stormers from Abeokuta, while Katsina United, Lobi Stars, Wikki Tourists, Warri Wolves, FC One Rocket, Kwara United and Inter Lagos took no prisoners with high-score wins over their opponents.
Former winners Shooting Stars and Enyimba barely scraped through by the skin of their teeth, needing penalty shootouts to overcome Solution FC of Anambra and Warinje FC of Bauchi respectively.
The Round of 32 is loaded with interesting fixtures, not the least a confrontation between Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
Champions Bendel Insurance will be up against Wikki Tourists, while Gombe United will tackle El-Kanemi Warriors and Doma United take on Kano Pillars in flaming Savannah wars.
Two teams that made progress without kicking the ball, Plateau United and Sunshine Stars will be at each other’s jugular, and ambitious FC One Rocket will take their chances against two-time African champions Enyimba FC.
MEN’S ROUND OF 64 RESULTS
Bendel Insurance (Edo) 1-0 Stormers SC (Ogun)
Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) 5-0 Jr. Danburan (Katsina)
Osun United (Osun) 1-1 EFCC FC (FCT) – EFCC win 4-2 on penalties
Edel FC (Anambra) 4-0 Discovery Talent FC (Kebbi)
Zamfara United (Zamfara) 0-1 ABS FC (Kwara)
Kebbi United (Kebbi) 2-1 Ine Stars (Edo)
Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) 1-0 Cynosure FC (Ebonyi)
Mighty Jets (Plateau) 0-1 Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara)
Gombe United (Gombe) 3-1 Karim United (Taraba)
El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) 2-0 Adanimogo FC (Ondo)
Lobi Stars (Benue) 6-1 Delta Marine (Delta)
Shooting Stars (Oyo) 1-1 Solution FC (Anambra) – Shooting Stars win 3-2 on penalties
Ikorodu City (Lagos) 3-0 Green Berets (Kaduna)
Coal City (Enugu) 3-0 Ekiti United Feeders (Ekiti)
Beyond Limits (Ogun) 1-1 Hammola Int’l (Osun) – Hammola Int’l win 4-3 on penalties
Inter Lagos (Lagos) 6-0 May Frank (Cross River)
Warri Wolves (Delta) 5-1 Lautai FC (Jigawa)
Kwara United (Kwara) 4-1 Rovers FC (Cross River)
Abia Warriors (Abia) 4-2 Ilaji FC (Oyo)
Sporting Supreme (FCT) 3-0 PCM FC (Ebonyi)
Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) 1-0 FC Bako (Kogi)
Sokoto United (Sokoto) 2-2 Ofirima FC (Rivers) – Sokoto United win 4-1 on penalties
FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) 5-0 Fr. Eburuaja (Imo)
Enyimba FC (Abia) 1-1 Warinje FC (Bauchi) – Enyimba FC win 7-6 on penalties
Plateau United (Plateau) 3-0 Ekiti United (Ekiti) – W/O
Sunshine Stars (Ondo) 3-0 Jedo Academy (Sokoto) – W/O
Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Ikukuoma FC (Imo)
Niger Tornadoes (Niger) 3-1 Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger)
Katsina United (Katsina) 7-1 Dutse Strikers (Jigawa)
Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs FC Basira (Nasarawa)
Doma United (Gombe) 3-0 Gamji Eaglets (Taraba)
Kano Pillars (Kano) 1-1 Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – Kano Pillars win 6-5 on penalties
MEN’S ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES
Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi)
EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Edel FC (Anambra)
ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi)
Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara)
Gombe United (Gombe) Vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno)
Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs Shooting Stars (Oyo)
Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Coal City (Enugu)
Hammola Int’l (Osun) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos)
Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Kwara United (Kwara)
Abia Warriors (Abia) Vs Sporting Supreme (FCT)
Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Sokoto United (Sokoto)
FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia)
Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo)
Rivers United (Rivers)/Ikukuoma FC (Imo) Vs Niger Tornadoes (Niger)
Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa)/FC Basira (Nasarawa)
Doma United (Gombe) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano)
Credit: NFF Media
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President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has charged the governing body’s sub-committees to come up with fresh ideas, policies and programmes that will drive the country’s game to new heights of excellence.
