NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

Tag NFF

Sport

Eagles over cloud, ready to soar – NFF

Eagles over cloud, ready to soar – NFF
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Eagles
Lagos, June 19, 2018 (NAN) Seyi Akinwunmi, the first Vice-President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday said the Super Eagles had put behind them the disappointment of defeat by Croatia to face the next matches.
He said that the Eagles were now ready to go for the maximum points in their remaining encounters in Group D at the FIFA World Cup.
Akinwunmi’s words of assurance were contained in a statement by the Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, on Tuesday in Lagos.
He quoted the Chairman of NFF organising committee saying the football house is expecting a match winning performance against Iceland on Friday.
“Akinwunmi told a gathering of the cream of Nigeria’s media representatives in Saint Petersburg that the NFF expected a match-winning performance from the three-time African champions against Iceland on Friday.
“Like all Nigerians back home, and like the team itself, the NFF was not happy with the loss to Croatia. But the Eagles have climbed that cloud now and ready to conquer.
“They have put behind them the defeat and looking ahead with determination to the remaining two games.
“I can confirm to you that the team is not lacking motivation in any way. Our agreement with them was that they would get their entire money for the group phase once they qualify.”
He added that “it is not a match-by-match basis. So, they are aware that if they win the remaining matches or just achieve the minimum to qualify from the group.
“’Regardless of this, they will still earn the money for all three matches.”
Akinwunmi praised Sports and Youth Development Minister, Solomon Dalung, for rallying Nigerians behind the team and staying behind in Russia to support the team in the remaining matches.
“We cannot fully express our appreciation to the Sports Minister, who has called on Nigerians to keep supporting the team and personally expressed belief in the team’s ability to reach the knockout rounds.
“We still have him with us here in Russia and he will lead the delegation to the match against Iceland in Volgograd.
“The Sports Minister led a Federal Government delegation to Russia and led the delegation to Kaliningrad for the first match, alongside the Nigeria Ambassador, Prof. Steve Davies Ugbah.
He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to speak to the team before the match, adding that government support is total for the team.
According to him, motivation is huge, so they have no reason not to go all out on Friday.
“Dalung also greatly inspired the Eagles during the qualifying race, personally leading the delegation to the matches in Zambia and Cameroon.
“He was also on ground in Uyo for all the home matches against Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia.
“It is now left for the team to go all out and give Nigerians joy by winning their remaining games.
“He also disclosed that the Eagles will depart their Essentuki team camp in the Stavropol region of Russia to Volgograd on Thursday, ahead of Friday evening’s clash,’’ the statement read in part. (NAN)
KOJE/ENN/MST
Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Sport

2018 World Cup: NFF has paid $2.8m to Super Eagles, Pinnick says

NFF
By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt, May 22, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commenced the payment of 30 per cent allowance to its players and coaches participating in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, an official said.

The NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, made the disclosure in Port Harcourt on Tuesday at a seminar jointly organised by The Sun Newspapers and the Rivers Government.

He said the sum of 2.8 million US dollars (about N1.08 billion) out of the eight million dollars from FIFA was currently being shared amongst Super Eagles players and coaches.

“The early payment is part of an agreement reached between the NFF and the players and coaches in November 2017.

“We met with the players and ironed out various issues which ranged from allowances to transportation from their bases, among others.

“At the meeting, the players demanded 30 per cent of the eight million dollars (about N2.9 billion) from FIFA, and this amounts to 2.8 million dollars. We also offered them 50 per cent if they reach the final.

“As I speak, the players’ accounts are being credited with 2.8 million dollars that we agreed and signed with them,” Pinnick said.

The NFF President said the early payment was aimed at motivating the players to perform at their optimum level at the mundial starting on June 14.

He expressed optimism that the team would emerge from their group and possibly reach the semi finals or final of the competition.

“It beats my imagination when people say Nigeria cannot win the World Cup. We can win the World Cup, because it is a game of 11 players against 11 players.

