Connect with us

Sports

JUST IN: NFF denies owing late Christian Chukwu amid social media claims

Published

on

108 Views

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has denied reports circulating on social media that it owes former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000.

Recall that, Chukwu, popularly known as “Chairman,” passed away on Saturday.

NFF, reacting to the claims, on Monday, in a statement by its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi described the allegations as baseless, stating that there is no record of any outstanding debt to Chukwu within the federation’s financial records.

“During the first term of the Amaju Pinnick-led Board, a committee was established to thoroughly review claims of unpaid wages to coaches, including debts inherited from previous administrations.”

That committee had a clear mandate to verify and ensure the immediate settlement of all legitimate debts. To the best of our knowledge, there is no record of indebtedness to Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said.

Recall again that Chukwu served as head coach of the Super Eagles from 2002 until 2005, when he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw against Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Kano.

Sanusi further challenged anyone with credible and verifiable evidence of any outstanding payments owed to Chukwu or any other national team coach over the past 20 years to present such documents.

“As a responsible and credible organization, the NFF remains committed to meeting its obligations. If anyone can provide authentic documentation proving that we owe a coach, we will honor the debt without hesitation,” he stated.

The NFF expressed its condolences to the family and the Nigerian football community over the loss of Chukwu, a respected figure in the country’s football history and captain of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.

Sports

I hawked Olive oil, Zobo at church before fame — Super Falcons’ Ajibade

“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”

Published

on

By

21 Views

•Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, on Saturday, shared her journey from humble beginnings to continental success in a testimony at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ Prayer City, Ogun State.

Ajibade, who led Nigeria to its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, attended the August edition of the church’s monthly ‘Power Must Change Hands’ programme.

The Punch reports that the Atletico Madrid forward told the congregation that she once hawked olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks within the church premises before rising to fame as a professional footballer.

She said in part, “Whenever things are tough at my club or with the national team, I pray,

“I do my part through hard work but never forget to seek God’s help.”She added,

“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”

Continue Reading

Sports

Tinubu appreciates Super Falcons with $100,000 cash award, 3-bedroom apartments including OON honours

Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

Published

on

By

85 Views

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players of Nigeria’s victorious WAFCON team, along with a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment for each player.

Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

The announcement was made during a special reception held in honour of the team at the State House on Monday.

Led by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and head coach Justin Madugu, the champions arrived at the Presidential Villa at 4:35 p.m. to a rousing welcome from President Tinubu and other dignitaries

Continue Reading

Sports

Four Super Falcons players make WAFCON 2024 Best XI

Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Published

on

By

103 Views

FOUR of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players made the WAFCON 2024 Best XI, according Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The full Best XI include: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)Michelle Alozie (Nigeria) Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)Refiloe Jane (South Africa)Bambanani Mbane (South Africa)Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa)Portia Boakye (Ghana)Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)

Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Her commanding presence and decisive saves were pivotal to Nigeria’s success, especially during tense knockout fixtures.

Also earning a spot in the Best XI is right-back Michelle Alozie. The Houston Dash defender impressed with her stamina, aggressive pressing, and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament.

Nigeria’s dominance in the attacking third was reflected with the inclusion of two key forwards.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament, was selected on the right wing.

Completing Nigeria’s presence in the CAF Best XI is Esther Okoronkwo, who starred on the left wing.

The 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, scoring once and providing two assists.

She finished the tournament with two goals and a tournament-high six assists.

The full Best XI is set in a 4-3-3 formation and includes three Moroccan players, two each from Ghana and South Africa—WAFCON 2024’s other semi-finalists. Ghana edged South Africa to win the bronze medal.

South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini was named at left-back, while Ghana’s Portia Boakye and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane formed the central defensive partnership.

In midfield, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak—top scorer with five goals—was joined by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi led the line in attack.

Continue Reading

Trending