READ: COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF NFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING ON FRIDAY, 24TH APRIL 2020

The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation met via video conferencing on Friday, 24th April 2020 to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian Football and resolved as follows:

1. The Executive Committee praised the Federal Government on the various policies, strategies and methods that have been put in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) that has ravaged most of the nations of the world in the past weeks, noting that the FG’s measures have been professional, practical and all-encompassing, and meeting with considerable success. Members also commended the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and all the public health workers in the frontline in reducing community transmission and saving lives.

2. In deep appreciation of the realities that are bound to unfold after the COVID-19 pandemic and the resumption of football activities, and the various scenarios possible in the circumstances (for which the discerning can already glean a sneak preview), the Board set up an ad-hoc committee headed by the President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to interface with the Federation’s partners and sponsors in the next weeks with a view to appraising, balancing and optimising the relationship each way with a model that will take care of the interest of all parties within the realities on ground.

3. Board mandated the General Secretary to, within the next four (4) weeks, and armed with the realistic projections derivable from the meetings with the partners/sponsors and equipped with new figures from probable subvention from Government and expected grants from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and world –governing body FIFA, submit to the Board a revised budget for the Federation for the year. This will form the new working document/financial estimate that will be submitted to the NFF Congress for approval at a virtual meeting within the next five weeks, and will guide the operations of the NFF for the remaining part of the year. Extensive sensitisation and mobilisation of stakeholders in the football family will be done for everyone to understand, align with and ingest the new workplan.

4. In line with these new realities, the Federation will prioritize programs, activities and competitions in which to partake, with the engagement of the senior teams being the fulcrum. The President and General Secretary are mandated to cut down expenses from all areas possible and enforce belt-tightening measures in the running of the Federation, to ensure the Federation operates only within the framework of guaranteed revenue.

5. The Board received and endorsed the report of a virtual meeting of the League Management Company and NPFL clubs held on Thursday, 23rd April 2020 and at which decisions were taken including commitment to: conclude the League season after the COVID-19 and resumption of football activities; consider the most plausible format for conclusion of the remaining games; continue to communicate with the Clubs and ensure commitment by the clubs to continuous payment of the salaries of their players, coaches and backroom staff under the current circumstances; arrange testing for all players, coaches and backroom staff (about 1,200 persons in all) before the commencement of matches, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC; await realities thence to determine whether matches will be played with crowds or not immediately after the restart; give priority to privately-funded clubs for special funds if the LMC secures any exceptional support and; ensure that the LMC and NPFL continue to cogitate on the best way forward for the game this season and coming seasons.

6. In the same vein, the Chairmen of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nigeria Nationwide League also presented their projections, with all the three prepared to adjust their programs to align with the 6-8 weeks window agreed with at a virtual meeting of the NFF Board and the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare on Thursday, 16th April 2020.

7. The Committee mandated the President to meet with the Federation’s Official Optimum Partner, AITEO specially to discuss matters involving the AITEO Cup 2020 competition and payment of coaches’ salaries. The NFF will create windows for the various stages of the AITEO Cup competition to run its full course in order for Nigeria to register her representatives for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup competition. Similarly, the NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship, which state competitions have already been concluded (with some zones having also completed their competitions) will run its full course immediately after the COVID-19 and resumption of football activities.

8. Following a report by the General Secretary on the recent visit of the FIFA West Zone B Coordinator to Nigeria in respect of NFF’s FIFA Forward Project, the Board approved the commencement of construction of the new projects in Delta and Kebbi States, renewed attention to the abandoned project in Bauchi and the renovation of the Goal Project inside the National Stadium Complex, Abuja (complete with a new pitch and pavillion).

