Sports

STATE OF NIGERIA FOOTBALL ; A TRUE PERSPECTIVE OF CURRENT HAPPENINGS

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2023

Whilst it is very easy for us to look at issues on the surface and mould opinions or create sensational headlines to attract traffic , it is also very imperative to have an unbiased approach to how things are done with the workings of the Nigeria Football Federation.

I am surprised that people are relating the issues of the Super Falcons to the salary of the NFF General Secretary, Muhammed Sanusi.

There is no point to be sensational and trying to muddle up facts in that regards. The NFF on their part have tried to clarify issues concerning the Super Falcons and the girls as I have monitored are in high spirit getting ready for their first game against Canada at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

That issue has nothing to do with the amount the General Secretary is earning which he did not start earning today or start making from the Present board led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.

It is even rather funny that we are dwelling on the 10,000 Dollars Sanusi is earning but forget that the highly criticed Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro is earning 70,000 Dollars, seven times the salary of the G.S . Why are people not headlining that.

So it might only sound mischievous for anyone to start making headlines on Sanusi’s salary now because we want to justify criticising the NFF.

There is Nobody or Sector that is not feeling the challenges going on in the Country at the moment and the NFF is no exception if we must tell ourselves the truth.
The Football House is a reflection of the larger Nigeria Society.

The Present Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing its best to get the Country working again and the Ibrahim Gusau led NFF board is pushing hard to survive in the face of all that is going on in the Country.

To give a perfect example of what is going on is to look at how the current increased rate of dollars is affecting everything the NFF is doing. Just imagine the amount they will use to charter a flight now for the Super Eagles compare to before and this trickles down to almost everything the NFF does financially.

So if anybody is saying the Present board is not doing anything and they have backlog of indebtedness , the big question is where will they get the money from with all the hardship the country is experiencing.

It may sound like a PR or one is defending the NFF but sometimes if stating the fact sounds like PR , then one should not shy away from stating the obvious.

Still on the issue of the General Secretary Muhammed Sanusi, one thing I have come to realise is this , the man in question signed a four year contract with his employers before the coming of the Present board and without any deliberate show of Gross incompetence it will naturally be difficult for the current board to jettison him just like that.

We should not forget this is a new board that is trying to find its feet and I am convinced that the NFF President should rather be praised and not criticised for not jumping into decisions.

It is also very imperative for all stakeholders especially we in the media to get acquainted with the rule book of the Glass House, that is the NFF statute.

This will also help to earnest our knowledge on decisions taking by the football board like the recently constituted league boards.

Having read through the NFF statute , there is no place where it states categorically the Procedure, Qualifications and how the boards of the Leagues must be constituted, no where.

And the same statute , in Article 85 ,gives the Executive Committee the Power to have a final decision on any matter not provided for in the same statutes or in case of force majeure.

This was the provision that gave the board the power to appoint the recently constituted boards of the various leagues.

So the board has not flouted any law in setting up the various league boards that has made George Aluo the Chairman of the Nigeria National league,NNL, Silas Agara the Chairman of the Nigeria Nation Wide league and Nkechi Nneka Obi the boss of the Nigeria Women Football League.

Having said all of these, it is also a fact that a lot is being expected from this Present board and I have no doubt that the President and his team are more than capable to deliver.

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Sports

AACT 2026: Nana Abubakar Promises World-Class Catering, Nigerian Hospitality

Published

1 hour ago

October 28, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria – With five days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Catering and Refreshment Committee, Nana Abubakar, has assured visiting golfers, officials and guests of a memorable Nigerian experience, with local delicacies, entertainment and carefully coordinated catering arrangements planned for the continental championship.

Abubakar, who is also Treasurer of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), said the committee was working to ensure that visitors experience the richness of Nigerian cuisine and hospitality throughout their stay in Abuja.

She explained that the arrangements would go beyond providing meals and refreshments, with guests expected to enjoy Nigerian delicacies, cocktails and entertainment as part of the activities surrounding the championship.

The committee is also making provisions for golfers during practice sessions and while competing on the course, recognising the need to keep players refreshed and comfortable despite the potentially challenging weather conditions.

Abubakar said the arrangements were designed to ensure that players can concentrate on their games while receiving the necessary catering and refreshment support throughout the competition.

Beyond the golf course, the hospitality package will begin from the moment visitors arrive in Nigeria, with welcome packages and reception arrangements planned to give participating teams and other guests a warm introduction to the country.

The initiative reflects the Local Organising Committee’s determination to make AACT 2026 more than a sporting contest, using the championship to showcase Nigerian culture, cuisine, entertainment and hospitality to visitors from across Africa.

Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.

Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship will bring together women golfers from across the continent while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and stronger African relationships.

With five days remaining, the Catering and Refreshment Committee says it is preparing to serve up a distinctive Nigerian experience, combining sporting excellence with the warmth of the country’s renowned hospitality.

5 DAYS TO GO.

AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.

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