NDDC To Sponsor Football Tourney In Niger Delta 

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC,will initiate a football competition for secondary school students to discover and harness the talents of the youths across the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

Its Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku,announced this at the finals of the New WW White Football Tournament between Enitonna High School, Borikiri and the Nyemoni Anglican Grammar School, Abonema at Stella Maris College in Port Harcourt,Rivers State.

 

 

 

 

Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director,Corporate Affairs who said this in a statement on Saturday,quoted Ogbuku as saying that the football competition would be expanded to include secondary schools from all the nine states of the Niger Delta region to compete in a league format.

 

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the import of engaging youths in sports competitions and providing a platform to showcase their talents and develop themselves for the good of society. He observed that the tournament would create amity among the students, encourage physical training, and promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.

 

 

 

 

 

He recalled that the WW White Football Tournament had previously featured great players like Finidi George, Richard Owobokiri, Kanu Nwankwo, and Imama Amapakabo.

 

 

 

 

 

He commended the former captain of the Super Eagles, Mr. Joseph Yobo, for encouraging and helping to sustain the football competition.

 

 

 

 

Presenting a trophy to the winning team from Enitonna High School, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer applauded the players’ sportsmanship and promised that in subsequent competitions, the winners would be sponsored to train in foreign football academies.

 

 

 

 

He presented the winning team with a cheque for N1.5 million,while the second and third-placed teams received N1 million and N750 thousand, respectively.

 

 

 

The captain of the Enitonna High School, Master Peace Wariboko,said the football tournament had opened doors of opportunities for them in the sports world.

 

 

 

He appealed to the NDDC to ensure that the competition was sustained for the benefit of youths of the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

 

Eguavoen Names Squad For CHAN Qualifiers Against Ghana

Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has unveiled a 35-man squad for Nigeria’s home-based team ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying clash against Ghana.
The squad features names like Ismail Sadiq of Remo Stars, Zikifilu Rabiu from Kano Pillars, and Kazeem Ogunleye of Enugu Rangers.
The selection is drawn from 17 teams across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with Remo Stars leading the pack by contributing five players.
Other clubs with multiple call-ups include Rivers United, Nasarawa United, Enugu Rangers, and El-Kanemi Warriors, each providing three players.
Nasarawa United’s top striker, Anas Yusuf, who has scored eight goals this NPFL season, also made the list.
The first leg of the qualifying series is set for December 20–22, with the squad selection following Article 15 of CHAN’s participation rules, which restricts eligibility to players with permanent contracts at clubs affiliated with their national association.
This might explain the absence of experienced forward Ahmed Musa, whose registration with Kano Pillars appears to be temporary.
The second leg will take place a week after the first, with the overall winner securing a spot at the 8th CHAN finals, scheduled from February 1–28 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The tournament is exclusive to players who feature in their domestic leagues.
    Full List of Invited Players:
– Goalkeepers:* Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United), Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC), Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United).
– Defenders:* Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United), Stephen Mayo (Rivers United), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers), Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars), Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United), Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors), Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United), Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United), Junior Nduka (Remo Stars), Victor Collins (Nasarawa United), Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors).
– Midfielders:Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors), Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars), Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors), Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers), Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC), Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United), Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars), Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars), Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers), Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars), Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars), Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance), Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City).
– Forwards:Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars), Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United), Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United), Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance).
Maltreatment:CAF Gives Nigeria’s Super Eagles Victory,Fines Libya $USD 50,000

 

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF),Saturday awarded three points, and three goals to Nigeria for the missed Libya game in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

 

 

 

 

The Super Eagles and Libya were earlier scheduled to clash at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benina, Benghazi on October 15, in matchday four of the AFCON qualification series.

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian national team’s flight landed at Al Abaq airport,however the players and coaches were held for over 20 hours without food and drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), later announced the Super Eagles’ withdrawal from the qualifying match and compelled them to return home.

 

 

 

 

The President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, had said a thorough probe was ongoing sequel to the recent controversy surrounding Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

 

 

 

 

According to him,the continental body would not tolerate any lack of sportsmanship and unfair treatment in African football.

 

 

 

 

A statement  released on Saturday and signed by CAF’s Chairperson of CAF Disciplinary Board, Ousmane Kane said the decision to award Nigeria the points was taken after findings by the disciplinary committee it set up to investigate the matter, found Libya guilty of the inhumane treatment meted out to the Nigerian senior football team.