IN ATTENDANCE: Amaju Melvin Pinnick (President); Seyi Akinwunmi (1st Vice President); Shehu Dikko (2nd Vice President); Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Member); Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member); Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Babagana Kalli (Member); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Ganiyu Majekodunmi (Member); Emmanuel Ibah (Member); Chidi Ofo Okenwa (Member); Aisha Falode (Member); Mohammed Alkali (Member); Mohammed Sanusi (Secretary)

ABSENT WITH APOLOGY: Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Musa A. Duhu (Member)

©NFFMEDIA

Advertisement

2016 NPFL: The Highs, the lows and ways forward

The 45th Nigeria Professional Football League season kicked-off on Saturday 20th February 2016 and ended exactly a month ago, it was a huge turn around in so many ways with Rangers international football club of Enugu claiming the trophy at the end after 32 years of trophy drought.

The Imama Amapakabo led side started the season with a 3-2 loss at the home of 2014 league champions Kano pillars but ended with a 4-0 thumping of Ladan Bosso tutored side El-kanemi warriors at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu (The Cathedral).

@RangersIntFC were no doubt worthy champions as they were the only team to garner double digits of away points (12) in the second round of the season.  compared to their fellow contenders (Rivers united and Wikki tourists).

The league also witnessed developments on several fronts which included partnership with different companies part of which saw NPFL players, Administrators and some selected media travel to Spain in a partnership with LaLiga.

Looking back at the Highs and Lows in the recently concluded season, and ways to make the league better come next season, 9jagoal conducted interviews across different locations seeking opinions of football fans and some stakeholders of the game and here are what they have to say…..

Favour

Ofonakara Favour- Anambra state

Favour highlighted Fans turnout, Friday night games, simultaneous airing of matches and the increase in wins away from home as some of the positives from the just concluded NPFL season.

He however mentioned constant report of violent conduct of fans, assault on match officials which mostly lead to abandoning of matches, biased officiating, bad condition of stadia, non-payment of player’s salaries and match bonuses. Saying ”(Monkey go dey work and baboon go dey chop”) as some of the negative side of the just concluded season.

Going forward, Favour said “We live in a country where making and formulating laws and rules is never a problem, where we fail woefully is implementing the rules”. He encouraged the LMC to stand without fear or favour firmly on any decision they take or any rule they set no matter who its against.
He opined that security should be beefed up more on match venues to curb the issue of violence during or after matches and anyone caught, fans or officials should be punished severely as a lesson to others.

Ubong at the nest of champions

Ubong- Uyo, Akwa ibom

“Last season, well, like other
seasons had its own highs, lows and a fair share of drama”.

When asked about the drama, Ubong said:

“I won’t forget the bee invasion that disrupted the 4-0 bashing of Warri wolves in Bauchi by their host, Wikki Tourists and also the fiasco-of-a-trophy-parade by Enugu Rangers. Even father Abraham’s great grand mother wouldn’t approve that truck for a parade of any kind”…He smiled.

He mentioned also how LMC sang an unfortunate melody for Giwa FC which got them expelled, reinstated and expelled again as another drama.

For his positives, he said;
“Rangers finally laid their hands on a trophy after 32 years of dreaming. Thanks to their superb consistency all season long”.

For the negative(s),
Ubong said Ifeanyi Egwim’s final match-day injury which got even his opponents crying out of pity and the relegation of Heartland FC and Warri Wolves, two traditional league powerhouses who couldn’t retain their NPFL Club league status for another season which was a huge low for lovers of the game like himself as his negatives.

Afis

Jinadu Afis Olayiwola, Lagos

“One of my major positives is to see El-Kanemi Warriors back at their home ground in Maiduguri”.

“The large turnout of fans and also. Rangers FC ending their 32years of bareness to emerge as Champions to the delight of the people of Enugu who always filled the stadium for every home game they played”.

“However my low point of the season came after week 13 and has to be when Giwa FC was ordered to play it home matches away from home by the League Management Company when they were found guilty of crowd violence, result which lead Giwa FC not to honour  three fixtures and they were those against Wikki Tourist (MD14), Akwa Utd (MD16) and Enyimba of Aba (MD18). Some that led to series of court battle”

“Officiating, Security are where we need to improve upon going into next season” Afiz said.

