Dateline: October 2, 2016. The surge of human and vehicular traffic on the popular Ogui Road stretched to the Otigba Junction coming from the left side of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. It has sometime in the course of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season been nicknamed the Cathedral. They were all headed to […]
via Rangers in last Dance at the Cathedral as Champions By Harry Iwuala — newfanzoneblog
A new, epochal chapter was open in Nigeria football on Monday when the Nigeria Football Federation and Zenith Bank PLC announced a partnership for youth football development and capacity building programs.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick led the NFF top hierarchy to the brief but colourful event at Zenith Bank’s headquarters in Lagos, where the topmost financial institution’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Amangbo emphasized that “we are ready to empower the new crop of young and accountable administrators at the NFF to reach lofty heights.”
The partnership announcement began with a presentation by NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi, who in his capacity as Chairman of the Youth Football Committee, regaled the gathering with NFF’s comprehensive youth development program, including but not limited to grassroots, U-13, U-15 sub-heads, which will be in the framework of what he called The Next Eagles Championship.
“We have a holistic Future Generation Plan, which is aimed at engendering a pool of talented youngmen and women for all categories of the National Teams at all times. Today, everybody talks about the Senior National Team. That should not be so. We want to create a situation whereby people will also talk about grassroots and youth competitions.
“The NFF is committed to working hand-in-hand with every organ that has to something to do with the youth, in order to realize our objectives. In the next two weeks, we will unveil our detailed program at a world press conference.”
NFF President Amaju Pinnick stated that apart from capacity building programs for all workers in football, the youth development program is the next big commitment of the present NFF administration.
“The impact of our capacity building program for referees has been immediate, with the improvement in the League. Now, it is time for a comprehensive youth development program that will see to the constant feeding of all the National Teams.
“We cannot thank Zenith Bank PLC, a financial institution with impeccable records and with a solid reputation, enough for their support for this program. They have indeed opened the way for real development of Nigeria football.”
Pinnick highlighted that the kernel of the partnership is for the Nigeria Football Federation to invoice Zenith Bank PLC for the various youth development programs, as well as for capacity building of adminstrators (Chairmen of State Football Associations) and the salary of Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh.
“Both the NFF and Zenith Bank have agreed not to put a price tag on this partnership. We will invoice Zenith Bank for the various programs and all these will be captured in our audited account in the annual report.
“It is a transparent path that we have both chosen, and we believe that this marriage is made in heaven.”
Mr. Amangbo declared that Zenith Bank sees the partnership as a worthwhile Corporate Social Responsibility cause, and that the coming of a crop of young, passionate, intelligent and transparent persons to the helm of affairs at the NFF was indeed pleasing.
“This is a crop of people you see doing things and benchmarking them against global best practices. For a very long time, we have not seen this in Nigeria football administration.
“The quality of people leading the NFF has spurred us to commit to giving them support. We are ready and happy to empower them to reach the lofty heights they have set for themselves.”
1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi, 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko, Board Members Emeka Inyama and Sunday Dele-Ajayi, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Marketing Committee member Colin Udoh, NFF’s Head of Communications Ademola Olajire and LMC’s Head of Special Projects Harry Iwuala were also at the event, while Mr. Amangbo was supported by his Board of Directors.
Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has expressed firm belief that the stock of Nigeria football will assume upward mobility again if Nigerian businesses commit to supporting the game.
Oliseh spoke in Lagos on Monday, at a colourful closing–gong ceremony on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
With NFF President Amaju Pinnick and CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema on either side, Oliseh said it would not be too difficult to recreate a Golden Generation for Nigeria football if Corporate Nigeria rises to the support of the Nigeria Football Federation in the latter’s determination and real efforts to innovate robustly and take the Nigeria game to a new high.
“The NFF has promised to give me total support in my developmental programs that are aimed at returning us to the glory days. I cannot achieve much without their support. But I am also aware that they cannot support me the way they would want to without adequate support and funding from Corporate Nigeria.