The NFF boss made the charge at the inauguration of five of the Federation’s sub-committees in Abuja on Wednesday, adding that new ideas, as well as quality advice from all directions, will help the NFF Executive Committee steer the game on the right path.
“Football has become highly dynamic and only great ideas will drive real growth and sustainability. The chairmen, vice chairmen and members of these committees must commit to bring forth ideas that will take us further in our mission to take our game to the next level,” Gusau charged the members
“The members have been carefully selected by the NFF Board and I believe we have in the committees, men and women of calibre who will help the Board achieve its objectives.”
Underscoring the fact that the digital age has caught up with individuals, institutions and establishments, Gusau told the members that most of their meetings would have to be in virtual mode.
“We are not saying that you will never have physical meetings, but logistics and the reality of our situation at the moment, as well as convenience, mean that most meetings will have to hold virtually.”
He thanked the committee members for agreeing to serve with the present NFF administration.
NFF 1st Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu who responded on behalf of the inaugurated committees, thanked the football body’s supremo for finding the members worthy of service, and promised that the committees will generate ideas and formulate policies and programmes that will improve the game of football in Nigeria.
Organizing Committee: Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Chairman); Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye (Vice Chairman); Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Member); Mr. Calistus Ebare (Member); Hon. Godfrey Gaiya (Member); Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member); Abba Mouktar Mohammed (Member); Ruth David (Secretary).
Media and Publicity Committee: Ms Aisha Falode (Chairman); Mr. George Aluo (Vice Chairman); Mr. Godwin Enakhena (Member); Alhaji Shu’aibu Mungadi (Member); Mr. Frank Ilaboya (Member); Lirwanu Malikawa Idris (Member); Mr. Gabriel Aborowa (Member); Ademola Olajire (Secretary).
Youth Football Committee: Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi (Chairman); H.E. Silas Agara (Vice Chairman); Chief Victor Okechukwu Apugo (Member); Hon. Dele Ologun (Member); Mr. Aku Thompson Oladimeji (Member); Senator Moses Cleopas (Member); Hon. Bala Usman Chamo (Member); Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim (Secretary).
Players’ Status Committee: Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Chairman); Mr. Timothy Heman Magaji (Vice Chairman); Mr. Patrick Pascal, MON (Member); Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi (Member); Mallam Audu Sabo (Member); Mr. Austin Popo (Member); Mr. Jude Anyadufu (Member); Barr. Joshua Onoja (Secretary)
Protocol and Ceremonial Committee: Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen (Chairman); Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi (Vice Chairman); Mallam Bakura Abubakar (Member); Mr. Obioma Onyeaghala (Member); Habibu Abdu Fagge (Member); Alhaji Usman Ibrahim Pate (Member); Mr. Mojeed Adegbindin (Member); Emmanuel Ayanbunmi (Secretary).
Credit: NFF Media
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In the absence of a substantive chief coach for Super Eagles, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has taken it upon himself to visit some injured members of the team in Europe.
Previous managers of the Eagles had undertaken the task of visiting members of the team especially to foster further the spirit of camaraderie ahead of major international engagement.
Pending when a new coach is appointed, Alhaji Gusau who has been in Europe for some time now has taken steps to ensure team spirit and sense of belonging remained high.
He visited members of the squad who are recuperating from various injuries.
Gusau discussed with captain William Troost Ekong, the importance of upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic, though Simon and Sanusi are nursing long-term injuries and unlikely to be fit for the crucial games.
Nigeria will host South Africa on 5 June 2024 in a 3rd round FIFA World Cup African qualifying before taking a trip to Cote d’Ivoire where they will battle Benin Republic, three days later. -
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed venues and dates for this year’s President Federation Cup Round of 64 fixtures scheduled for 1st and 2nd May 2024.
