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Nigeria Football Federation Denies Plans to Change Statutes at Annual Assembly

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2025

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming it intends to amend its statutes during the Annual General Assembly set for Sept. 27 in Ibadan, Oyo State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement Friday, the federation said the agenda for the meeting is public and does not include any discussion on changes to its governing documents.

“The attention of the Nigeria Football Federation has been drawn to misleading media reports suggesting that the NFF intends to amend its statutes at the Annual General Assembly,” the statement read. “We wish to categorically state that there is no such plan.”

Assembly Agenda

The NFF explained that the Annual General Assembly, often referred to as AGA, is a routine gathering meant to review the activities of the federation, discuss financial matters, and approve future programs.

This year’s session in Ibadan will follow the same format. Items on the agenda include presentations on the federation’s budget, reports on national team performances, and preparations for upcoming tournaments.

“No amendments to the NFF Statutes are listed or will be considered,” the federation said.

Clarifying Public Concerns

The denial comes after speculation spread in local media that the federation might use the Ibadan meeting to push through legal or structural changes. Such amendments often raise concern among stakeholders, as they could affect elections, membership, or the balance of power within the NFF.

By addressing the reports ahead of the meeting, the federation said it wanted to reassure clubs, players, state associations, and fans that no hidden agenda was in play.

“We remain committed to transparency in all our operations,” the NFF stated. “Any decision to amend the statutes can only be taken after wide consultation and in strict compliance with FIFA and CAF requirements.”

Background on the NFF Statutes

The statutes are the legal framework that guides how the NFF operates. They define the roles of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and other key bodies. They also outline procedures for elections and decision-making.

Amending the statutes is a sensitive issue because it requires approval from members of the General Assembly and oversight from international football authorities. In the past, proposed changes have led to controversy, particularly when stakeholders felt excluded from the process.

FIFA, the world governing body, has stressed that any amendments to a national federation’s statutes must follow global standards of transparency and democracy.

Stakeholder Reactions

While some football observers welcomed the clarification, others urged the NFF to improve communication with the public to avoid confusion.

“It is good they cleared the air, but this should not have become an issue in the first place,” said sports analyst Tunde Ajayi. “People want to trust the federation, but trust grows when information is shared early and clearly.”

Another football administrator from Lagos, who asked not to be named, said the reports show how sensitive the topic of statutes has become in Nigerian football. “Even the rumor of a change makes people suspicious. The NFF must always be ahead in telling its story,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The Annual General Assembly in Ibadan is expected to bring together delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states, football clubs, referees, coaches, and other stakeholders.

Key discussions will focus on preparations for the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers, the Super Falcons’ upcoming competitions, and continued development of grassroots football.

The NFF emphasized that these sporting matters, not legal amendments, will dominate the agenda.

“The federation is focused on supporting our national teams, improving youth programs, and ensuring Nigeria’s football maintains its respected place on the continent,” the statement said.

The Ibadan meeting comes at a time when Nigerian football faces pressure to deliver stronger results internationally while also improving domestic leagues. Stakeholders say clarity, stability, and unity within the federation are crucial for progress.

With the NFF ruling out any statute changes at this year’s assembly, attention now shifts to whether the discussions in Ibadan will produce solutions to the more immediate challenges facing Nigerian football.

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Lyon Win Five-Goal Thriller Against Crystal Palace As Sunderland Strike Late [Europa League Full Results].

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2026

NivoNews

Lyon took the lead in the 10th minute when Corentin Tolisso reacted quickly to a loose ball following a corner kick.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The French side extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time, with Ernest Nuamah finishing off Keito Nakamura’s cross after an impressive attacking move.

Crystal Palace reduced the deficit shortly after the restart through Yeremy Pino, who converted a well-executed set-piece routine.

However, Lyon restored their two-goal advantage when Pavel Sulc scored with a close-range flick.

Daichi Kamada brought Palace back into contention with nine minutes remaining, but Lyon defended their lead to secure their second consecutive victory in the league phase.

Sunderland Snatch Dramatic Late Victory

Sunderland produced a late comeback to defeat Torreense 2-1 in Portugal, with Noah Sadiki scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute.

The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute after Volnei Feltes beat his marker before unleashing a long-range effort beyond Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris responded by introducing Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee shortly before the hour mark, helping his side regain control of the contest.

Jules Ahoka subsequently equalised for the visitors before Sadiki struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.

The closing stages were marked by a lengthy VAR review that ultimately denied Sunderland a late penalty, but the visitors still left Portugal with all three points.

Leverkusen, AC Milan Record Convincing Wins

Bayer Leverkusen moved to the top of the standings after defeating Lech Poznan 4-0.

Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot in the first half, while Malik Tillman also found the net before the interval. Ibrahim Maza completed the scoring late in the game.

AC Milan recorded an identical scoreline away against Salzburg, with teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse netting a hat-trick. Goncalo Ramos added the fourth goal in the 72nd minute.