“We are starting from a near-zero point. There is nothing much on ground to develop on. But I have confidence that if we all work together, and we have patience, and we have support, we will get there.”
NFF President Pinnick called the visit, including the closing gong by Oliseh, a significant symbolic event that is meant to open the door for a more substantial project – the desire of the NFF to see Nigeria’s top clubs quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“We consider this opportunity a priceless privilege. The NSE is a place for high integrity, transparency and accountability, and these are the values we want to drive in Nigeria football.
“We are determined to reposition Nigeria football and work with relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable football culture. We want to win matches but building the culture is more important.”
The NFF boss explained that the administration’s capacity building programs is intended to update all workers in football on modern dynamics of the game.
“The NSE has a pivotal role to play to help us achieve our dream of having Nigerian clubs quoted on the Stock Exchange. The way to go now is private sector. We want the support of Corporate Nigeria for our programs so that we can reduce the burden on Government.”
NSE CEO Oscar Onyema expressed belief that Oliseh will shine brilliantly in his second calling (as Head Coach) as he did in his first calling (as a player).
“All of us here, NSE Board Members, Management and myself, believe that you will be a success. You have what it takes and you look like someone who is ready to conquer everything on his route to the top.
“Yes, I believe that it is time that Nigerian Clubs come to the market. Clubs like Manchester United (England), Juventus and AC Milan (Italy) are quoted on the Stock Exchange. Nigeria is the biggest black nation in the world and the excitement that football generates in our land is incredible.”
Onyema had the support of NSE Board Members and Management, including Mohammed Mohammed, Ade Bajomo, Bola Adeeko and Olumide Orojimi, while Pinnick was accompanied by NFF Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, Board members Ibrahim Gusau and Sunday Dele-Ajayi, as well as NFF Head of Communications Ademola Olajire, LMC’s Head of Special Projects Harry Iwuala and Oliseh’s solicitor, Churchill Oliseh.
Pioneer Chairman of the Board of the League Management Company (LMC), Hon. Nduka Irabor was last night honoured as the Sports Personality of the Year at the Excellence Recognition Awards organised by Global Excellence magazine, a leading entertainment and lifestyle publication.
Irabor beat off competition from two former Super Eagles captains, Segun Odegbami and Stephen Keshi who were nominated for the awards. Keshi was the Super Eagles coach to the World Cup in Brazil 2014 and failed to qualify the country for the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
According to the organisers in the citation read before the presentation of the award plaque, “Hon Irabor’s was the overwhelming choice of the award’s panel for his contributions to the reform of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) which has resulted to improved credibility, increased earning for clubs and acceptable results”.
The citation also attributed the successes of the league reforms to the former LMC Chairman’s leadership style which demonstrates a relentless pursuit of excellence that sometimes may not be agreeable to some but always achieving desirable outcome. Irabor’s contributions to Journalism as the pioneer Editor of the Guardian Express and his performance as a spokesperson for the Federal Government were tracked in illustrating his persistent pursuit of excellence.
In his response, Irabor who was represented on the occasion by the LMC Head of Special Projects, Harry Iwuala thanked the organisers for the recognition and attributed the success to the collective effort of the LMC Board.
“I want to first thank the organisers for recognising that there has been reforms which has improved the league. Indeed this award is a testimony to the fact that when you perform well, Nigerians will recognise your effort.
“We worked as a team to make the league what you have come to commend and we are conscious of the fact that it is not yet a finished product. We are proud of what we have done but it is still work in progress. We will continue to give it our best and believe that with the concerted effort of all Nigerians, we will bequeath a viable league that will provide more job opportunities and enhanced living”,
The award was presented by popular actress, Abiola Atanda also known as Madam Kofo and Barrister Tunde Braimah, a former Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos. The ceremony was held at the Balmoral Event Center.