“Winning the World Cup boils down to preparation and the commitment to win. The NFF is committed to winning the Cup, and this informed our decision of lining up several friendly matches for the team,” Pinnick said.

He said the Super Eagles jersey was now rated number one in terms of number sold in the world by Nike.

“Three million shirts have already been ordered by fans globally,’’ the NFF president said.

Also speaking, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers said the state government would continue to support the NFF and Super Eagles team to win the World Cup.

He said the team has the same opportunity just like other participating teams to win the mundial and make the country proud.

“The Super Eagles performed well in the qualifying games, and so the team needs all the support, love and prayers of Nigerians to do well in Russia.

“The Rivers government will not relent in supporting the team. We have a nice package for the team, which we shall unveil at the appropriate time,” Wike said.

Adegboye Onigbinde, a former coach of Super Eagles, said the team would have better chances of winning the mundial with early preparation.

“We need to develop our football standard by discovering talents and nurturing them to win the World Cup,” he said.(NAN)
DES/JEO/OLAL
=============

(Edited by Janefrances Oraka and Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

FIFA World Cup: Trophy begins 4-day tour of Nigeria in Abuja Wednesday 

NAN-S-6
Trophy
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, March 6, 2018 (NAN) The original trophy to be handed over to the 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15 will arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on its website on Tuesday that the trophy will arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard a chartered flight at 11 a.m.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trophy is on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the 21st FIFA World Cup.

The competition is scheduled for June 14 to July 15 in Russia.

The federation said the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and several others will receive the trophy.

“From the airport the trophy, accompanied by several other officials, will make its way to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel for a press conference to be addressed by Coca-Cola officials.

“It will then be on its way to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, where President Muhammadu Buhari will have a feel of the trophy and deliver a welcome remark,’’ the NFF said.

On Thursday, a whole-day consumer viewing of the trophy is planned for the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

The trophy and its accompanying team will then fly into Lagos on Friday morning, to be received by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and NFF First Vice-President Seyi Akinwunmi.

There will be a consumer viewing of the trophy at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday, before the trophy departs Nigeria in the evening.

This is the fourth Global Tour by the FIFA World Cup Trophy, and the third time it will be visiting Nigeria.(NAN)
KOA/FF/OLAL
===========

(Edited by Fela Fashoro and Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Dalung says he’s still waiting for report of NFF’s committee on FIFA sanction

NAN-S-23
Committee
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, Feb. 13, 2018 (NAN) Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youths and Sports, says he is still waiting to act as may be necessary over Nigeria being sanctioned in November by world football governing body FIFA.

Dalung, while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, said he was still waiting for the reaction of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to the sanction before deciding on what to do.

“I am awaiting the report of the NFF committee on the matter before taking the next step,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FIFA had sanctioned Nigeria for fielding an ineligible player in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Algeria on Nov. 10.

FIFA had gone on to award the match’s three points and three goals to Algeria, after a suspended Shehu Abdullahi was fielded in the match which ended 1-1.

The world football governing body also fined Nigeria 6,000 Swiss francs for the offence.

Speaking on the Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2018 World Cup, Dalung said all arrangements were in top gear.

“Friendly matches have been lined up for the Super Eagles ahead of the World Cup.

“Preparations are in top gear, and we have reviewed our welfare packages and we plan to make prompt payments to ensure that players are motivated.

“The welfare of players is very key, because it will not only motivate them, but build in them confidence and trust.

“Also, the National Technical Director should be given the complete free hand in the choice of players and the management of the team. Everybody should limit himself to his responsibility.

“This means nobody should interfere so that we can hold him, at the end of the day, accountable. But when you have interference, we will not be able to hold him accountable,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Nigeria will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D of the first round of competition at the World Cup.(NAN)
DE/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Morocco 2018: Fans urge NFF to ensure CHAN Super Eagles get good attention

NAN-S-7
Attention
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Nov. 18, 2017 (NAN) Football fans in Ebonyi have urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give the CHAN Super Eagles the same level of attention it presently gives the Super Eagles Team A.