He further stressed that more games from the North should be on TV and that the LMC media should make available the highlight of matches to National Tv stations hours after the games.

Dimeji with colleagues

Oladimeji Oshode- A Lagos based sports journalist

“My high point of the league are basically the introduction of Friday night football & also seeing some live games on TV. This has really assisted the league to improve beyond our expectations”.

“While My low point was when Giwa FC decided not to adhere to the rules & regulations of LMC, dragging the LMC to court & also trying to arrest the Chief Operating Officer & Chairman of the League”.

When asked what are the ways forward, Dimeji said;

“The way forward is numerous but I will start by saying more games should be live on TV, strict actions should be given to dafaulters of the league & try to encourage more fans to the stadium thou they have done a good job on that but it can be improved upon”.

Jose'missa at NAS

Jose’missa- Enugu

“My high point of last season was the crowd attendance at stadiums, increase number of games on television and the evolution of new football philosophy by some clubs”

Jose also pointed fingers at the Giwa FC saga as one of the negatives of the concluded season. He however mentioned shameful officiating towards the end of the league and stadium violence recorded in some centers as other negative.

He then encouraged the league organisers and clubs to educate their fans ahead of the new season.

Ichull

Ichull Lordson -Nasarawa united player

Talking about great deeds that happen to the NPFL this season, “I was so surprised to see the league come to conclusion at the fixed time the organisers fixed the ending of it, with all the Giwa saga still the LMC stood it ground to finish the league when due, that’s was my highs in the league”

“But my low point of the league is  discipline of the referees to handle most of the second half of the season was very poor, after all the good works the LMC put together to make the league one of the best, still the referees try to mess the good work up at the dine minutes”.

Looking at ways forward, “it is all about us, why I said us is that it involves us all”. “First let’s all respect each others contract, let’s work according to the laws of the game, let’s stop imposing our own selfish laws to guild the league in our country”.

Ichull also went further by saying “The organisers should also make sure they look into contract terms of both parties involve, meaning players and coaches contract with the clubs, and the issues of referees killing clubs joy for reasons best know to them”. 

He stated Players welfarism by club administrators, Conducive venues to all teams as a way to improve the league if looked into.

Eddy and his family at Warri township stadium

Eddy Iseri Ogbemudia- Delta state

“Personally some of my high points of this season are firstly the Friday night game,  that’s usually televised, there was large turnout”.
Eddy commended the efforts of the LMC and SuperSports on the increased number of games televised this season”.

“On the aspect of players welfare, compared with last season where four notable clubs namely Dolphin, Sharks, Warri Wolves and FC Taraba laid siege at the state government houses…Nothing of such occurred this season”.

Then for my lows, “firstly Giwa Giwa Giwa,  because of the selfish interest of one man, the smooth sailing league would have been halted with series of court injunctions”.

Then officiating was characterised by so many controversial calls, that are are so glaring to forgive, which necessitated some fans uprising in some location that gave rise to the famous COUPON fans
Not forgetting the Akwa Utd fans that lost their lives and got injured on their way to support their team in an NPFL game and also some other clubs that were involved in road accidents/ robbery attacks in the road… Government should fix our highways and some club should consider partnering local airlines.

Re-orientation of match officials, security personnels and more live games on TV if possible some radio commentaries for some of the fans who are always on the high way or in locations where they can’t catch a glimpse of live matches and TV
For next season are also what should be looked into.

Eddy also want the league organisers, LMC to revisit the guarantee bond and they should mandate clubs to furnished them with account details of all players, for prompt payment of players wages.

With the opinions of gathered so far, we can conclude that the recently concluded season, has its ups and downs and followers around the country has stated what can be done going into the next season.

Therefore the league organisers (LMC), football stakeholders, fans must work hand in glove to make the coming season a better one in all ramifications.

God bless LMC
God bless NPFL
God bless Nigerian football.

NPFL Relegation battle: Akwa Utd will survive – Yusuf

The battle for clubs to keep their status intact in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has stretched to the very last day.

