NFF Archives | Page 4 of 12

Yobo, other African legends for Morocco AFCON 2025 Final Draw

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Former Super Eagles captain and assistant coach Joseph Yobo, Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier and Aliou Cisse will be assistants at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final Draw that will take place at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat tonight. The 24 qualified CAF AFCON 2025 teams will learn their path to the trophy at Final Draw, which starts at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT | 20h00 Cairo). Yobo, Hadji, Cisse and Aurier will not only pull the balls from the pots, but also be on hand to offer their insights into the groups for the tournament that will be played in Morocco from 21 December, 2025 to 18 January, 2026. They are some of the biggest names in the African game and all have a rich history with the CAF AFCON themselves. JOSEPH YOBO (NIGERIA)Yobo was a commanding centre-back who made 101 appearances for Nigeria’s Super Eagles over a distinguished 13-year career. He was squad captain as the side claimed the CAF AFCON title in 2013 and was a veteran of six continental finals tournaments to go with three FIFA World Cups. He spent the majority of his club career at Everton in England, where he became a fan favourite, but also played in Belgium, France, Spain and Turkey.He played 10 FIFA World Cup matches in 2002, 2010 and 2014. MUSTAPHA HADJI (MOROCCO) Hadji is renowned as one of Morocco’s greatest ever players and was named African Footballer of the Year in 1998. He won 63 caps for his country and scored 12 goals, playing at two FIFA World Cup tournaments.He netted the winner for Morocco against Egypt at the 1998 CAF AFCON, the only team to inflict a defeat on the eventual champions. He also played at the 2000 finals. He had a successful club career in France, Portugal, Spain and England, and in 2011 received the CAF Legends award for his services to the game. SERGE AURIER (COTE D’IVOIRE)Aurier is a two-time winner of the CAF AFCON having lifted the trophy in the 2015 and 2023 editions. The right-back has been a stalwart of the national team since his debut in 2013 and has 93 caps, scoring four goals. His club career has taken him to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, and he is a two-time winner of the French Ligue 1.He had the honour of being named in the CAF Team of the Year on four occasions between 2015 and 2019, showing his incredible consistency for club and country in that period. ALIOU CISSE (SENEGAL)Cisse was captain of Senegal when they excelled at the 2002 FIFA World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals against the odds, and while he failed to lift the CAF AFCON as a player, he later did so as coach of the national team. He won 35 caps as an industrious midfielder during a period when he played for Paris Saint-Germain in France, leading Senegal to the 2002 CAF AFCON final where they lost out to Cameroon. He became head coach of the national team in 2015 and would lead them through a golden period that included lifting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in 2021, and to FIFA World Cup qualifications in 2018 and 2022. He was named CAF Coach of the Year at the CAF Awards in 2022. CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualified teams: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

35th AFCON: Super Eagles may draw Cameroon, Tunisia, South Africa

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

The Draw Ceremony for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals will take place at the Mohamed V National Theatre in Rabat, Casablanca on Monday evening. Three-time African champions Nigeria have been placed in Pot 1, alongside seven-time winners Egypt, three-time champions and Cup holders Cote d’Ivoire, two-time winners Algeria, hosts and 1976 champions Morocco and 2021 winners Senegal. The Nigerian side may however be drawn in same group with other top African football countries which include; Cameroon, Tunisia, South Africa and Mali. Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, alongside the Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa will attend the colourful ceremony in the heart of Morocco’s administrative capital. The final tournament that begins on 21st December and ends on 18th January is unique in some ways, including being the first ever to start in a particular year and run into another year. Morocco will play host to Africa again since hosting the 1988 tournament that was won by Cameroon. The North African country was handed the hosting right for the 2015 finals, but ducked at the eleventh hour in the midst of the ebola scare across some nations in the continent. Since then, the country has hosted a plethora of football championships, including the African Nations Championship in 2018 (which she won), the Women Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 (in which she finished as runner-up) and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023. Morocco will also co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup finals alongside neighbours Spain and Portugal. Nigeria’s Super Eagles hold the record for the most medals from the 68-year-old championship: 16 in 20 previous participations. They are three-time winners (1980, 1994, 2013), finished as runners-up on five occasions (1984, 1988, 1990, 2000 and 2023), and took the bronze eight times (1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019). The Eagles lost out in the quarter-finals in 2008 and were eliminated in the second round in 2021. Only in their debut in 1963, and as Cup holders in 1982, have the Eagles failed to proceed beyond the tournament group phase. While Nigeria will be taking part in her 21st tournament (same as DR Congo and Algeria), Botswana and Comoros will be taking part in only their second respective championships. Egypt will be appearing in their 27th tournament; Cote d’Ivoire 26th and; Cameroon and Tunisia 22nd. Hosts Morocco are appearing in their 20th finals and 2012 champions Zambia in their 19th. 2021 winners Senegal are appearing in their 18th final tournament. Nigeria have also played a total of 104 matches at the final tournament, 4th overall behind Egypt (111), Cote d’Ivoire (106) and Ghana (105). While Cameroonian Rigobert Song (who coached the Indomitable Lions at the last finals in Cote d’Ivoire), Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, Ghanaian Andrew Ayew and Tunisian Youssef Msakni have played in eight tournaments each, Ayew and Song have played the most matches – 36 each. Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o (currently President of FECAFOOT) has scored the most goals in the final tournament – 18 in the 29 matches he played across eight tournaments. Nigeria’s Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) scored 13 goals across four final tournaments between 1988 and 1994. Pot 1: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Republic Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana

