NFF - capitaltimesnews.com

NFF MOURNS DEATH OF 1980 AFCON WINNER CHARLES BASSEY JUST A DAY AFTER CHUKWU PASSED

CapitalTimesNews / 1 week

1 min read

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is deeply saddened by the death of Charles Bassey, a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles squad. Bassey passed away on Saturday at the age of 71 after a protracted illness in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State. The NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed the federation’s sadness over Bassey’s demise, which comes hours after the death of the team’s captain, Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu. “This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events,” Sanusi said. Bassey was part of the 22-man squad that made history by becoming Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations champions in 1980. After his playing career, he went on to coach various clubs in Nigeria, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions, Flash Flamingoes, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists. Bassey’s death brings to nine the number of members from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad who have passed away. The NFF has condoled with the families of the deceased and prayed for the eternal rest of their souls. “May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” Sanusi added.

NSC, NFF MOURN THE PASSING OF FOOTBALL LEGEND, CHRISTIAN CHUKWU AT 74

CapitalTimesNews / 1 week

2 min read

Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” has passed away at the age of 74. Chukwu, who captained the Super Eagles to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980, died on Saturday, with the exact circumstances surrounding his death still unclear. Director (Information and PR) Kehinde Ajayi announced the news of Chukwu’s passing in a statement, alongside the National Sports Commission’s condolences. Ajayi’s statement was followed by tributes from across the Nigerian football community. “This news came to me as a big shock. Chairman is no more,” National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko said in a statement. Dikko described Chukwu as “the original Chairman on the pitch” and praised his commanding and charismatic leadership. “Chairman Chukwu is synonymous with Nigerian football. He lifted our first major trophy in that 1980 AFCON.” Kehinde Ajayi further stated that the National Sports Commission would do everything within its means to immortalize Chukwu’s legacy. NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade also paid tribute to Chukwu, saying, “This is really a sad day for Nigerian football. We all grew up loving this game because of people like Chairman Chukwu.” Ajayi noted that Chukwu’s passion for Nigerian football and his humility would be deeply missed. Chukwu’s legacy extends beyond his playing career. He went on to coach the Super Eagles, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON, and also managed the Kenyan national team. His contributions to Nigerian football have been celebrated by fans and former teammates alike. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also expressed deep sorrow over Chukwu’s passing. NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi described Chukwu as “a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field.” Chukwu’s death marks the end of an era in Nigerian football, with tributes pouring in for the legendary player and coach. As the Nigerian football community mourns the loss of a true legend, Chukwu’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans.

FORMER GREEN EAGLES STAR PAUL OKOKU CRITICIZES AMAJU PINNICK’S FIFA COUNCIL TENURE, SAYS NIGERIAN FOOTBALL GAINED NOTHING

CapitalTimesNews / 1 month
0
3 min read

Former Green Eagles player and 1984 AFCON silver medalist, Paul Okoku, has expressed disappointment over Amaju Pinnick’s tenure in the FIFA Council, stating that Nigerian football gained nothing from his administration. Okoku’s comments come as mixed reactions trail Pinnick’s exit from the FIFA Council following his defeat in an election held in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday. Pinnick lost to candidates from Mauritania and Djibouti, Ahmed Yahya and Souleman Hassan Waberi, respectively. Speaking from his base in the United States, Okoku emphasized that Pinnick’s exit should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian football. He stressed that if Nigeria secures another FIFA Council seat in the future, it must be occupied by someone who prioritizes national interest over personal ambition. “This is not about celebrating anyone’s downfall,” Okoku told The Guardian. “Instead, Pinnick’s exit should serve as a wake-up call. If Nigeria ever secures another FIFA Council seat, it must go to someone who prioritizes national interest over personal ambition.” Other stakeholders also criticized Pinnick’s tenure. Former Green Eagles winger Adegoke Adelabu questioned Pinnick’s impact, stating, “If Pinnick could not make any meaningful impact when he was in charge of NFF, what do you expect of him at such a highly professional office? His tenure speaks for itself.” Harrison Jalla, a former national team player, described Pinnick’s four years in the FIFA Council as a “complete disaster,” accusing him of personalizing his FIFA Council membership for self-aggrandizement. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, former chairman of Gombe FC, attributed Pinnick’s failure to his own actions, stating that he denied others the opportunity to contest elections locally. “Amaju got what he planted. He denied many other people who desired to contest elections locally into the Board of the NFA and into some states football associations’ opportunity. The law of karma is real,” Gara-Gombe said. Despite the criticism, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, praised Pinnick’s resilience. Olopade, who was in Cairo to support Pinnick alongside NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, noted that Pinnick lost the election by a narrow margin. “I came to Egypt along with the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, as directed by President Bola Tinubu to give Pinnick all the necessary support. And we saw first-hand how the politics of only serving Chairmen of Federations should and must emerge, but despite this, he lost narrowly by one vote,” Olopade said. Following his defeat, Pinnick expressed gratitude to those who supported him and acknowledged the fierce nature of football politics. “I have only gratitude to give to the Almighty God, to those who have helped me one way or the other, and to all those I have met on my way. Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight. I campaigned hard; travelled to more than 30 countries. Hours before the election, I was sure of close to 40 votes. But politics happened,” Pinnick said. The reactions to Pinnick’s exit highlight the need for accountability and effective leadership in Nigerian football.