Though three clubs, FC Taraba, Bayelsa United and Kwara United have booked relegation tickets but there’s still a slot for one more club and the final day drama will see Sharks FC, Dolphins, Rangers Int’l, Lobi Stars and Akwa United all putting in their very best to avoid the drop.

While Dolphins, Sharks and Lobi Stars are on the road in their last day tie, both Rangers Int’l and Akwa United will be at home.

Akwa United midfielder, Adio Yusuf has maintained that he and his team mates are focused on getting a win over Lobi Stars.

“It’s a tough situation but we are up to the task,” Yusuf told SupportTheNPFL.com.

“Akwa United won’t go down. We seem to have a slim advantage because we won’t be traveling, we shall host Lobi Stars at home and we hope to get a good result. Our closet rivals, Dolphins and Sharks will be playing on the road which we all know it’s even tough playing without your fans cheering you on.”

Rangers Int’l currently sit in the 14th position on the log with 46 points and will host Bayelsa United who are going down. Representatives of Sharks (45 points), Dolphins FC (44 points) and Akwa United (44 points) will follow proceedings in Ibadan where Dolphins will face 3SC in Umuahia where Sharks will visit Abia Warriors as result from those venues may change the final standings.

NFF seeks partnership with Germany

The Nigeria Football Federation has moved to formalise closer relationship with Germany in all football matters.

The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Dietmar Kreusel, met with top NFF officials on Tuesday in Abuja as they highlighted the achievements Germany has recorded in world football.

“Germany are not only the reigning champions of the world in football, the country is also a strong economic power. We have come here to express our intention to make Germany our model for development of the game of football,” NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said.

“We desire to partner with the DFB (Germany Football Federation) and the German league. The NFF is presently doing a lot in the area of development of the game in Nigeria. We are requesting support for our developmental programme for women’s football, as well as capacity building for our referees and coaches.

“In view of our various programmes, we are requesting that Your Excellency initiate an easier procedure for our officials – NFF Executive Committee members, management and staff – to secure entry visas into Germany for football programmes.”

NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman, League Management Company, Mr. Shehu Dikko, added: “Our checks have shown that the Bundesliga is the top model league in the world. The Nigeria Professional Football League is ready to adopt this model.

“We have had discussions with the CEO of the Bundesliga, and our plan involves sending some of our club managers to Germany to go and see how it is done in that country. “

Ambassador Kreusel, who confirmed that he is a big supporter of German Bundesliga club, Mainz 05 (the club of Super Eagles’ defender Leon Balogun), assured that the requests by the NFF would be looked into.

“Nigeria and Germany have always maintained very close relations. I recall that one of President Muhammadu Buhari’s first visits outside Nigeria after inauguration was to Germany. That shows how close our ties are,” he said.

Dolphins take home games to Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium

Dolphins will henceforth play their home games in the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa.

The decision was taken in a bid to launch a battle against relegation having lost one game and played five draws at home to place 19th on the league table.

In a press release made available to Goal, the decision has been sanctioned by the League Management Company (LMC).

The stadium will host the double header involving Dolphins versus Nasarawa United and the other tie between Sharks and Warri Wolves as both matches have been earmarked for live telecast on Saturday to usher in the second stanza of the league

NPFL: Sunshine Extend Lead

Sunshine Stars increased their lead at the top of the Glo Premier League on Sunday after a comprehensive 3-0 thumping of Kano Pillars at the Akure Township Stadium.
Both sides cancelled each other out in the first half, but Pillars fell apart after the break as defensive errors saw the champions concede two quick goals in the second half with Paul Onobi and Seun Olulayo scoring for the hosts.
Dayo Ojo then converted a penalty in the 81st minute to compound the woes of coach Okey Emordi’s side, who lost by the same margin at the venue last season.
In Ibadan, 3SC and Enyimba battled to a goaless draw. The two sides treated fans at the Lekan Salami Stadium to a sumptuos meal of football for the entire duration of the game with Enyimba new signing Christian Obiozor impressing once again.
Warri Wolves were shocked at home by Rangers who handed them a 1-0 defeat at the Warri City Stadium.
League new boys, FC IfeanyiUbah secured the biggest win of the day, destroying El-kanemi Warriors 4-1 on the road.
Struggling Sharks continued their sloppy run as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Wikki Tourists.
Dolphins were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Giwa Fc of Jos; while Lobi Stars also forced Kwara United to a one-all draw in Ilorin.
Heartland compounded the woes of Taraba United, dispatching their guests 2-0 with goals from Bright Ejike and Ivorian import Rolan Koffi.
At the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa United beat Bayelsa United 1-0. Abia Warriors also beat Akwa United by the same scoreline at home.