Participating clubs were notified of the confirmation via a letter from the NFF who also copied the State FA Secretaries.
Abuja, Kaduna, Owerri, Lafia, Awka, Enugu, Benin City, Ibadan, Asaba, Ilorin, Aba and Kano are the centres to host the 32 matches, which will then produce the candidate-teams for the Round of 32.
Defending champions Bendel Insurance will take on Stormers FC of Abeokuta at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja, on 1st May while the standout fixture of the round between Kano Pillars and Rangers will also hold in Abuja on May 2nd.
The women’s teams, whose competition will take off at the Round of 32, will sit out next week’s hostilities, but will take to battlegrounds when the men are also fighting for slots in the Round of 16.
Winners of the men’s competition will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
MEN’S ROUND OF 64 FIXTURES:
Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Stormers SC (Ogun) – Abuja Area 3 – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs Jr. Danburan (Katsina) – Kaduna ABS – 01/05/24 – 1pm
Osun United (Osun) Vs EFCC FC (FCT) – Awka – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Edel FC (Anambra) Vs Discovery Talent FC (Kebbi) – Abuja Goal Project – 02/05/24 – 1pm
Zamfara United (Zamfara) Vs ABS FC (Kwara) – Abuja Bwari – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Kebbi United (Kebbi) Vs Ine Stars (Edo) – Abuja Area 3 – 01/05/24 – 1pm
Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Cynosure FC (Ebonyi) – Owerri – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara) – Kaduna ABS – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Gombe United (Gombe) Vs Karim United (Taraba) – Bauchi – 01/05/24 – 1pm
El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs Adanimogo FC (Ondo) – Lafia – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs Delta Marine (Delta) – Enugu – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Shooting Stars (Oyo) Vs Solution FC (Anambra) – Benin City – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Green Berets (Kaduna) – Ilorin – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Coal City (Enugu) Vs Ekiti United Feeders (Ekiti) – Asaba – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Beyond Limits (Ogun) Vs Hammola Int’l (Osun) – Ibadan – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Inter Lagos (Lagos) Vs May Frank (Cross River) – Asaba – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Lautai FC (Jigawa) – Abuja Area 3 – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Kwara United (Kwara) Vs Rovers FC (Cross River) – Enugu – 01/05/24 – 1pm
Abia Warriors (Abia) Vs Ilaji FC (Oyo) – Benin City – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Sporting Supreme (FCT) Vs PCM FC (Ebonyi) – Asaba – 01/05/24 – 1pm
Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs FC Bako (Kogi) – Kaduna ABS – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Sokoto United (Sokoto) Vs Ofirima FC (Rivers) – Lafia – 02/05/24 – 4pm
FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fr. Eburuaja (Imo) – Aba – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Warinje FC (Bauchi) – Ilorin – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Ekiti United (Ekiti) – Enugu 02/05/24 – 4pm
Sunshine Stars (Ondo) Vs Jedo Academy (Sokoto) – Abuja Goal Project – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Ikukuoma FC (Imo) – Aba – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Niger Tornadoes (Niger) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger) – Abuja Goal Project – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Dutse Strikers (Jigawa) – Kano – 01/05/24 – 4pm
Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs FC Basira (Nasarawa) – Enugu – 02/04/24 – 1pm
Doma United (Gombe) Vs Gamji Eaglets (Taraba) – Bauchi – 02/05/24 – 4pm
Kano Pillars (Kano) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – Abuja Bwari – 02/05/24 – 4pm -
President of the Nigeria Football Federation Ibrahim Gusau has expressed confidence in the Super Falcons to produce a credible performance in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The nine-time African champions are making a return to the Olympics after a 16-year hiatus.
Randy Waldrum’s side brushed aside a strong challenge from reigning African champions, Banyana Banyana of South Africa to qualify for the women’s football tournament.