LMC Speaks on NFF Ratification of Board Structure
*Says it will bring stability, ensure neutrality and restore confidence
The ratification of the League Management (LMC) governing structure has been described as a welcome development that will add greater impetus to the reform processes initiated when the body was set up by the immediate past board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The NFF at its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 23 approved and adopted the governing structure of the LMC as presented by the Executive Committee of the NFF which at its inaugural meeting in Abuja had accepted a 7-member Board for the League Management Company (LMC).
Commenting on the decision, Harry Iwuala, the LMC’s Head of Special Projects noted that “The ratification by the AGM has addressed the issue of league governance structure and made clear how the league will be operated and regulated. It has more importantly assured stability and allowed nimbleness in the business operations of the league administration”.
Observers have acclaimed the decision as a major breakthrough in the process of reforming the league which began with the setting up of the then interim body, the League Management Committee by the former NFF Executive Committee led by Alhaji Aminu Maigari in December 2012. It was pursuant to its mandate to take any decisions and measures it deems appropriate for the successful implementation of the reforms, that the League Management Company was incorporated in March 2013.
“There will be stability in administration of the league, there will be neutrality in decision making and the LMC will be surefooted to go out and speak to potential corporate partners. The ratification will create confidence both locally and internationally that a new era of stability has commenced in professional football league administration in Nigeria and to give the league a proper foundation in law”.
The new governing structure will have an Independent Chairman, two other independent members with three representatives of all the Clubs admitted to the league from time to time and a Chief Executive Officer. The NFF will maintain a representative who does not sit on the board but holds a golden share and power to veto decisions on technical matters and constitution of the Board.
Iwuala said the LMC would have a governing body that perpetually reflects and represents the best interest of Nigerians, the Clubs and the Federation as custodians of the rules of the game.
On the place of the Clubs in the LMC, he explained that the approved governance structure makes it more inclusive for the clubs which now have a documented stake on the company and a voice in creating and sharing expected fortunes that will naturally flow from a stable and properly structured league administration. It is a mix of league governance models adopted to suit our local circumstances and brings the advantages of independence and expertise without alienating participating clubs.
Coach of the National U-17 team, Emmanuel Amuneke is scheduled to pay a morale boosting visit to players of Team Nigeria after they fly into Lagos on Saturday, May 24. The players and their handlers are arriving Lagos after weeks of camping at the Kwara Football Academy where they were put through their paces by technical officials of the prestigious academy led by Paul Adams Odey.
The team that received commendation from the General Manager of the Academy and former Super Eagles forward, Mutiu Adepoju will be hosted to a welcome dinner by officials of Nestle Milo, sponsors of the tournament, National School Sports Federation (NSSF), Lagos State Ministry of Sports and the Sports Council.
Revealing the plans for the pupils of St. Barnabas LGEA, Ilorin, Mrs Doja Ekeruche, Category Business Manager, Beverages, Nestle Nigeria PLC said “Team Nigeria is expected to stop over in Lagos and Nestle Plc will be hosting them to dinner in line with our tradition as sponsors of this event”.
The itinerary of the team shows that they will travel to the International Sports Academy, Wasimi in Ogun State on Sunday, May 25 where they will be visited by Amuneke. President of the NSSF, Ibrahim Mohammed had recently urged Amuneke to keep an eye on the boys for possible selection into the Eaglets.
“We are obviously pleased that Amuneke will be visiting the young boys, such a visit by a national football icon will be a great boost to their preparation”, Ekereuche remarked.
St. Barnabas LGEA completed their camping exercise in Ilorin where they also engaged in a number of friendly matches. Their last game was against a select Kwara State team for the 6th Channels Television National Kids Cup for schools. Team Nigeria won that game 5-2.
The Milo Africa Championship will hold from May 29-31 with teams from South Africa, Ghana and Kenya participating in the third edition of the
Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Hon. Nduka Irabor has pledged the support of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) partnership of the global AIDS awareness initiative ‘Protect the Goal’ campaign launched by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on Monday.