 

 

 

The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football also fined the Libyan Football Federation for the Super Eagles’ predicament. 

 

 

 

 

The 5-man disciplinary committee comprises Mr. Ousmane Kane (Senegal) Chairperson, Ms. Njeri Onyango (Kenya) Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Felix Golbassia (Tchad) member, Mr. Patrick Shale (Lesotho) Member, and Mr. Norman Arendse (South Africa) member.

 

 

 

According to the body,“The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African, Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, and that the match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).”

 

 

The body also ordered the Libya Football Federation to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of notification of the current decision.

 

 

 

AFCON Qualifiers:Libya To Sue Nigeria Over Match Boycot

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  Libya Football Federation (LFF),says it will take legal action against Nigeria over the  botched second leg of the  2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying match,which was earlier billed to take place in the North Africa country on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Libyan national team is taking the legal action in order to preserve its right, it said in a statement on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian National Team had boycotted the return leg of the qualifying match on Monday,citing ill-treatmennt on the part of the Libyans on their airport.

 

 

 

 

 

Following a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Nigerian team was left stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon, condemnation has trailed the action of the host country.

 

 

 

 

 

While the Nigerian national team complained of fatigue and frustration, deprived of water and food, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)  confirmed the team’s backing out of the qualifying series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Super Eagles beat the Libyan team 1-0 on Friday at Uyo, Akwa Ibom but was expected to play a return leg match in Benghazi on Tuesday in the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifying series.

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian team had since returned home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But the Libyan National Team condemned the action of the Nigerian National action not to play the game tomorrow .

 

 

 

 

 

It denounced the inappropriate behavior of the delegation which almost prevented the Libyan delegation from playing the game last Friday, which is a violation to CAF rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It added:”⁠The LFF emphasized that the NFF did not cooperate regarding the match in Nigeria as they did not receive equal treatment meted to other countries, and as stipulated in regulations – resulting to them not having a fair and equal opportunity.

⁠The LFF apologizes to Libyan fans and followers and affirms that the NFF will bear full responsibility for failure to hold the match as scheduled”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S/Eagles Humiliation:Libyan Football Federation Boss Resigns

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani,has resigned.

 

 

 

 

His resignation was in connection with a controversy involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who accused the Libyan football authorities of mistreatment,The Libya Observer,said.

 

 

 

 

His resignation was disclosed during the Federation’s General Assembly meeting on Sunday, the paper said.

 

 

 

 

 

He said: “I no longer wish to be associated with the failure of Libyan sports. I extend my gratitude to all members of the General Assembly and hold no grudges against anyone in the sports sector.”

 

 

He spoke on the challenges faced during his tenure.

 

 

“We faced difficulties during the previous period.  thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added.

 

 

 

 

CAF Probes Super Eagles Maltreatment In Libya

        Mohammed Shosanya
The Confederation of African Football (CAF),has expressed serious concern over the distressing experience faced by the Super Eagles at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The Nigerian national team and officials were  stranded for hours under harsh conditions after their flight was diverted to the remote airport.
In a statement released on Monday,CAF described the incident as unacceptable and disclosed  that the matter has been referred to its Disciplinary Board for a thorough investigation.
The statement,titled:”CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a Very Serious Light,” confirmed that the federation is in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities to gather more details on the situation.
“CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at by the Libyan authorities,” the statement read.
It added:”The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF statutes and regulations.”

 

AFCON Qualifier:Nigeria Reports Super Eagles’ Maltreatment In Libya To CAF,Others

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigerian Sports Minister, John Enoh said he has escalated the ill-treatment meted out to the Super Eagles by the Libyan authorities since they landed at the Al Abaq Airport on Sunday, to all concerned authorities,including the Conferedeation of African Football. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department on Monday,said the team were left unattended to at the Al Abraq Airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Eagles left for Libya on Sunday morning, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday 4 clash against the Mediterranean Knights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Libya was to host the three-time African champions at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, located just 10 kilometres from Benghazi, but reports emerged that they were diverted to another city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking on the development,Enoh said he had reported the incident to all necessary authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He also said the attention at the moment was the safety of the senior men’s team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He described the current situation of the Super Eagles as an ‘almost hostage’ situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out to players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles who arrived Libya, yesterday the 13th of October for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The National Team was en route Benghazi but was diverted on approach the airport(with very scant attention to their safety), to Al Abaq Airport, which is hours away from Benghazi, where their match is slated to take place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Advicer, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member.I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on ground with the team and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“All hands must be on deck to protect our National Team. The Team have succinctly stated that they have been unattended to for upwards of about 15 hrs since arrival, with no food, no accommodation, left in a mosquito-infested environment and cordoned off by Libyan security not to step out of the airport and they have access to nothing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“To say the least, they face an almost ‘hostage’ situation. These are sportsmen set to compete in an AFCON qualifying match come Tuesday!

