"Those involved in NFF crisis should be ashamed"- Kanu Nwankwo

Former Super Eagles forward, Kanu Nwankwo has lashed out at those causing commotion at NFF’s glass house. You would recall that FIFA threatened to suspend Nigeria from international competitions if the incumbent NFF President, Chris Giwa doesn’t step down.

africanFootball.com however quotes the former Arsenal player as saying those behind the crisis should be ashamed of themselves.

“All those involved in this crisis have to be ashamed of themselves because they are really killing football in Nigeria. There is no peace. Nobody understands what’s going on and the earlier this problem is solved, the better.” kanu added.

NFF President, Aminu Maigari Impeached

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari has been impeached by members of the executive committee of the football federation for “financial misappropriation, misapplication and maladministration.”.

This is coming few days after the administrator resumed his office following FIFA intervention in Nigeria soccer-related activities. The impeachment notice was signed by 8 out of 13 members of the committee.

"Stop harassing him". Taribo West blasts NFF over Stephen Keshi query

Nigerian football legend, Taribo West has slammed the Nigerian Football Federation for handing Stephen Keshi a  query letter  after he failed to attend a technical committee meeting and an event hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan. The former Nigerian defender labels the NFF’s action a distraction at a time when the team should be focusing on the World Cup.
I don’t know why the NFF has chosen this time to query Keshi when the World Cup is just around the corner. We should be concluding our plans for the World Cup and not fighting Keshi . The query is irrelevant – it’s a distraction. They should stop harassing him. I believe there are people inside and outside the NFF who are benefiting immensely from the confusion in our football.
“They are the ones instigating the crisis to make money to the detriment of the development of the game in the country and our World Cup preparations. They know if there’s a good relationship between Keshi and the NFF, they won’t make money. So they put much pressure on the NFF to fight Keshi. They don’t care whether we perform in Brazil or not, providing they make money. Yes, the crisis will affect the psyche of the players but I believe Keshi will take care of it because he knows what he’s doing.”

Keshi gets query letter from NFF. (Read)

For a minute I thought the query was all about his choice of players/ his rejection of foreign assistant for the forthcoming World Cup but it has nothing to do with it. Well, there’s been a strain in relationship between both parties i.e NFF and Stephen Keshi since AFCON 2013 victory.
For failing to attend a technical committee meeting and boycotting an event hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan, reception for the CHAN 2014 squad to be precise, the Nigerian Football Federation has issued a query letter to the national coach. Excerpts from the letter.

“It is important we draw your attention to previous actions whereby you travelled out of Nigeria without NFF’s express permission. Specifically, you travelled out of Nigeria before 13 February 2014, the day President Jonathan received the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) team, causing us huge embarrassment.

“Your request for leave approved by the NFF was from 15 February – 10 March 2014 but you left before 13 February and returned 26 March. The Technical Committee meeting on 25 March was called off because you said you had flight hitches from USA. As a responsible organisation, we have no other option than to issue you a query to explain how all these events unfolded.”

2014 World Cup: NFF earmarks N2billion for Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have earmarked the sum of N2 billion for the World Cup budget. And here’s a breakdown of the bonus structure as presented at the House of Representatives on Monday, 10th March, 2014.

Each player will receive $10 000 for a win in their group games, $12 000 for a round of 16 win and $15 000 for a quarter-final win. For the semi-final each player will get $20 000 for a win and if they win the World Cup, each of them will be $30 000 richer. Their daily camp allowance has also been increased from $100 per day to $200 per day.