A December 2013 report on the AIDS pandemic show that 3.1% of the about 119m youths and young adult population aged between 15-49 years are infected by the HIV virus.
Irabor said the LMC will be support the NFF to drive the awareness on the dangers of and preventive measures to curb HIV, at all Glo Premier League matches which attract this critical segment of the vulnerable demographic with signage that will be displayed on perimeter boards at all live broadcast of star matches every week
“We support the NFF’s involvement in this initiative for several reasons starting with the importance of taking this message to our players, their peers and fans who represent a critical demographic group for which this message is even more urgent. LMC is also aligning with the NFF on this campaign because football league venues attract the critical and highly vulnerable groups in the society made up of the biggest clusters of sexually active youth population and others who due to limited education are not being adequately exposed to HIV campaigns that run largely on mediums like television and the new social media etc”, remarked Irabor.
He said in recognition of new age communication trends, the LMC would also carry the campaign message on all its social media platforms, which has become a
premium engagement and contact point with the bulging youth and young adult population.
Irabor said, “to support the campaign and take the message to the millions of football fans that now see the league on television across the country and the others that watch physically at the stadium in the 20 cities that host Glo League games as well as the millions of others who track the league on the web, the LMC will in the days ahead display messages from the campaign on perimeter boards during live broadcast matches of the Glo Premier League and on the league social media platforms including facebook, twitter and on our website”.
A resurgent interest in the League has seen young Nigerians daily following the fortunes of their favorite clubs and players at match venues and on official and independent social media sites devoted to the league. It has led to heightened debates with passion running high among this segment of the population who are largely young men and women under 30 years of age, the catchment age bracket of the campaign.
An innovative scheme that is aimed at attracting to the Glo Premier League, Nigerian players with international exposure has been launched by the League Management Company (LMC) and this is already accommodated in the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules.
The scheme, christened the ‘Elite Players Project’ was explained in detail to the 20 Premier League Clubs in a circular signed by Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer and listed the major objective to include the improvement of professionalism in the NPFL by permitting clubs to register a maximum of two ex-international players in addition to the maximum 35 allowed in a season.
Introducing the project to the clubs in the circular of April 20, the LMC said “the LMC hereby brings to the notice of all participating Clubs of the NPFL the commencement of its ‘Elite Players Project’. This project is pursuant to Rules 9.65, 9.67. 13.60.1, 13.60(viii) and 15.21 of the NPFL Framework and Rules 2013/14 season”
The LMC further explained that the benefits of the scheme to clubs, players, fans, sponsors and the League. “It has been designed to increase and deepen players-experience pool of the league, bolster the morale and confidence of younger players in the NPFL, project the image of the league as a welcoming and conducive playing environment for the return of Nigeria’s finest crop of international professional footballers and boost the mass appeal of the league for commercialization”.
The LMC however also listed criteria which will qualify any player to benefit from the scheme and stated “the ex-international player must have played for Nigeria at the Olympic Games, Nations Cup, World Cup or alternatively have earned at least 20 international caps and must have played in a world class league of undisputable pedigree for a minimum of five seasons”. In special circumstances that will be determined by the LMC, wavers may be granted in some cases and the Clubs can register such elite players at any point in the season so far they have not exceeded the maximum quota of two in the season.
Sanni Kaita
Already, Enyimba International of Aba may have been the first to take advantage of the project as they are on the verge of presenting former Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Sani Kaita for registration on a short loan stint. South American leagues and South Africa are known to have benefitted hugely from the return of their national stars who made headlines in Europe and it is indeed believed that every South American player, especially Brazil and Argentina always plan to retire from football playing for their domestic league clubs.
The LMC said it will also support the project by paying undisclosed stipends to the players in addition to whatever financial arrangements individual players will reach with interested Clubs.
“To encourage the players settle down, the LMC will pay additional stipends that will make life more comfortable to the elite players and help them adjust faster “, Abubakar disclosed.
