Sports

EXUIFA Urges NFF to Appoint Substantive Super Eagles Head Coach

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2024

The Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA) has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to expedite the appointment of a substantive Head Coach for the Super Eagles.

In a recent opinion poll conducted among its members, the association emphasized the need for a permanent coach to be appointed, ideally before the next qualifying match.

The consensus among EXUIFA members is that Coach Augustine Eguavoen should revert to his role as Technical Director, while a new foreign or local coach is appointed to lead the team for a minimum period of two years.

This recommendation is not a reflection on Eguavoen’s tactical abilities but rather a call for a fresh perspective, as the current team lacks the discipline required to succeed at the highest level.

By appointing a substantive Head Coach, the NFF can provide stability and direction for the Super Eagles, enabling them to reach their full potential.

They were of the opinion that the Federation should expand its scouting system to ensure that only the best players are given the opportunity to dorn the country’s colour, as some of the players in the team currently, have no business to be there.

The Association which is made of all the players that have passed through Premier University in the country, will hold its 10th Anniversary on 21 December 2024.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

13 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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