Football - News Agency Of Nigeria

NANPF demands contract compliance to safeguard players

Tosin Kolade
Aug, Sun, 2025

Sports

NANPF demands contract compliance to safeguard players

By Victor Okoye

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has urged the Nigeria Football Federation Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee (NFF-PSAC) to urgently convene and resolve more than 100 outstanding contractual disputes.

The call comes as the 2025/2026 football season is set to kick off later this month.

According to the union, the unresolved cases include illegal contract terminations, unpaid salaries, outstanding transfer fees, and the withholding of players’ clearances.

The union said such issues directly threaten the welfare and careers of affected players.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NANPF President and former international, Sunday Abe, expressed concern over the number of cases and the potential impact on the integrity of the domestic league.

“More than 100 cases require immediate attention. If left unresolved, they could seriously derail the careers of many players.

“The league exists because of the players, and their rights must be protected, “Abe said.

He added that while the union appreciates the past efforts of the NFF-PSAC, time is of the essence, and the committee must act swiftly to address the backlog before the season begins.

“Addressing these disputes will not only restore confidence in the system but also promote fairness and professionalism across the league,” he said.

The NANPF stressed that timely resolutions would encourage greater transparency and accountability among clubs and league administrators, while also fostering trust within the football community.

The players’ union reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding players’ rights as the season approaches.

It urged all football authorities to ensure clubs fulfil contractual obligations at every level of the Nigerian league system. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Okwaraji foundation unveils schools football tournament

Lydia Beshel
Aug, Mon, 2025

General News

Okwaraji foundation unveils schools football tournament

Okwaraji

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Samuel Okwaraji Foundation has unveiled an annual U-16 football competition for secondary schools in memory of late Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Okwaraji.

Secretary of the foundation, Chidozie Achonwa, revealed this on Sunday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Achonwa said the foundation’s president, Patrick Okwaraji — eldest brother of the late footballer — initiated the event to preserve Okwaraji’s legacy and support grassroots football.

“Nigerians see late Okwaraji as a football hero who died in active service,” Achonwa said.

He noted that the competition would also help reach families of former athletes neglected by stakeholders, including government.

According to him, the tournament will be held in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation, National Sports Commission, Senate and House Committees on Sports, and SWAN.

“We developed the idea and presented it to the NFF. They deliberated and approved it, and we are grateful for their support,” he said.

He added the tournament would offer a platform for talented youths, particularly those lacking exposure, to showcase their skills.

“People across and beyond Nigeria will see these young players, thanks to modern information technology,” Achonwa added.

He said football unites Nigerians, reducing crime, as even criminals pause to watch national matches.

“When a boy from Zamfara plays against another from Imo, friendship can begin,” he said.

Achonwa stressed that Nigeria could gain much by developing grassroots football under the foundation’s initiative.

The competition will begin at state level, where one school will qualify from each of the 36 states and the FCT.

It will then move to zonal eliminations before the final event, which will be held in either Lagos or Abuja.

“This will promote national unity and offer young people a platform to market themselves,” Achonwa explained.

He added that national and club coaches would attend the event to scout fresh talent.

“Each geopolitical zone will produce two schools, making 12 finalists for the championship,” he said.

Before kick-off, a Samuel Okwaraji Memorial Lecture will be held to enlighten participants.

“The lecture will teach patriotism and what it means to serve and die for one’s country,” Achonwa stated.

However, he revealed that funding remains the foundation’s biggest challenge.

He appealed for support from government, corporate, and public bodies to honour Okwaraji’s sacrifice.

“This competition is long overdue due to sponsorship delays, but better late than never,” he said.

The exact date is yet to be announced, pending final discussions with the Sports Commission and other partners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

South-West region emerges winner of FAAN regional football competition

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Wed, 2025

Sports

South-West region emerges winner of FAAN regional football competition

By Gabriel Agbeja

The South- West region of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of FAAN regional football competition held in Abuja.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the tournament that commenced on June 16.

Kuku, who was represented by Mr Rindap Domtur, the FAAN Acting Regional Manager of North Central, said experience and dedication of the South West regional staff to football were responsible for their outstanding performance.

She also commended North-West and South-East regions for taking second and third position respectively, while urging rest regions to put in more efforts in the following edition.

According to her, the authority will continue to improve staff fitness and teamwork through sporting activities.

“I am happy and fulfilled that there is no casualty in the game. That is the spirit of the game. We are not here for war, we are here to play.

“This is a maiden competition. The next edition is going to be better than this, especially in the area of kits availability and accommodations that we will improve upon.

“This sport festival has really unified us. We are planning for a female football competition, other sporting activities will equally be done soon apart from football, “ she added.

Also speaking, Mr Olatokunbo Arewa, Regional General Manager of South- West, FAAN, appreciated the management for organising the tournament to enhance teamwork among staff toward common purpose.

Arewa, who was represented by Mr Eidenagbon Austine, the International Terminal Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos attributed the motivation gained by South- West regional players before and during the competition led to their outstanding performance.

“Lagos airport is a pathfinder, what happens there must replicate itself in other airports across the country. Being a flash point area, we have been doing sporting activity there for a long there.

“Really, this sporting activity is about love, unity, friendliness, togetherness. We want to beg management for a continuation.

“It should be a continuous process so that FAAN resilient, dedicated and hardworking staff will be fit for their daily jobs, “ he added.

In her comment, Chairman, FAAN Staff Sport Committee, Mrs Gladys Omotosho, commended all staff who participated in the tournament across the country.