The fans, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abakaliki, were reacting to the CHAN 2018 Final Draw held on Friday in Rabat, Morocco.

NAN reports that Nigeria has been drawn in Group C based in Tangier alongside Libya, Equatorial Guinea and Rwanda, with the competition holding from Jan.13 to Feb. 4.

Emmanuel Anya, former Chief Press Secretary to Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, advised that preparations should commence immediately with the conduct of the draws.

“The team’s coaches should immediately submit their preparation plans to the NFF which in turn should put modalities in place to ensure a successful performance at the competition.

“The relevant football authorities should understand that Nigerians are passionate about their national teams, whether it is the female teams, the CHAN team, the Super Eagles or any other,” he said.

Hillary Obiesie, Secretary of Ebonyi Sports Council, advised the NFF to immediately convene a meeting with the CHAN Super Eagles coaches and players.

He said this was necessary to solve problems associated with match bonuses and other allowances.

“The same meeting held with the Team A should be convened immediately to prevent bonus row situations as recorded during the last WAFU Nations Cup in Ghana.

The relevant football authorities should also understand that most of the players currently in the Team A passed through the country’s domestic league.

“So, they should pay equal attention to the CHAN Super Eagles team, and not make them feel inferior,” Obiesie said.

Martin Asokuh, a mining expert and football buff, urged the NFF to engage Rohr in the CHAN Eagles’ team preparation and participation in the competition for the country’s overall benefit.

“Rohr by designation should supervise the entire national teams as his technical expertise will correct the team’s flaws which were noticed during the qualifiers and the WAFU Nations Cup.

“The Eagles Team A would fortunately be free during the CHAN 2018 period and it will afford Rohr the opportunity of discovering players that should compete for selection for the World Cup of June,” he said.

Thelma Nwadike, a teacher and football enthusiast, urged the NFF to organise for the team friendly matches with participating countries for an effective team preparation.

“Efforts should be intensified to improve on the team’s third-place finish at the 2014 edition in South Africa,” she said.(NAN)
RCO/OLAL
==========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Beninoise to officiate Nigeria/Morocco encounter

NAN-S-16
Officials
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 14, 2017 (NAN) The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Aurore Ligan of Benin Republic as centre referee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup second round fixture involving Nigeria and Morocco.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Falconets will lock horns with their Moroccan counterparts on Saturday in the second leg qualifier at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Ligan will be assisted by compatriots Tempa Fouti Da (Assistant Referee 1), Sonia Louis (Assistant Referee 2) and Beatrice Gouchoedou (Fourth Official).

The match commissioner is Souadatou Djallo-Kalkaba from Cameroon while Ivorian Athacou Agathe will be the referee assessor.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disclosed that the players and officials of the U-20 women national team of Morocco would arrive in Lagos in the early hours of Wednesday.

“The delegation from Morocco will then be flown to Benin City, venue of Saturday’s clash, on Wednesday evening,’’ the federation said in a statement on Tuesday.

NAN reports that the first leg match in Sale on Nov. 5 ended in a 1-1 draw, and the winners on aggregate will qualify for the final round of the African qualification series.(NAN)
BAY/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

World Cup Qualification: Rohr hails NFF for Eagles’ success, as Idowu joins team

NAN-S-2
Eagles
Abuja, Nov. 12, 2017 (NAN) Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has hailed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the “professional and committed manner” it handled the team’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles were Africa’s first qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup slated for Russia in the process.

Not only were the three-time African champions unbeaten in what was styled “Group of Death’’, the Eagles picked the ultimate prize in that group with a game to spare.

Rohr, in a statement on the NFF website, said NFF’s professional approach to the team’s preparations for all their six qualifiers played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

“For sure, we must commend the NFF for the role they played right from that game in Ndola against Zambia to last Friday’s game in Constantine against Algeria.

“Apart from putting together excellent arrangements for our games at home, they ensured we travelled in comfort to all our away games.

“And the fact that our away travels were always direct on chartered flights made sure we had very good recovery period between games.