NFF APPOINTS ÉRIC CHELLE AS NEW HEAD COACH OF SUPER EAGLES

Nicolas Adekeye / 3 months

2 min read

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The decision was ratified by the NFF Executive Committee following the recommendation of the Federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee. According to the NFF, Chelle’s appointment is with immediate effect, and he is mandated to ensure the Super Eagles secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. “Coach Chelle’s vast experience as both a player and coach positions him as the right man for the job,” the NFF stated. Chelle, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played for French clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in Ligue 1. He also earned five caps for Mali’s national team, the Aiglons. As a coach, Chelle has managed GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He was also Mali’s Head Coach from 2022 until June 2024, leading the team to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Reacting to his appointment, Chelle expressed his commitment to the role, saying, “I am honored to lead a team as talented as the Super Eagles. Nigeria has a rich football history, and I am determined to work hard with the players, staff, and federation to bring success to the nation.” Chelle’s first major task will be to prepare the Super Eagles for the next set of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Match Days 5 and 6, slated for March 2025.

NIGERIAN JOURNALIST SHATTERS GUINNESS...

DELTA STATE GOVERNOR’S AIDE,...

MAN ARRESTED FOR KILLING...

PRESIDENT TINUBU RETURNS TO...

POPE FRANCIS PASSES AWAY...

GOV OKPEBHOLO ORDERS IMMEDIATE...

NIGERIAN JOURNALIST SHATTERS GUINNESS...

DELTA STATE GOVERNOR’S AIDE,...

MAN ARRESTED FOR KILLING...

PRESIDENT TINUBU RETURNS TO...

POPE FRANCIS PASSES AWAY...

GOV OKPEBHOLO ORDERS IMMEDIATE...

NFF MOURNS DEATH OF 1980 AFCON WINNER CHARLES BASSEY JUST A DAY AFTER CHUKWU PASSED

NSC, NFF MOURN THE PASSING OF FOOTBALL LEGEND, CHRISTIAN CHUKWU AT 74

FORMER GREEN EAGLES STAR PAUL OKOKU CRITICIZES AMAJU PINNICK’S FIFA COUNCIL TENURE, SAYS NIGERIAN FOOTBALL GAINED NOTHING

NFF APPOINTS ÉRIC CHELLE AS NEW HEAD COACH OF SUPER EAGLES

PRESIDENT TINUBU RETURNS TO ABUJA AFTER.

POPE FRANCIS PASSES AWAY AT 88,.

GOV OKPEBHOLO ORDERS IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF.

NIGERIAN JOURNALIST SHATTERS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD.

Pages

Categories

Recent Posts

Friday Lines (37) With: Dr Abubakar Alkali. An Open Letter to Ms Kemi Badenoch

THE BITTER TRUTH: KEMI BADENOCH’S UNFLINCHING ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S CHALLENGES.