Bayelsa United’s Match Day 8 fixture with hosts, Kano Pillars has been put on hold, the League Management Company (LMC) announced Tuesday afternoon and explained that the action was to enable the country’s representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup prepare adequately for the return leg clash with Ivorian side, Sewe Sports.
Bayelsa United were beaten 2-0 last Sunday by the Ivorian League Champions but the LMC Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar said “we are mindful of the travel constraints of having to arrive Nigeria on Monday, travelling to Kano and returning to Sapele to host the return leg by weekend”
“The LMC wants Nigeria’s only surviving representative on continental club competition to succeed and they will need to prepare adequately and focus on the task of cancelling out the two goals deficit”
He said the LMC will in the days ahead announce a date for the rescheduled fixture and assured that the postponement of the match will not cause any schedule disruptions to the season but “is consistent with our responsibility to ensure the organization of a competitive league and give our clubs fair opportunity to compete”
Bayelsa is condemned to overcome the 2-0 lead by ‘Seweke’ as the club is hailed by Ivorian fans if they must proceed to the Group State of the CAF Confederations Cup. Their Match Day 7 fixture against Enyimba FC was also put on hold by the LMC to enable the team travel on time for the continental tie.
LMC fines Kaduna United; Slaps one year ban on Supporters Club…Warns club to restore electricity in tunnel or face more sanctions
Following reported breach of security around Match Officials in Kaduna by members of the Kaduna United Supporters Club after the Match Day 6 encounter between hosts Kaduna United and Heartland FC, the League Management Company (LMC) has banned the Official Supporters Club of the team from all league games for a period of one year.
Kaduna United in addition to some financial sanctions have also been ordered to install or restore electricity supply and proper lighting in the tunnel and dressing room area before their next home game or be made to pay N100,000.00 for each game during which this situation persist.
These decisions and others have are the outcome of the LMC investigation after consideration of the Match Commissioner’s report and have been communicated vide a letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar who also announced a decision to fine Kaduna United the sum of N250, 000.
“Kaduna United is held responsible for the conduct of their fans as provided for under Rules 115:16 and is therefore fined N250, 000 as a first offender to serve as an appropriate deterrent to all others”, Abubakar wrote.
The Club was also held liable for access of unauthorized persons to Match Officials and thereby exposing them to danger. The LMC ruled that “Kaduna United failed to secure egress leading to the Dressing Rooms thereby allowing unauthorized persons access to match officials who were now exposed to potential danger.
“For this; Kaduna United shall pay a fine of N100, 000 and undertake to conduct a Supporters’ Enlightenment seminar to which leaders of their Supporters Club must be invited to before their next Home game. This seminar must be observed and approved by the LMC”.
Abubakar informed the Club that to the Supporters of Kaduna United are being reprimanded for rowdy behaviour after the match and have therefore “been put on notice of possible heavier sanctions should this type of behaviour repeat as envisaged by Rules 13:22”.
The League Management Company (LMC) has observed the gradual return to use of languages that brings the league to disrepute by some Club Officials and has issued a warning that such conduct will be appropriately punished in line with the rules.
The LMC in a statement from the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar said it will no longer condone such comments by Club Officials including Coaches and Managers as well as their Players whose comments will lower the integrity of the League in the eyes of the public. It reminded the Clubs that existing regulations have provided appropriate channels for conveying grievances and protests against perceived wrong doings by match officials or opponents.
“The LMC wishes to admonish Clubs who have issues with the outcome of matches or conduct of match officials to take advantage of existing procedures and channels of seeking redress and desist from making media pronouncements, especially the print and social media which not only prejudices public opinion but also questions the integrity of the League”, the statement noted.
The LMC wishes to also assure Clubs and their fans that all acts of proven poor officiating and misconduct on the part of match officials will attract adequate sanctions on the culprits. The statement said “while the LMC will not accommodate acts of violent physical and verbal attacks on our appointed match officials and any persons within the jurisdiction of a match, proven acts of misconduct against any of them will be sanctioned in line with prescribed regulations”.