“This also helped to manage the few days we usually have because of the congested and very small number of the FIFA international days,” Rohr said.

Nigeria won four games and drew two to finish top of their group with 14 points, six ahead of second-placed Zambia.

In both drawn games away from home, they were pegged back by late penalty kicks to the hosts in the dying minutes.

This, no doubt, underlined the Super Eagles’ praiseworthy performance throughout the campaign.

Rohr said this was down to paying attention to little details.

“From the time the draw was made for the group series of the qualifiers, we knew that in a difficult group like the one we were in, the difference between success and failure could be down to little things that most people would take for granted.

“But, I am happy that the NFF were very professional, passionate and committed to the cause.

“Their great planning and arrangements made the players to focus on the football only. So, we got the best out of them.

“Now we cannot rest on our oars because there is a bigger challenge ahead of us. We have to prepare better and focus even more as we get set for the World Cup next year,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NFF has disclosed that Russia-based Bryan Idowu on Saturday night joined up with the rest of the Super Eagles squad after they arrived in Krasnodar, Russia.

In a video posted on the NFF Twitter handle, Idowu said: “It’s a big privilege for me to be part of this great squad. I will definitely give my best in order to remain a part of this team.

“It’s a big honour for me to be called into the Super Eagles. I will give this opportunity my very best shot so (that) I can stay here for a long time.

“I believe this team will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians at the World Cup next year,” he said.
Krasnodar will host Tuesday’s international friendly between Nigeria and Argentina.(NAN)
VO/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

NFF signs partnership agreements with TGI Group, PayPorte.com

NAN-S-1
Agreements
Uyo, Oct. 7, 2017 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has signed partnership agreements with two companies, Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group and Pay Porte.Com , for the sponsorship of the Super Eagles.

The partnership which will last for three years will make TGI Group’s products, such as Big Bull Rice, Chivita, Hollandia Yoghurt and Renew Starch, the official food of the Super Eagles.

The agreement with the PayPorte.Com on the other hand will make the company the official online shop for sales of Eagles’ jerseys for the next three years.

Signing the agreement on Friday in Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Executive Director of TGI Group, Onyekachi Onubogu, noted that football is a unifying factor in Nigeria.

Onubogu, who represented the TGI Group Managing Director, Rahul Savara, said: “We are enormously ecstatic to come on board as supporters of the Nigerian national football teams.

“The sponsorship is a further demonstration of the commitment of our business to the development of Nigeria in all facets.

“We strongly believe in our investments in the agricultural value chain and its impact on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“And this new partnership we are starting with the NFF will allow us to expand our footprints to the development of football in the country.

“We are resolutely committed to increasing our investments in the Nigerian economy, increasing employment and local content while supporting the communities we operate in,” Onubogu said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PayPorte.Com, Eyo Bassey, said his company decided to partner with NFF as its own corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Bassey, who signed the agreement on behalf of his company, said his company intended to create an authentic and internationally accepted platform, where Nigerians can access sports merchandise.

“This is a strategic partnership, as we are the preferred e-commerce company in this part of the world.

“We have come to associate with NFF to reach out to our customers. We want to assist NFF to promote grassroots football in Nigeria,” Bassey said.

The NFF chairman, Amaju Pinnick, signed the two agreements on behalf of NFF.

Pinnick said the private sector partnership with NFF was borne out of the transparent ways his board members had handled football affairs so far.

“The opportunity to have the support of TGI Group and the reward for the `Man of the Match’ award will have a huge benefit for the team to achieve our goals.

“We also talk a lot about creating memories and no doubt working with TGI Group will create some fantastic memories,” Pinnick said.

He called on all corporate organisations in Nigeria to support NFF and other sports activities in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the NFF board, its Second Vice-President, Shehu Dikko, said it was gratifying to have Payporte.Com as the official online store for Super Eagles.

“We hope to make money from this partnership and the more money we make, the more growth we will have in football,” he said.

