NFF Archives | Page 3 of 7

Gusau hails Lookman, encourages him for better Ballon d’Or outing next year

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended Super Eagles’ forward Ademola Lookman for finishing in 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, saying he believes the petite forward has what it takes to finish much higher in the race next year. Lookman finished 14th in this year’s contest which gala was held in Paris on Monday night, and which was won by Manchester City ace Rodri. “The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his feat, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year. He was already a winner before Monday’s night’s gala, as the only African on the 30-man shortlist. He was also the second highest-rated Italian Serie A player in the race. “We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.” Lookman scored three important goals for Nigeria as the Super Eagles finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year, and then scored all three goals in the Europa Cup final as his Italian club, Atalanta, routed German top side Bayer Leverkusen. This season, he has remained within the goals/assists frame for club and country. He has scored two goals for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualification race, with two other goals controversially chalked off. Most pundits see him winning this year’s Africa Player of the Year award. If that happens, it will be the first time that a Nigerian has picked the continental gong from a fellow Nigerian, since ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Nosa Ikpeba took over from Nwankwo Kanu in 1997. The first was in 1994, when Emmanuel Amuneke took over from Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).

Morocco 2025: Super Eagles to conclude qualifying campaign on November 18

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Confederation of African Football has picked Monday, November 18 for Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda, scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The Matchday 6 encounter will draw the curtain on the race from Group D for slots at the 35thAfrica Cup of Nations finals to be held in Morocco December 2025/January 2026. CAF has also appointed Moroccan match officials for the game, with Samir Guezzaz in the role of referee at the encounter that will commence at 5pm Nigeria time. His compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune and Kech Chaf Mustapha will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana will be the commissioner while Somalian Ali Mohamed Ahmed will be in the role of referee assessor. For the Matchday 5 clash with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th November, that will commence at 7pm CIV time (8pm Nigeria time), CAF has appointed officials from Senegal to superintend, with Issa Sy to be referee. His compatriots Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura and El Hadji Amadou Sy will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be referee assessor.

Sports

Deputy Senate President, Ndidi, others motivate Flying Eagles big for AFCON ticket

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

As part of efforts to spur the U20 Boys National Team, Flying Eagles, to book an AFCON 2025ticket at the expense of Niger Republic on Saturday, well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life have donated cash towards motivating the squad to victory. Deputy Senate President, Distinguished SenatorBarau Jibrin has rewarded the team’s effort so farwith the sum of N2 million. Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who graduated through the Flying Eagles’ rank, came up big and showered his blessings on the team with the sum of N5 million. Chairman of Crystal Sapphire Ltd, Frank Peters doled out the sum of N1.5 million with a pledge of another huge sum if the team defeats their Nigerien counterparts in Saturday’s semi-final.Also, a member of the football family, Mr. Victor Apugo has gifted the team N1 million with a promise to add another N2 million if the Flying Eagles fly past Niger Republic in the semi-final tie. Meanwhile, Switzerland-based Nigerian coach, Adedeji Adeyemi Anthony has redeemed his pledge of N1 million to the team for the victory over the Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.Mavlon FC Chairman, Barrister Kenneth Agadugba has deposited the sum of N2 millionwith a pledge to make it N12 million if the team soars high to the grand finale of the tournament. Earlier on Thursday, a senior member of Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation dished out the sum of N1 million, while another member of the football fraternity who does not want his name in print has given the seven-time African championsthe sum of N1.5 million. The Flying Eagles are billed to take on Niger Republic in the semi-final on Saturday at 2pm Nigeria time. Victory will earn them a place in the final, as well as a ticket to next year’s AFCON U20 finals.