“Football is a beautiful game that is meant to be enjoyed, in victory or in defeat. Fans and officials must therefore learn to accept results and allow the LMC to take care of disciplinary issues for the game to grow’.
Giwa FC has been granted provisional approval to participate in the 2013/14 Glo Premier League as the club was adjudged by the League Management Company (LMC) to have substantially met four of the requirements listed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at its emergency meeting that considered the appeal by the two clubs that failed registration requirements at the start of the season.
However, the second club, Nembe City FC has been given up to close of business today, April 2 to make good some of the conditions it failed to meet and which included the dissociation of the Club from dealings with its former Chairman, Chief Victor Rumson Baribote, currently serving a 15 year ban imposed by the NFF. Baribote is also at various stages of litigation against the LMC and NFF and the Club did not provide any proof of discontinuation of the cases.
In separate letters to the two clubs signed by Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer, reference was made to the four conditions imposed by the NFF on the Clubs and which they were to meet within seven days to be eligible to participate in the fixtures. The four conditions include submission of a signed letter of allegiance to the LMC in accordance with the approved format, appoint a stadium to be inspected and approved by the LMC, submission of detailed Medical Profile (passport) of all players in line with the LMC approved Medical forms and discontinuation of all matters and litigations in court.
“The LMC can confirm that Plateau State Football Association officials have provided us evidence of discontinuance of cases filed against the LMC by associates of Giwa FC. This evidence has been verified by our Lawyers”, Abubakar stated.
Specifically, Giwa FC was directed to write a formal letter of acknowledgment upon receipt of the letter of conditional approval as a pre-condition to be allowed to play the rescheduled Match Day 4 fixture against Rangers International on Wednesday in Jos. The letter from Giwa FC was received by the LMC Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman, Chris Giwa, it thanked the LMC “for the opportunity given Giwa FC to be back to play in the Glo NPL. We pledge our loyalty to the league body”.
The LMC in granting provisional approval for Giwa FC to join the league also set out other conditions to be met on or before June 24 in line with the ruling of the NFF emergency meeting. Top of these conditions was a directive to the Club to ensure that it filed a proper letter of allegiance using the form provided to it and with no caveat attached as was the case with the filing that led to the Club’s disqualification. Other conditions are the submission of N25m performance guarantee, submission of new contract documents with the players indicating compliance with the N150, 000 minimum wage with verifiable proof of payment and thirdly, all other registration requirements as provided for in the minimum registration conditions. Failure to meet any of these conditions will lead to the LMC applying relevant sanctions including but not limited to deduction of nine points from the already accrued points.
Giwa FC are further required to provide a proper lease agreement with the owners of the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos using the sample lease agreement designed by the LMC and also providing details of stadium certification. The Club was further directed to embark on stadium upgrade to correct defects observed by LMC Stadium inspectors during the pre-season inspection exercise.
“Note that failure to comply with any of the requirements by Match Day 9 will result in your stadium being banned and your team moved to another venue and or points deduction as provided for in the rules and regulations”, LMC warned in the letter.
Though, Nembe City provided a letter granting the club access to use the Krisdera Hotel Stadium for its home games and a letter of allegiance to the LMC signed by Mrs. Ebiakpo Rumson, the Club failed to provide valid Medical Profile (passport) of their players as well as not signing and submitting LMC Form 17 for list of authorized Club signatories.
“Your Club has substantially failed to comply with the four mandatory conditions required to be fulfilled within seven days of the NFF decision to allow your Club re-admission into the League”, Abubakar wrote to Nembe City and concluded, “note that failure to comply with any of these requirements by 5pm on Wednesday, April 2nd 2014 will result in your Club being banned from the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League season as provided by the NFF Emergency Committee decision of March 24, 2014 on your appeal”.
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