2014 World Cup: FIFA cancels Nigeria's ticket allocation

Interesting! FIFA has cancelled about 11,000 tickets meant for Nigeria simply because Nigerians have refused to buy them. Idris Adama, Head of Marketing, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday revealed that only 400 Nigerian fans purchased match tickets by the deadline.
“It is unfortunate that our share of about 11,000 tickets was cancelled because of the refusal of our people to buy the tickets. We sent news releases and even did event in Lagos to create awareness, but people did not respond. Only 400 real fans bought the tickets as at midnight of February 7, which was the deadline. As I speak, our three group matches have sold out and what ordinary should be our share of the tickets to pick up have been allotted to fans from other parts of the world waiting for the tickets to be withdrawn from the African participating nations,” He stated.
Unfortunately, the Brazilian government has mandated its embassies worldwide to make provision of match ticket as condition for issuance of visa.
Except you are going to Brazil for other business, you can’t get a visa without a World Cup ticket, because it is one of the conditions the Brazilian government has set for its embassies globally. You need evidence of a ticket, either physically or approved proof from FIFA that you have purchased a World Cup ticket. We will have to wait till the next balloting in April which is based on first come, first served basis.” He added.
Top Ten countries with the highest no of ticket Allocations.
* Brazil – 906,433 tickets
*USA- 125,465
*Colombia – 60,231
*Germany – 55,666
*Argentina – 53,809
*England – 51,222
*Australia – 40,446
*France – 34,971
*Chile – 32,189
*Mexico – 30,238

Super Eagles' get unique jersey for 2014 World Cup. Take a look!

Super Eagles get a totally unique jersey for the 2014 World Cup tournament. The jersey is a departure from the regular green jersey to an exciting, bold, striking and iconic kit. Designed by sports wear giant, Addidas, the kit which was unveiled on friday, February 14th, 2014 would be launched against Mexico on March 5 in Atlanta. Another unique design on the kit is the addition of a bridge-like band across the shoulders; the name and number parts are also draped in red.
According to NFF President, Aminu Maigari, “We are very proud to once again partner with adidas to produce a home jersey that reflects youth, spontaneity and freshness. It will not only appeal to the Super Eagles but their fans across the globe. We are delighted with the design as it reflects innovation yet incorporating an element of fun. We are happy though that while the jersey has a new look, it’s green side panels tie the new kit to its’ historic darker green tradition.”
Credit: Collins Udoh

WHO DESERVES TO WIN THE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD? STEPHEN KESHI OR MANU GARBA? NIGERIAN SPORTS AWARD HOLDS TODAY!

Who deserves to win the Coach of the Year? Is it Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi who led Nigeria to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in January helped and also helped the team qualify for the 2014 World Cup or Golden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba who inspired his team to win 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup?
The 2013 edition of the Nigerian Sports Award, (NSA) which is being put together to honour deserving Nigerian sports personalities will take place today 26th November, 2013 in Lagos. Also nominated for the prestigious award is President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari.
Others include Solomon Ogba of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission Amaju Pinnick who are contending for the Sports Administrator of the year award. Prolific Tennis player, Aruna Quadri was also nominated for the Ball Sports Personality of the Year.
The Awards which has Nokia and Amstel Malta as its official sponsors will be attended by Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, and a host of dignitaries.

STEPHEN KESHI WITHDRAWS RESIGNATION; ISSUES STATEMENT

Stephen Keshi’s resignation issue I garnered is more than “leaving while the ovation is loudest”. There was more to it. The Big Boss as fondly called as however withdrawn his resignation. He issued a statement via Demola Olajire, NFF media director.

My attention has been drawn to reports in the media that I have resigned my appointment as the Head Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria.



While I have had cause to express my displeasure over some issues that happened in the course of our participation in the AFCON 2013, which my team won by the grace of God, especially concerning my relationship with the Nigerian Football Federation, I have since had opportunity to discuss the various issues with all concerned. I am therefore pleased to say that I have reconsidered my position and have decided to continue with my job.



 I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention.”

Signed

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

AFCON 2013: NIGERIA PETITIONS CAF OVER POOR OFFICIATING

Asides the not-too-impressive performance of the Super Eagles since the whole African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament started, the officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) think Nigeria has been a victim of unfair refeering decisions.

Citing the two games played so far, (against Burkina Faso and Zambia), they claim the bookings were not only too much but Ogenyi Onazi’s red card was uncalled for.

They have therefore penned their complaints to CAF and even requested for fairer treatment.

Did NFF go overboard? Or was writing the petition right and timely?

Source: www.kickoff.com

Open chat