Special Eagles honour NFF President, Gusau

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, has received a prestigious award from the Special Eagles, Nigeria’s esteemed amputee football team. This honour was bestowed upon him at the NFF Headquarters in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit led by the Special Eagles’ President, Mr. Paul Maduakor. The Special Eagles team, comprising remarkable amputee footballers who have triumphed over physical limitations, have over the yearsdemonstrated exceptional resilience and determination. Their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of sports. Gusau expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Maduakor and his team, emphasizing the vital importance of encouragement and support for individuals with disabilities. The NFF President reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to supporting the Special Eagles, acknowledging their inspirational role in promoting football among persons with disabilities. “We will explore avenues to provide support and foster collaboration between the NFF and the Special Eagles,” he added. Key officials present included the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON; Special Eagles Technical Director, Victor Onyeakachukwu Nwenwe; two Special Eagles players; and Special Eagles Secretary-General, Madam Nonye Nwose. This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening ties between the NFF and the Special Eagles, paving the way for mutual growth and development. The partnership aims to promote football development and empowerment programs for persons with disabilities.

WAFU B U20: Flying Eagles soar over Elephants into semi-finals

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria came from behind to edge a flaming battle with Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship. In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants. Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way. Victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, won in Niamey two years ago. A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole’s hopeful shot from distance sailed wide, while striker Kparobo’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper. In the 39th minute, Nigeria’s appeal for a penaltywas rejected by the referee. As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar. The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles. Côte d’Ivoire’s effort was chalked off in the 48th minute, and Nigeria’s striker Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper in the 53rd minute. Amole, again, came close soon after. The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after. Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles. “We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu, “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.” Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Algeria’s ‘Green Ladies’ storm Lagos, as Madugu looks forward to ‘masterclass’ outing

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

A 35-woman delegation of the Algeria senior women national football team has arrived in Lagos, ahead of the international friendly matches with nine-time African champions Nigeria on Saturday and Tuesday. The delegation members are staying at the Eko Hotel & Towers, Victoria Island. Both teams will clash at the Remo Stars’ Sports Complex, Ikenne from 3pm on Saturday, 26th October with the second match scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on Tuesday, 29th October from 4pm. The ‘Green Ladies’, who have made five appearances at the Women Africa Cup of Nations, with their debut in 2004, were scheduled to train at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena at 5pm on Thursday. However, both the ‘Green Ladies’ and the Super Falcons will move to the Legacy Pitch inside the National Stadium, Surulere for their official training sessions, with the Algerians to take the pitch at 4pm. Head Coach Justine Madugu said on Thursday that he is expecting a masterclass performance from the Super Falcons, who impressed at last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Down Under and made a return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament this summer after a 16-year absence. “We have been having useful sessions since we resumed on Monday. I am impressed with the discipline and sense of dedication of the players, and I am looking forward to a masterclass performance by the Super Falcons in both games. “We respect the Algerians just as we respect every team we play, but the truth is that we need to bounce back strongly from the below-par outing at the Olympics and restore our team’s confidence and positive spirit.” These two matches stir memories of the Aisha Buhari Women’s Tournament held in Lagos in September 2021, which is also the last time the Super Falcons played Grade A friendly matches on home soil. Madugu’s squad has a large contingent of home-based professionals, with only six overseas-based players invited.

U-17 World Cup: Nigeria set up USA quarterfinal clash

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Shakirat Moshood’s 89th minute strike from 24 yards earned Nigeria all three points against a heroic Dominican Republic side in the two team’s final match of Group A at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning. The win ensured that Nigeria will battle USA in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Playing for the first time in Santo Domingo, the barnstorming Nigerians found the going tough under driving rain against a determined host nation, and could not make an overwhelming ball possession count until Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the box. Captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback that ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner kicks. Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi. He restored Effiong and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts. Victory means the Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who walloped New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with Spain on Sunday. Caprice Chiuchiolo netted a brace.

Kano Pillars in auto crash

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Kano Pillars Under 19 team on Tuesday was involved in a road accident in Jos, Plateau State. The club’s Media & Communication Directorate in a statement on its official X handle, revealed that several players and drivers sustained various degrees of injuries. “It is with deep sadness that we announce that the Kano Pillars FC U-19 team bus was involved in a road accident earlier today while en route to the New Jos Stadium for their Matchday 5 fixture in the inaugural U-19 Youth League against Plateau United U-19. “Several players and the driver sustained injuries in the unfortunate incident and have been promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention. “Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported at this time, and the medical team is closely monitoring the situation. “We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. “Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time,” Kano Pillars stated.