Connect with us

SportsNews

NFF denies owing late Christian Chukwu amid social media claims

Published

on

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.

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

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.

SportsNews

Kano Pillars appoint new management for youth teams

Published

on

Kano Pillars have constituted a new management team for the Junior Pillars as well as its U-19, U-15 and U-13 teams.

Ibrahim Musa has been appointed as the technical adviser of Junior Pillars, while Saleh Garzali will take charge as head coach.

The U-19 side will be managed by Usman Ikramatu and Ahmed Mustapha, while Habu Kamara assumes the role of team manager.

Suleiman Ibrahim Yakasai (Lajin) has been tasked with overseeing the U-15 team, bringing his wealth of experience to guide the young talents.

At the U-13 level, Coach Nura Platini and Tasiu Pele will lead the technical team, ensuring the earliest stages of player development receive the highest standard of coaching and mentorship.

The restructuring is aimed at aligning the club’s youth development philosophy with global best practices.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Kano Pillars U-19 team took part in the inaugural edition of the National Youth League Super Cup tournament in Lagos.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Ballon d’Or: Capello names three players who can win award

Published

on

Former Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello has named three Los Blancos players who can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

The Italian claimed that Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham could potentially lift the coveted Golden Ball.

The three players have been impressive since joining Real Madrid and have also been in the running for the top-individual prize in the past few seasons.

Last year, Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe finished in the top six Ballon d’Or final power rankings.

This year they are also expected to be among contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport (via AS h/t Madrid Universal), Capello said: “Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham are three potential Ballon d’Or winners.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September and the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah are expected to compete with the Real Madrid stars for the prestigious top-individual award.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Transfer: Barcelona cannot register Nico Williams – LaLiga warns

Published

on

LaLiga President, Javier Tebas, has warned that Barcelona cannot register Nico Williams.

Barca are trying to trigger the release clause of Williams, who plays for their rivals Athletic Bilbao, this summer.

But Tebas has claimed they are not in a financial position to register the Spain winger.

Barcelona are already in a constant back-and-forth with LaLiga over the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.

However, Tebas has made it clear that the Catalans are yet to reach the 1:1 rule.

Speaking at the Spanish football federation’s (RFEF) event on Tuesday, he said: “As of today, Barca would not be able to register Nico Williams.

“The registration period for players started today, and right now I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Continue Reading

Trending