Omotosho, who is also the General Manager, FAAN Welfare Management Services, said the tournament would definitely enhance efficiency and effectiveness of FAAN staff.

“It has been very exciting. It has brought some people from different backgrounds and different airports together.

“Some of them are flying and meeting new people for the first time. It is going to create a formidable team that will drive a productivity that FAAN Managing Director is looking for in her staff.

”It is going to create an opportunity for people to give their best, knowing that they have a Managing Director that knows how best to take care of her staff,“ said.

She added that the efforts aimed at preparing them for bigger tournaments like the Federal Civil Service Game. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Ismail Abdulaziz
Dec, Tue, 2024

Football

2025: Nigerian Football Stars to Watch

By Daniel Obaje

As Nigerian football gains global recognition, these players are set to make a significant impact in 2025. Here’s a closer look at the stars to watch:

1. Ademola Lookman (Winger, Atalanta)

Ademola Lookman’s performances for Atalanta in Serie A have earned him a nomination for the prestigious African Player of the Year award.

Known for pace and creativity, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season.

With a market value of 30 million Euro, he remains a crucial figure in Nigeria’s attacking setup and is expected to take his career to new heights.

2. Victor Osimhen (Forward, Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, continues to his legacy as one of Africa’s finest strikers.

Having already notched up goals and assists this season, the 120 million Euro-rated forward is on for another groundbreaking transfer.

3. Calvin Bassey (Defender, Fulham)

Fulham’s Calvin Bassey has proven to be a dependable and versatile defender in the Premier League.

Whether as a center-back or full-back, his solid displays have made him a vital player for both club and country.

With a current market value of 15 million Euro, Bassey’s influence in Nigerian football continues to grow.

4. Alex Iwobi (Midfielder/Winger, Fulham)

Alex Iwobi’s creativity and versatility have been crucial for Fulham since his move from Everton.

His ability to play across the midfield and attack makes him a key player for the Super Eagles. Iwobi’s market value stands at 18 million Euro, reflecting his importance on and off the pitch.

5. Wilfred Ndidi (Defensive Midfielder, Leicester City)

Wilfred Ndidi remains one of Europe’s most consistent defensive midfielders.

With his exceptional ball-winning skills, he played a key role in Leicester City’s push for promotion to the Premier League.

Valued at 25 million Euro, Ndidi continues to be a backbone for the Super Eagles’ midfield.

6. Moses Simon (Winger, Levante)

Moses Simon’s speed and dribbling ability make him a standout in La Liga for Levante.

A vital player for both club and Nigeria, Simon’s creativity ensures he is always in demand. His market value is currently 10 million Euro.

7. Umar Sadiq (Forward, Real Sociedad)

Umar Sadiq has been a revelation for Real Sociedad, with his aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability proving invaluable in Ligue 1.

With a market value of 15 million Euro, Sadiq is set to become a more prominent figure in Nigerian football in the coming years.

8. Igoh Ogbu (Defender, Slavia Prague)

Igoh Ogbu has cemented his status as a defensive stalwart at Slavia Prague, excelling in European and domestic competitions.

The 4 million Euro-rated center-back is increasingly becoming a leader in Nigeria’s defense.

9. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Midfielder, Lazio)

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s loan spell at Lazio has been a breakthrough for the young midfielder.

Known for his energy and attacking contributions, Dele-Bashiru is carving out a reputation as a dynamic force. His market value is 3.7 million Euro.

10. Gift Orban (Forward, KAA Gent)

Gift Orban continues to capture attention with his goal-scoring exploits for KAA Gent in the Belgian Pro League.

Valued at 25 million Euro and linked with a move to the Premier League, Orban is widely regarded as the future of Nigerian football

These players represent the next generation of Nigerian talent, excelling across Europe’s toughest leagues.

With Lookman’s African Player of the Year nomination leading the charge, 2025 promises to be a monumental year for Nigerian football.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NNPC Ltd pledges collaboration with sports stakeholders to revamp football

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Nov, Fri, 2024

Oil & Gas

NNPC Ltd pledges collaboration with sports stakeholders to revamp football

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has pledged to work closely with stakeholders in the sports sector to develop and commercialise sports, especially football, in Nigeria.

Mr Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC Ltd., made the pledge on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), the International Management Group (IMG) and the Afrosport Network, at the NNPC Towers.

Kyari, while addressing the delegation led by Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of NSC, said NNPC Ltd. was ready to be part of the initiative to revamp the nation’s football.

Kyari, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. expressed delight that the company was identified as a critical partner in the journey of making the country’s football sector work again.

“NNPC will be a prime partner in the journey to bring back value to our football, to reshape it, re-engineer it and bring happiness to our people,” Kyari stated.

He identified football as a tool of immense value that could bring untold benefits to the Nigerian economy and to the NNPC Ltd., as a company.

Speaking earlier, Dikko said football was fundamental to the economies of the best footballing countries in the world.

He added that President Bola Tinubu had already demanded immediate action to revamp the game.

He said that the multiplier effects of football were enormous and could facilitate the revamping of related industries across the value chain.

Dikko noted that IMG, which promotes the English Premier League, was invited as a technical partner to leverage their experience in the sport.

It would be recalled that NNPC Ltd. once had a football club, the NNPC FC, based in Warri, Delta, which played in the Division One of the then Nigeria National League before it was disbanded in 1989. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

0Edited by Emmanuel Afonne