 

 

 

 

“For now, our primary concern is the safety of the members of our national team. With the events of the past hours, their safety is not guaranteed and the team insists they’re unable to go ahead with the match not just because of the trauma and consequent psychological torture but also because of fear for their safety.

 

 

 

 

 

“As Sports Minister, I have instructed the NFF president to lay a formal complaint to CAF without prejudice to any actions already taken. This must be on record and thoroughly addressed. This morning i was on a conference call with CAF President and CAF Secretary General.

 

 

 

 

“While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team participate in tomorrow’s match, I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this.

 

 

 

“There must be a serious adverse conseqùence to the Libyan football federation for this unspeakable behaviour.

 

 

 

 

“This can not be through insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match given the very obvious situation.I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out to players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles who arrived Libya, yesterday the 13th of October for the reverse version of the match played on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers.

 

 

 

 

 

“The National Team was en route Benghazi but was diverted on approach the airport(with very scant attention to their safety), to Al Abaq Airport, which is hours away from Benghazi, where their match is slated to take place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on the ground with the team and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya. All hands must be on deck to protect our National Team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The Team have succinctly stated that they have been unattended to for upwards of about 15 hrs since arrival, with no food, no accommodation, left in a mosquito-infested environment and cordoned off by Libyan security not to step out of the airport and they have access to nothing.

 

 

 

 

 

“To say the least, they face an almost ‘hostage’ situation. These are sportsmen set to compete in an AFCON qualifying match come Tuesday! For now, our primary concern is the safety of the members of our national team”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super Eagles Withdraw From AFCON Qualifier After Airport Hiccup In Libya

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),has withdrawn the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya,after a harrowing 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.

 

 

The Nigerian delegation, which arrived on Sunday,faced a frustrating delay when their chartered aircraft was abruptly diverted mid-flight from Benghazi to Al Abraq, a small airport mainly used for hajj operations.

 

 

 

The diversion left players and officials stranded without any support from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation or any form of assistance.

 

 

 

In a statement on Monday,the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, revealing that the team remained stuck at the airport for more than 12 hours, unable to proceed to their hotel in Benghazi, which is a three-hour drive away.

 

 

 

 

“The Super Eagles have been at Al Abraq Airport for over 12 hours since landing in Libya,” the NFF statement read.

 

 

“The aircraft was dangerously diverted from Benghazi just as the pilot was preparing to land.

 

 

 

The players and officials are fatigued, and there was no reception or transportation provided by the hosts.”

 

 

 

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, expressed concerns over safety,stated that the players were not willing to undertake the three-hour road journey to Benina, where the match was to be played.

 

 

“Let them have the points. We will not travel by road here, even with security; it’s not safe. We can only imagine the conditions at the hotel or the quality of the food if we proceeded,” he posted on social media platform X.

 

 

 

The NFF is now making arrangements to fly the team back to Nigeria, as the Super Eagles stand firm in their decision not to participate in the match.

 

 

 

Libyan officials, meanwhile,had earlier claimed that their team experienced subpar treatment during their visit to Nigeria for the first leg of the qualifier in Uyo, which Nigeria won 1-0.

Former Nigeria Goalie,Peter Fregene Dies 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Former Nigeria Green Eagles goal keeper Peter Fregene,is dead.

 

 

 

Ex-international and his close friend,Segun Odegbami,confirmed the death of Fregene on Sunday.

 

 

 

According to him,the Nigerian football icon died after a prolonged illness,with his wife Tina and two of his children by his side.

 

 

 

 

“Just a few minutes ago,Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who had been on life support for the past week, passed on to meet his creator.