However, Filippo Terracciano’s red card took some shine off Milan’s emphatic victory.

Other Europa League Results

Elsewhere, Bournemouth defeated Sturm Graz 3-0, while Juventus claimed a 2-1 away victory over Celta Vigo. Olympiacos also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Marseille.

Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise, while Dinamo Zagreb defeated Anderlecht 1-0.

Benfica cruised to a 4-1 victory over Celtic, AZ Alkmaar beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1, and Besiktas edged Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home.

Other results saw Celje lose 0-3 to Omonia, Ferencvaros defeat Plzen 2-1, Jagiellonia beat Ararat-Armenia 3-1, and Nijmegen draw 1-1 with Levski Sofia.

2026/2027 Europa League Matchday 2 Results

AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Hapoel Be’er Sheva
Celje 0-3 Omonia
Lech Poznan 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen
Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace
Union Saint-Gilloise 1-1 Real Sociedad
Salzburg 0-4 AC Milan
Sparta Prague 1-1 Lillestrom
Torreense 1-2 Sunderland
Benfica 4-1 Celtic
Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz
Celta Vigo 1-2 Juventus
Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 Anderlecht
Ferencvaros 2-1 Plzen
Hoffenheim 2-3 Besiktas
Jagiellonia 3-1 Ararat-Armenia
Marseille 0-1 Olympiacos
Nijmegen 1-1 Levski Sofia

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Full List: APC Map Out 12 States For Tinubu To Visit For 2027 Campaign Rallies.

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2026

NivoNews

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed a schedule for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign rallies across 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the proposed timetable, the campaign is expected to commence in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026, and conclude with a grand rally in Lagos State on January 9, 2027.

reports that the planned rallies will cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with Tinubu scheduled to attend campaign events in 12 locations across the country.

Other proposed destinations include Port Harcourt, Jos, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Asaba, Kano and Yola.

Full List of Proposed Campaign Dates and Locations

The proposed timetable outlines the following dates and venues for Tinubu’s campaign appearances:

Kaduna, Kaduna State – Saturday, October 24, 2026
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Saturday, November 7, 2026
Jos, Plateau State – Saturday, November 14, 2026
Ibadan, Oyo State – Saturday, November 21, 2026
Maiduguri, Borno State – Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Enugu, Enugu State – Saturday, November 28, 2026
Bauchi, Bauchi State – Sunday, November 29, 2026
Sokoto, Sokoto State – Friday, December 4, 2026
Asaba, Delta State – Saturday, December 12, 2026
Kano, Kano State – Thursday, December 17, 2026
Yola, Adamawa State – Monday, January 4, 2027
Lagos, Lagos State – Saturday, January 9, 2027

Momodu Questions Tinubu’s Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed doubts about President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections in 2027, claiming that even some of the President’s supporters harbour similar concerns.

reports that the veteran journalist made the remarks during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time programme.

Momodu alleged that some Nigerians fear Tinubu might be unwilling to relinquish power if he loses the next presidential election.

He, however, insisted that Nigerians would resist any attempt by the President to remain in office after an electoral defeat.

The ADC chieftain further claimed that some governors elected on the APC platform, alongside judges and legislators, were apprehensive about the possible outcome of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the interview, Momodu said many Nigerians would question whether Tinubu could be trusted to oversee a credible and transparent electoral process.

He argued that some supporters of the President were confident of victory but, according to him, struggled to explain the basis for their optimism beyond their belief in Tinubu’s political influence.

Momodu also maintained that his confidence in the opposition’s efforts was not based solely on his party, but on what he described as the growing determination of ordinary Nigerians who do not want Tinubu to secure another term.

He recalled Tinubu’s political struggle to win a second term as governor of Lagos State, suggesting that opposition figures were also working behind the scenes to challenge his bid for re-election as President.

The ADC chieftain added that some political figures who publicly support Tinubu were allegedly concerned about the current political climate but were reluctant to express their reservations openly.

He concluded by describing the President’s position within the political establishment as one that many were unwilling to challenge directly.

Momodu’s remarks reflect his personal assessment of the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections and his criticism of the Tinubu administration.

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CAF Delegation Arrives In Nigeria For Crucial Final Inspection Ahead Of Assembly, Awards.

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2026

NivoNews

A 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, to conduct a final inspection of facilities ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, will assess venues and related arrangements in Lagos and Abuja to ensure they meet the standards required for hosting the two major continental events.

During their visit to Lagos, the CAF officials will inspect the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. They are also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Lagos State Government.

The team will then proceed to Abuja, where it will assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The delegation is also expected to pay courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.

A six-member delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF officials throughout the inspection exercise.

The visit follows an earlier assessment conducted between July 31 and August 4, during which initial operational agreements were established.

The final inspection will focus on verifying the readiness of the venues, security provisions and logistical arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of both events.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 21, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is slated for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.