NFF concretize plans for CAF B-License Coaching Course

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has set in motion concrete plans to organize a four-month CAF B-License Coaching Course that is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian coaches and prepare them for current and future challenges. The programme is for both men and women coaches. NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com that the course is part of NFF’s strategic effort to build the capacity of coaches across the country, and will be done in modules. To be eligible to participate in the course that will run between 7th April and 25th August 2025, a candidate must be an active coach, possess a CAF C-License certificate that has been put to use in the past two years, must be able to read and write in the English language, have basic computer skills and a laptop, have a valid G-mail account, and must submit a medical certificate that proves he/she is physically and mentally fit to undertake the course. “We are targeting a maximum number of 25 participants. Applicants will be provided with a CAF CMS registration link upon successful completion of the pre-course assessment, and will pay the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) on or before 31st March 2025,” Eguavoen added. It can be recalled that last year, the NFF organized a CAF C-License programme exclusively for women – the first-ever – which drew 30 women coaches from across the country, including a good number of former Nigeria international players. The three-module course took place between July and September 2024.

NFF to strengthen partnership with Mini-Football team

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated a collaboration with the mini-football team aimed at creating a strategic partnership that is expected to benefit both entities. This initiative is part of the NFF’s broader commitment to enhance football development and governance in Nigeria. On Friday, representatives from the mini-football team visited the NFF headquarters in Abuja, where they met with the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON. During the meeting, Dr Sanusi highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the federation and emphasized the necessity for the NFF’s operations to align with the regulations established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Dr Sanusi reiterated the NFF’s primary role in overseeing and regulating football activities in Nigeria, clarifying that all related events must receive the appropriate approvals and sanctions from the federation. He stressed the need for compliance with the standards set forth by FIFA and CAF, underscoring the importance of adhering to global practices in football governance. The mini-football team included Alhaji Umah Yusuf Datti, Ambassador Paul Chukwudi Maduakor, Chief Agu Chukwuemelie Lambert, Ambassador Sheriff Mulade and Fabian Edaba. Their presence underscored a collective effort to advance football governance and foster collaboration within various levels of the sport in Nigeria. This partnership between the NFF and the mini-football team represents a pivotal move towards enhancing football governance and development in the country. The NFF is committed to engaging with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

NFF unveils Super Eagles new head coach

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has categorically stated that football is solely played for goals scoring. Chelle pointed this out at his unveiling ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Stadium, Abuja on Monday. “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best. “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau reiterating his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment. Gusau said he is enamoured by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days, and is banking on him imbibing the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. “I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself. “Coach Chelle recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way.” Gusau disclosed that the tactician has signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Chelle has also come into the job with three assistants, and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand. He will be with the Super Eagles B – which is preparing for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship – only in a supervisory role. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF. “Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy. On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr. Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job. “The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the Government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF. The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job.” Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais, said he is excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.

NFF to unveil Éric Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday in the Federal Capital, Abuja present to the public the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle. The event has been scheduled for the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, by 11am. Chelle’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the football ruling body’s Technical and Development Committee. The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said on Sunday that the Franco-Malian embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle. However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles. “The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.” At Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March. Chelle, who took Mali’s Aiglons within breathing distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his job at top Algerian side MC Oran – 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists – to team up with the Super Eagles.

NFF’s Anyansi suffers injuries in Armed robbery attack

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu sustained injuries following an armed robbery attack at his residence in Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday. This is according to a press statement made available by the Federation. President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Wednesday morning paid a visit to Anyansi-Agwu’s Abuja home, whose family was attacked by armed robbers some hours earlier. During the visit, Alhaji Gusau prayed for quick return to good health for Chief Anyansi-Agwu, who was injured in the attack, and for the entire Anyansi-Agwu family. He also thanked God that no life was lost in the attack. “The NFF President has been to the house of Chief Anyansi-Agwu. I will also be going to his house shortly to empathise with him and his family. This is an unwholesome incident and the Executive Committee, Management and Staff of NFF feel the stress of the Anyansi-Agwu family at this period,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said. Thenff.com learnt that armed men invaded the Gwarinpa Estate home of former Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Anyansi-Agwu in the early hours of Tuesday, 8th January 2025 and ransacked the entire house. They inflicted injuries on Chief Anyansi-Agwu and carted away one of his cars, as well as mobile phones, cash and other items worth several millions of naira. The football administrator is presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed location in the Federal Capital.

CHAN 2024: Home-Eagles to know foes January 15

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Super Eagles team B will know their Group opponents on Wednesday, 15 January as the Draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will be conducted at Kenyatta International Conventional Centre in Nairobi, Kenya at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT / 19h00 Cairo time). The much-anticipated tournament is uniquely reserved for African footballers plying their trade in their domestic leagues and will be co-hosted Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania between 1-28 February, 2025. The CAF African Nations Championship will take place from 1-28 February, 2025 in the three countries: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament will be graced by several of African football’s powerhouse nations, including reigning champions Senegal, who edged 2022 hosts Algeria in the final in Algiers three years ago to lift the title for the first time. As in previous editions, the CHAN 2024 promises to be a unique showcase of African football and a stepping stone for emerging talent to shine, such as Lamine Camara (21), who has since become a global star and was recently voted Young Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards.