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In light of his mother’s passing, Super Eagles goalie Stanley Nwabali has received a condolence message from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The death of his mother was confirmed by Nwabali on X on Wednesday, January 1.
“A very very crazy world indeed ,” he initially wrote.
He then added:”Rip mom, worst year of my life already .”
The tragic news comes little over a month after he also revealed his father’s passing.
He was getting ready to play for the Super Eagles against Rwanda in the AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo in mid-November when his father passed away.
“Our heartfelt condolences to Stanley Nwabali on the loss of his mother,” the NFF wrote in response to Nwabali’s mother’s passing.
“Stanley, keep going.
“I’m offering you support and courage during this trying time.
“We are all here for you; you are not alone.
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has pledged to support the growth of the Nigerian football industry.
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau made this announcement while opening a one-day seminar for match commissioners in the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League, and NationWide League One on match commissioning and the difficulties of match reporting.
Alhaji Gusau was represented by Alhaji Inuwa Ahlan, Chairman of the Kano State Football Association.
Alhaji Gusau claimed that in order to strengthen the league, the seminar was created in order to increase the match commissioners’ understanding of the game, as they are responsible for making sure that club officials and match officials follow the rules.
He declared that the three leagues would keep evolving and that the NFF was prepared to collaborate with private industry and stakeholders to improve the calibre of play.
In order to increase the leagues’ appeal, the NFF President stated that the organisation was also attempting to engage league sponsors.
Hundreds of match commissioners attended the one-day seminar, which also included top football managers guiding the commissioners through the basics of match commissioning and reporting.
The event’s host, Chief Ken Nwaomucha, the immediate past chairman of the Delta State Football Association, praised the participants for their hard work and encouraged them to apply the knowledge they had learnt, stating that the boards of the NNL, NWFL, and NLO were diligently working to make the league more competitive.
The 224/25 NNL season is anticipated to begin before the end of next month.
Alhaji Danladi and other speakers urged the players to always follow the regulations of the game because they were crucial to the league’s growth.
The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has been elected as the 1st Vice President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) B zone.
The election took place in Niamey, Niger Republic on Friday, on the margin of this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship (WAFU B qualifying tournament) taking place in that country.
President of Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku, was elected President of the zone, while Oumarou Sawadogo, President of the Burkinabe Football Federation, was elected as the 2nd Vice President.
The WAFU B zone is made up of seven countries, viz Nigeria, Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Cote d’Ivoire.
Gusau, who became President of NFF in September 2022, has served in several high-level capacities in African football, including being on the Organizing Committee for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and serving as a top security officer of both FIFA and CAF.
After his father passed away on Friday morning, Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalie, received condolences from the Nigeria Football Federation and his teammates.
With a heartfelt tribute, the Chippa United goalie posted on his Instagram page to share the terrible news: “Rest in peace, dad.”
The incident occurred one day after Nigeria qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed dismay at the timing.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the demise of Stanley Nwabali’s father.
” Coming a day after the player featured in the match that won us the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket, it made for a day of low morale as we flew from Abidjan to Uyo,” Sanusi said.
He added, “The death of a parent is always a thing of deep sorrow and sadness. However, we want Stanley to take heart in the fruitful and fulfilled life that his father lived, and we pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest and also grant Stanley and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong led the tributes from teammates on social media, writing on Instagram, “Love you, my brother, Nwabali. We are together.”
Fellow goalkeeper Amas Obasogie wrote, “My chief, I hold you close in our thoughts at this sad time. I am deeply sorry for your profound loss.”
“Stay strong, bro,” Boniface wrote.
“Stay strong, Nwabali; we are together,” Simon added.
“My condolences, brother,” Onyemaechi wrote.
Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar also sent his condolences, writing, “Stay strong, Nwabali.”
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced a new kick-off time for the international friendly between Super Falcons and Algeria.
The game will now commence at 2pm, as against the earlier-advertised 4pm.
The encounter is slated for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on Tuesday.
According to the NFF, the Algerian delegation has opted to commence their return journey on Tuesday night.
“This has necessitated us moving the match forward to finish the encounter early for them to prepare for their movement to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos for their return trip aboard Qatar Airways,” NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said.
The Super Falcons defeated the Green Ladies 2-0 in their first friendly last Saturday.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored both goals for the three-time African champions.
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
In a shocking turn of events, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed how the much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Libya descended into a farcical situation due to the actions of Libyan federal authorities and their football federation.
According to Dr Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications for the NFF, the Nigerian team’s ordeal began the moment their chartered ValueJet aircraft departed from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 11:55 am on Sunday, 13th October 2024.
He said after a brief stop in Kano for immigration and refuelling, the flight proceeded to Benghazi, Libya, expecting to arrive around 8 pm local time.
Olajire explained that just before landing, the Libyan control tower refused the plane entry and directed it to the Al-Abraq International Airport, a facility lacking adequate navigational equipment for night landings.
According to him, despite warnings from the pilot about low fuel, Libyan officials ignored the concerns and forced the plane to reroute., saying that upon landing in the remote town of Labraq, the delegation, which included NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, faced a series of indignities.
He said with no scanning machines or proper equipment, passport checks were conducted using mobile phones, and the luggage took over an hour to arrive.
Olajire added that shockingly, no Libyan Football Federation officials were present to receive the team, and airport staff had no knowledge of buses arranged to transport the delegation to their hotel in Benghazi, explaining that efforts by the NFF President and officials to find transport were met with rudeness from airport security, as repeated attempts to contact the Libyan General Secretary were met with vague promises, which ultimately led to hours of delay with no resolution.
Olajire emphasised that as the situation worsened, the delegation, which included players, officials, and media representatives, were left stranded without food, water, or communication, as the airport had no internet or phone network.
He explained that by midnight, it became clear that Libyan authorities were deliberately stalling the team, citing a false grievance about their own experience in Nigeria, despite the NFF’s efforts to accommodate them during their visit to Port Harcourt.
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Frustrated, Olajire said the NFF President condemned the “despicable” behaviour, which he said had no place in football, saying that with the players growing increasingly fatigued and some falling ill due to lack of food and dehydration, Captain William Ekong informed NFF officials that the team was in no condition to play the match.
He explained further that in the early hours of the morning, the Nigerian Ambassador to Libya, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad, sent support through the Nigerian community president in Eastern Libya, who arrived with a modest breakfast of croissants and drinks for the beleaguered team.
Olajire said after further deliberation and communication with higher authorities, including CAF officials, the NFF decided that the Super Eagles would not proceed with the match, returning to Nigeria to await CAF’s decision on the unplayed fixture.
The NFF has lodged a formal complaint with CAF, calling for decisive action against the Libyan hosts for what it described as an “unprecedented level of hostility” that tarnished the spirit of football.
The Super Eagles will not play in Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, according to the decision made by the Nigeria Football Federation.
This comes after the crew was left stuck at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya for 12 gruelling hours since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The Nigerian delegation’s leased aircraft was dangerously diverted to Al Abraq, a small airstrip usually used for hajj activities, mid-flight while they were en route to Benghazi for the pivotal qualifier.
The Libyan Football Federation neglected to provide transport, leaving officials and players stranded in the wake of the unplanned diversion.
The NFF described the chaotic situation in detail in a statement on Monday, stating that the squad was unable to get to their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away, and had been stuck at the airport for more than 12 hours.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.
The NFF added that the players, who were worn out and angry, had made the decision not to participate in the game.
In accordance with the players’ choice, the NFF is currently making plans for the team to return to Nigeria, thereby removing them from the game.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong responded to the issue by denouncing the actions of the Libyan government.
Early on Monday morning, Troost-Ekong accused the hosts of playing “mind games” and called the scenario “disgraceful” in a series of tweets.
He disclosed that the group is being held captive at a closed airport with no access to food, water, or a phone.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending.
“The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.
“They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.
“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” he wrote.
Troost-Ekong also touched on the challenges encountered by the Tunisian pilot, who was able to make the last-minute destination change but was later denied lodging for his crew on government orders.
The Nigerian crew members were forced to sleep on the plane since they were not permitted to stay at the airport, although the pilot was allowed to relax.
“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” he wrote.
“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction.
” He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed.
“They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.
The Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with the President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, over the death of his mother a few days ago, which came only 10 months after the passing on of his father.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, implored the SWAN boss to take heart at this very difficult time for himself and members of his family, as the loss of a parent is always something of great sorrow, pain and grief.
“We commiserate with the President of SWAN over this painful loss, coming less than a year after the death of his father. Our heartfelt condolences to him and members of his immediate family as well as close relations. We share in their moments of sorrow and grief.
“We acknowledge the role of sports writers as important stakeholders in Nigeria Football. Our prayer is that the Almighty will grant the deceased eternal rest, and also grant Mr. Benjamin and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as well as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have joined stakeholders to mourn the passing of Chairman of House of Reps Committee on Sports, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
Adams, a former General Manager of Remo Stars and Kada Stars FC died in the early hours of yesterday after a protracted ailment.
Senator Enoh extended his deepest condolences during a visit to the home of the member representing Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency .
He said: “Honourable Ekene was deeply passionate about sports and played a significant role in the growth and development of sports in Nigeria. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Honourable Adams’ family. He was a sportsman par excellence who not only played the game but also administered and invested in it. We will miss his wealth of experience and the passion he brought to sports.”
Reflecting on their recent interactions, Senator Enoh added: “We were discussing Nigeria’s preparations for the Olympic Games, and he consistently demonstrated his patriotism and leadership.
“Honourable Ekene was a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him. His dedication to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria was solid, and his contributions to the house will be deeply missed.”
On the Minister’s entourage to the family on the condolence visit were permanent secretary in the ministry of sports development, Mrs Tinuke Watti as well as President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC) Engr Habu Gumel ,the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives amongst others.
Meanwhile, President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in a letter he personally signed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, extolled the virtues of the late Hon. Adams, saying the deceased was “the leader of a very important committee in the House of Representatives and a man who was very much alive to his duties, tasks, assignments, obligations and responsibilities.”
“As someone who has worked in football all his life, contributing his quota to the development of the game on the domestic front, Hon Ekene Abubakar Adams was well-known to the entire football fraternity, and it was no surprise that he was very keen on further development of the game of football in the country while he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development.
“From serving and excelling as General Manager of Kada Stars Football Club of Kaduna to serving and accomplishing great things as General Manager of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, to his glorious political sojourn that ended with Chairmanship of one of the most important committees in Nigeria’s Parliament, the late Hon. Adams surely left his bold and indelible footprints in the sands of time, and departed with a legacy of distinguished service to the football industry and to the country’s legislative chambers.
“We all loved him, but God Almighty loves him much more. Rather than be thrown into dejection and sorrow, we must endeavour to celebrate Hon. Adams’ fruitful and fulfilled existence here on planet Earth.”
Gusau thereafter paid a condolence visit to the house of the late Hon. Adams, where he met with his mother and wife.
Meanwhile, a minute silence was observed at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in honour of the late House of Representatives member.
Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the NPFL, described the National Assembly member as a committed stakeholder in the country’s football.
Adams, who died at the age of 39 was until his death, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.
He also previously served as General Manager of the defunct Kada City FC that played in the NPFL and was General Manager of NPFL side, Remo Stars.
“Adams was very passionate about football, especially at the grassroots and was for a good period of time, an active stakeholder in the NPFL, “, Elegbeleye said in an emotion laden voice.
Similarly, the NPFL ‘s Club Owners Association of Nigeria has equally expressed shock over the death of Honourable Adams.
Chief Okey Kpalukwu, Chairman of the body, said in Abuja while condoning members of the football family.
“The sudden death of Hon Ekene Abubakar is devastating. He was vibrant and full of life. Someone who lived for the beautiful game as a player and as an actuate administrator.
“This is really sad. We pray that God grants the family he left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Also writing about the life and time of the late Adams was the leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) who also expressed rude shock at the demise of House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement described Hon. Adams’ death as irreparable while commiserating with his immediate family, Football fraternity, National Assembly and the entire sporting sector.
“To say I’m sad about the demise of Hon. Ekene is by far an under-statement. I’m still shock and is unbelievable that a man of his calibre and quality is no more. Hon. Ekene who has been a long close friend of the sporting media is a man worthy of emulation.
“Sincerely, Hon. Ekene lived well within his short stay on earth. I really find it difficult to believe he is no more on this side of living. I pray that his good deeds on earth will keep his memories alive with all of us,” he said.