All the results
Sunshine Stars 3- 0 Pillars
3SC 0-0 Enyimba
Warri Wolves 0-1 Rangers
Wikki 3-0 Sharks
Heartland 2-0 Taraba
Abia Warriors 1-0 Akwa Utd
Dolphins 1-1 Giwa FC
Nasarawa 1-0 Bayelsa Utd
Kwara Utd 1-1 Lobi Stars
El-Kanemi 1-4 Ifeanyi Ubah

LMC Advise Clubs against implementing pay cuts

The League Management Company (LMC) has asked  clubs to refrain from acts that run contrary to the terms of contracts entered into with players.

Chairman of the LMC, Mallam Shehu Dikko in reaction to recurring reports of clubs threatening or issuing ultimatums and threat of sack and deduction of salaries of their players and technical crew, urged the various clubs’ management to seek better creative ways of motivating their players and coaches rather than resorting to strong arm and punitive tactics that run counter to extant regulations guiding players’ contract and wages.

The LMC Chairman stated that, “We will work with the Clubs to ensure employment contracts are adhered to within the league structure  and employees rights are well respected. It is against the spirit of the contract terms recommended and deposited with us by all the clubs to introduce these pay cuts. It certainly is a potential violation of the minimum wage condition. I urge clubs to find better creative ways to motivate their employees. We should not allow the impression that different labour laws apply to football clubs to hold.

Citing relevant sections of the Nigeria Professional Football League Rules and Framework, Mallam Dikko cautioned: “Whereas these reports are unconfirmed, they are disconcerting. The League Rules- Article B9.45 require that terms of contracts shall be strictly adhered to. Deducting salaries of players or coaches on account of poor performance is contrary to the terms of contract and a violation we will certainly not entertain.

LMC to kick against poor welfare of Nigeria Premier League players – Irabor

Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Nduka Irabor has said that players welfare is one the main priority issues to tackle in the forthcoming 2014/15 Glo Nigeria Premier League season.

Irabor said that the league governing body are putting up new measures to address the trend of poor welfare of players among teams in the upcoming campaign.

The LMC boss added that a good welfare where by entitlements are been paid at when due will enable players give their 100% on the field of play.

Irabor, who assured of improved organisation and competitive field when the new NPFL season resumes on March 7, also urged football-loving Nigerians to show more support in helping to grow the domestic league.

“I’m happy that during the break I was getting messages that people can’t wait for the league to resume,” Irabor told media after the draws of the NPFL fixtures for the new season.

“We are hoping to give Nigerians something better, but just urge Nigerians themselves to come out more than they have been doing before to support the league.

“I can assure you of something, If you pay people well, consistently and at when due they will give you optimum performance,” he enthused.

“I’m sure that the new measures we will introduce will take care of players’ welfare. If it works which I think it will, you will see a much more improved standard of play.

“This season for instance, we are going to insist on the performance guide but where that contraption does not work, we will deduct points from teams that fail to pay their players with in the space of 60 days.

“You cannot owe players more than three days, if you do we will deduct three points from you,” he continued.

In the opening games of the 2014/15 NPFL season, league champions Kano Pillars will begin their chase for a fourth straight title at Heartland in Owerri while runners up Enyimba will start their bid to reclaim the title in Aba against Akwa United.

follow us on twiter @9jagoal for latest update in the nigeria football community