 

 

 

“He passed peacefully in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,” Odegbami added.

 

 

 

Fregene,who represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and was a prominent figure in the national team throughout the 1960s and 70s, was celebrated for his remarkable reflexes and resilience as a goalkeeper.

 

 

 

 

Odegbami also expressed gratitude to those who supported the football icon during his illness.

 

 

 

“On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sportspeople, his family, friends, fans, and the incredible Nigerians who quietly rallied around with their support, prayers, and the will of the creator, I say a big ‘thank you,’” Odegbami stated.

 

 

 

 

Peter Fregene, born in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria, played for two football clubs during his career.

 

 

 

He represented Stationery Stores FC and ECN, both Lagos State-based clubs. Fregene won the FA Cup trophy with both teams, despite being rivals.

 

 

 

He was one of the foremost players of the Federation Cup, formerly known as the Challenge Cup, during his playing days for Stationery Stores and ECN.

 

 

 

 

He was part of the 13 former stars of the Federation Cup players Lagos state government honoured in 2014.

 

 

 

He represented the Green Eagles, now the Super Eagles, in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

 

 

 

Despite playing for just two professional clubs, Fregene remains one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players, playing for the three-time African champions between the 160s to 80s Fregene was part of Nigeria’s squad between 1966 to 1983.

 

 

 

Fregene was Nigeria’s number one shot-stopper between 1968-1971.

 

 

 

He represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics, playing in the country’s three games. However, Fregene failed to keep a clean sheet in any of the games, conceding nine goals as Nigeria left with just a point which came in a 3-3 draw against Brazil.

 

 

 

He was also in goal for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign between 1968 and 1969, keeping one clean sheet in eight matches.

 

 

He lost his number one spot after 1971, but he was back in goal at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, two years after the country won its first African title. The 77-year-old kept a clean sheet as Nigeria won one and lost two of their matches.

 

 

 

 

 

Odegbami Seeks Fnancial Assistance For Ex-Nigerian Goalie,Peter Fregene

Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami,has sought financial assistance for ailing ex-Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Fregene.
Odegbami disclosed in a statement that Fregene is hospitalised in Sapele, Delta state, and urgently needs medical attention and financial assistance.
He said his colleague is “waiting for help to be moved by ambulance” to the Ohara Teaching Hospital.
According to him, although “Tony Ojesina covered the ambulance costs, more funds need to be paid before he can be moved” to the teaching hospital.
He bemoaned the lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes” in Nigeria.
He said in the full statement:
“I am frustrated because I am publishing this ‘horror’ picture (a picture of Fregene in a hospital bed), wishing I could do what needs to be done for a colleague without having to resort to yet another public appeal to the same few Nigerians that have, through the years, intervened in the matter of ill-health of a few retired, suffering Nigerian football heroes.
“By now, we must have exhausted any remnant of ‘goodwill’ we have with Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Babatunde Fashola, Benson Ejindu, Allen Onyema, and a few other Nigerians who often came to the aid of a few lucky sports heroes several times in the past.
“Even if they have not complained, we are ashamed to go back to them again.Why don’t we have, or why can’t we set up, even on our own, a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports in the country, to take care of our declining health in old age, long after our sports careers?
“The danger now is that the number of retired ageing sports heroes languishing in poverty, neglect and ill health is legion already, and growing. Their stories are ugly and shameful.
“The government has demonstrated time and again that sport is not a priority. 64 years after Independence they cannot and will not see it differently, period.
“So,Peter Fregene is a reminder to us all again. As I look at him lying comatose on a hospital bed in Sapele and experiencing the suffering he must be going through, my frustration is mounting.
“It appears doing something for, and beyond, Peter is a responsibility that ‘fate and metaphysical aid’ seem to have put around my neck. So, we shall see, as our people would say when they do not know what’s coming next.
“So, what is the situation with ‘Apo’ now? He is still waiting for help to come in order to be moved by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital, Ohara, Delta State. He has been waiting since yesterday.
“I hope Globacom that have been taking care of his every need in the past year would respond once again and come to his aid.
“A friend sitting next to me yesterday as I discussed Peter with his wife on the telephone last night, Tony Ojesina, immediately paid for the cost of the ambulance that would convey him there. But he still has other bills to pay before he can be moved.
“Fregene was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971. He was then recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico”.