The Super Falcons will face world champions Spain, Brazil, and Japan in Group C at the Olympics bu
“We shall try to better our World Cup performance where we crashed out without losing a single game during regulation time. The girls have shown resilience and determination to qualify for the Olympics against all odds and I trust them to carry that same spirit to the Games in Paris,” Gusau told Completesports.com.
Gusau recognised the strength of the teams in the group but believes the Falcons will scale the Olympic hurdle where they will face Brazil in their opening fixture on July 25.
“The teams in our group are among the best in women’s football in the world but I can tell you that we can only respect them but will not be afraid to play any of them. After a performance at the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, I know none of the teams in our group will take us for granted.” -
The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced the imminence of a Football Awards that will recognize, celebrate and reward the best players and coaches in the country on a monthly basis.
These Awards, meant to further generate, enable and inspire positive conversations around the Nigeria game at home and abroad, will feature seven categories in its initial format, highlighting the contributions of players and coaching staff across the ‘beautiful game.’
The NFF Awards will not only recognize and honour individual excellence, but also provide valuable sponsorship opportunities, potentialities and possibilities, allowing companies and institutions to support the development, growth and sustainability of the Nigeria game.
With a focus on celebrating achievements and sector-wide accomplishments, fostering meaningful and fruitful fan engagements, showcasing Nigeria Football on the global stage and keeping conversations on the Nigeria game permanently on the front burner globally, the NFF Awards promise to be a cornerstone programme for the sport in the country.
The NFF projects that the Awards, and the robust conversations that it will generate online and offline, will contribute immensely to the new drive and efforts to reposition the country’s domestic Leagues, and ultimately engender steadfast interest of the private sector in the Nigeria game.
Further details on the Awards, including award categories, nomination process and launch date, will be released in the coming weeks.
Credit: NFF Media
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The conversation to bolster football in Nigeria has gained significant momentum, with the Sports Ministry spearheading efforts to revolutionize the country’s soccer landscape.
Sports Minister Senator John Enoh met with prominent business leader and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, with founder and chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu also joining virtually.
Senator Enoh reiterated the importance of instilling confidence in Nigeria’s prime sport, football, through strategic investments in the local league.
“We must put a home-based structure in place that reflects the charismatic, energetic, and die-hard Nigerian spirit,” he emphasized.
He called on the private sector to seize the vast opportunities in sports development, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth, revenue generation, job creation and national unity.
Reflecting on his vision for sports development in Nigeria, Senator Enoh emphasized the need for a systemic structure that addresses the underlying challenges within the football ecosystem.
“As a sports ministry, we do not aim for superficial solutions. Our vision is to build a robust framework that tackles issues from the grassroots up,” he asserted.
“Let me express my gratitude to my brother and friend Tony Elumelu, who has shown great passion and commitment in this direction.”
He further elaborated on the positive outcomes of their recent meeting, where discussions centered on the acquisition of local league clubs.
Senator Enoh commended Mr. Elumelu for his proactive approach, highlighting his efforts in reaching out to potential buyers and extending conversations to further the cause of Nigerian football.
The collaborative efforts of government and the private sector signals a renewed commitment to transforming Nigerian football and unlocking its full potential on the global stage. -
The search for a new Super Eagles’ coach may have been narrowed down to three candidates.
The shortlisted managers reportedly are former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke, Spaniard Domenec Torrent and Antonio Conceicao of Portugal.
According to a reliable source in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) the technical committee has sent the names of the three coaches to the executive committee of the country’s apex football body.
The source also said that Torrent was the number one candidate among the foreign coaches while Amuneke has the best CV and experience for indigenous managers.
Majority of the board members are in support of a foreign coach, while others want a local gaffer.
Torrent once assisted Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, while Conceicao took charge of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amuneke coached the Nigeria U-17 side, Golden Eaglets, to gold medal in the 2015 World Cup and the Tanzania national team.