Dikko urged Nigerians to support the partnership for the next three years for the growth of football in Nigeria.(NAN)
BB/OLAL
========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Eagles officials say Ezenwa to start in goal as Ajiboye replaces injured Akpeyi

NAN-S-20
Goalkeeper
Abuja, Aug. 30, 2017 (NAN) Ikechukwu Ezenwa is expected to start in goal for the Super Eagles against Cameroon in Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo, according to the team’s officials.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement on Wednesday, said the team’s officials announced this at their press conference held at the Ibom Meridien Hotel in Uyo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ezenwa captained Nigeria’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) squad which eliminated Benin Republic on Aug. 20 to qualify for the 2018 event in Kenya.

Meanwhile, South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has finally been ruled out of Friday’s action as a result of injury.

He was in goal in the November 2016 3-1 win over Algeria at the same Uyo venue,

Consequently, former junior international Dele Ajiboye, who is number one goalkeeper for Nigeria Professional Football League leaders Plateau United, has been called in to replace Akpeyi.

Also, the NFF said in the statement it was yet to get any form of information on the visiting Cameroon team’s arrival time in Uyo.

“As at Wednesday afternoon, there had been no definite word from the Cameroonians to the NFF as to their arrival time or mode of transport into Nigeria.”

NAN reports that Friday’s match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will kick off at 5 p.m.(NAN)
VO/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Pinnick’s victory an opportunity for Nigeria to reassert itself in world football, SWAN says

 

NAN-S-23
Opportunity
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, March 17, 2017 (NAN) The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) says Amaju Pinnick’s election into the CAF Executive Committee has presented Nigeria an opportunity to realign and reassert itself as a major football power.

While congratulating Pinnick who was elected in Addis Ababa on Thursday, SWAN said Pinnick’s election offers Nigeria a fresh opportunity to be among the leading players in world football.

“While we congratulate you on this resounding victory, we also wish to remind you that it is an opportunity we must all grab with both hands.

“This is because it offers us the fresh opportunity to be among the leading players in world football.

“It is an opportunity for Nigeria to realign and reassert itself as a major football power,’’ SWAN said in the letter signed by its Secretary-General, Olawale Alabi, on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Presidential and Executive Committee Elections were held at the 39th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Ethiopia.

The elections also saw the emergence of Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar as the new CAF President, following a 34-20 defeat of Issa Hayatou of Cameroon.

SWAN also said it was confident in the abilities of Pinnick, who is Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President to ensure maximum benefits for Nigerian football in all the necessary areas.

“Pinnick’s election is an opportunity not only for him as an individual we so much believe in his abilities, but for Nigerian football in general.

“We are therefore hopeful that all members of the Nigerian football family, ranging from young and elite footballers, coaches, referees, administrators, sports journalists, sponsors, fans, et cetera, will with time feel the impact of your being on the CAF Executive Committee.’’

The Association further called for support for Pinnick from the entire Nigerian football family for him to be able to actualise the mandate of helping to uplift football in Africa.

“It is now no longer his call alone, but that of Nigeria, and we enjoin all stakeholders to rally round Pinnick for him to be able to deliver on the job.

“Being on the CAF Executive Committee should not be the end of the journey for any Nigerian football stakeholder who has been well accepted in the way Pinnick’s victory suggests.

“Bigger opportunities are there ahead for any Nigerian who dares to aspire, once we all rally round to lend support.’’

SWAN also congratulated the new CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, on his election, and reminded him of the need to take immediate steps to ensure the change he has brought about is full of positive gains.

“Many football enthusiasts have so much hope in the change you have promised, and they will all be expectant that you will in a very short time ensure there are positive gains for African football.’’

The Nigerian sports writing body did not fail to praise former CAF President Issa Hayatou for his magnanimity and past efforts.

“Hayatou has done his best, and really deserves praise for his magnanimity in conceding defeat and not leaving the confederation in a state of rancour out of unbridled ambition to continue in office.

“It is noteworthy that he has also left behind worthy legacies, which have seen CAF become financially healthier in the last few years, and he therefore deserves praise.’’(NAN)
DE/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)