Joebie:
Kennysville, at the time I wanted to tackle this your post I discovered that I had already served some hours of my ban on NL, which I believe lasts for 24 hours.
Well, now here I come. My first thought was that you probably had some personal negative experience dealing with whites maybe in the UK, hence your sentiments-filled opinion. Granted, everyone is entitled to theirs.
However on these TAMMY matters and many others for that matter, sound opinions can only be given when sentiments are not attached.
Let me take you as well as others who gladly clicked “like” to your post to the reality of the world as it were, and even till this day.

Responding to your paragraphs one at a time:

Paragraph 1:
I have heard that common saying times without number here in Nigeria -- “a country of over 200 million CANNOT…. “
Let me put that question to you.. why don’t we SEEM to have the best doctors, engineers etc. as well IN NIGERIA despite our population? The first and paramount reason is Brain Drain, which is caused by we ourselves failing to create the environment for ourselves to thrive here in Nigeria. The effect, many intelligent ones go abroad and become experts. Or many go to schools there and become professionals. Many of these would love to come back but for the reason that the situation still hasn’t changed. Even those who go abroad to take on menial jobs bring up children there who become experts in their field. And you expect those parents to tell them sweet sweet stories about Nigeria in nostalgia, and ask them to return.. FUNNY.
Go to the Uk, US, Canada etc., they would always give preference for experts and promising talents from Nigeria etc. when considering them for Work Visas.
Now let me take you back to football, and yes we are still talking human resources. The situation is somewhat the same.
You can choose to live in caves if you want, but the reality of the world since the past till this very day is, advanced nations stay ahead because they know how to use the talents of other countries to advance themselves further in almost every field for that matter. Yes, their policy is if their indigenous population cannot fill a NEED then they must fill that vacuum with talents from another country. Of course this policy enforced strictly, since the government policy does not hold in many companies, some of which are also foreign-owned. Most of the time these countries will not only give chances to any person that they are confident will add value to their country, but they will also provide the environment for these foreign nationals to grow in their system. And I don’t want to make a generalization because racism does exist. But you are taking it way too far.

Do we still have textile industries in Nigeria? Our local shoes made in Aba, would you rather buy them? It’s easy to talk. The things that you own, are they locally made or made abroad? Most of the things we think are locally made are actually made in China haha


Over to Kanu Nwankwo. He and many others were a product of our U17 team. A system we have maintained till today. Over the years we have over-relied on our cadet teams to supply talents for the future. That is a failed youth developmental system, because when our junior teams miss out of the world cup it always spelled danger for us. Looking back and insinuating that was a period of excellence, is highly misleading. We’ve never had it right in this regard. But all of a sudden some people are speaking ill about the quest for foreign-breds to fill a need here, as if that’s the reason why we have not developed our own. That reasoning is misplaced.

The big sin many of us are committing is misdirecting our anger. I will be the first person to call for the Pinnick-led NFF to take steps to building a solid developmental youth football structure here in Nigeria. However, showing interest in foreign-bred players will in no way affect our developmental agenda should we have one -- Apples and Oranges.

Countries that are far more advanced in football compared to Nigeria have all used several foreign-born or foreign-bred players when these players have demonstrated they can add value to their teams. If you want me to name names I will. It is misleading to single out England. Even Germany, Spain, Italy are noteworthy examples. And I’m talking heavyweights in world football.
I asked a question about Ejaria, and only komekn dared take a stab on it, although his answer was not satisfying to me. Let me bring it up again. Ejaria had long shown his interest playing for Nigeria. He even trained with our U17. Why did UK make a move for him, knowing that he wants to play for Nigeria? NOBODY called it begging. Why did Ejaria accept the offer to play for their U20? Yet NOBODY insinuated he made a U-turn. Ejaria still keeping up with the Super Eagles. But we are here trying to crucify Abraham because the 19 year old said he was still available for the England U21s, in the midst of a possible PR nightmare.


I became convinced when I read your more recent post about conspiracy stuff. I’m going to tackle that post here as well. I’m not surprised by your remark. I had already sensed it. I’m even more convinced now that your opinions are borne out of sentiments, and even more so, your conspiracy beliefs. Nigeria won the Olympics in 1996. And here you are believing that the white countries/coaches have all ganged up to prevent that from happening for a second time, as if that will stifle our progress at the senior level. Let me clear you on this.
Rio 2016 facts:
Fifa had released an official statement in September 2015 that Rio Olympics was not in the FIFA calendar but appealed to clubs to release players.
“The event is not part of the international match calendar,” FIFA said in a press release. “However, FIFA is asking for support from the clubs to allow players who are called up by their national teams to be given the chance to be part of the Olympic experience.”
http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2015/09/25/fifa-olympics-release-players-clubs-soccer-rio-2016-qatar-2022-world-cup/
The prior Olympics?
“In 2012, FIFA ordered club teams to allow under-23 players to compete in the Olympics. In 2008, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Barcelona did not have to release Lionel Messi to compete in the Olympics, though Messi did end up winning gold with Argentina anyway.” – same source.

So please can you tell us, was FIFA targeting Nigeria in their 2015 release as well? Did FIFA conspire with the European club coaches as well? Did other countries not miss out from fielding some notable players? Even at the U20 stages, countries like Germany are not represented by their best players in that category. Especially players already established in their clubs. Was that also an attempt by the coaches to hijack the football development of their respective countries? Will you be balanced now in your reasoning?


In fact, Infantino said this when he visited Nigeria, “It is difficult to include the Olympics in the FIFA programme because the international match calendar is already congested and the start of the of the season clashes with the Olympics. This is why clubs insist in having their players, leaving the players with the dilemma of choosing between club and country.
“We are discussing with the clubs to allow the players to serve their nations at the Olympics. In fact for some players once they miss one opportunity they may not get it again to play at that big stage and this is not good,”

I can’t wrap my head around the idea that clubs would conspire against Nigeria, not considering their need for the players. Let’s give Pep etc. the benefit of the doubt. They wanted to see as much of their players during preseason. If you can come up with names of players from other countries these coaches released for Rio, name them. Who did Pep etc. release instead? Hmmmm

I think my earlier analogy fits you perfectly well. One I gave safarigirl –- coincidentally. But I will modify it. It goes like this:
One very bright sunny morning a boy called Tunde (lol) approached a beautiful sexy girl he had known for a while and asked her to marry him, holding a ring. He had his friend shoot, and other passersby also joined in shooting while he popped the question in that beautiful moment. Behold! although the setting looked perfect this girl blatantly said no in a very very rude way. In fact, she hissed and walked away.. that video went viral.. Since that day Tunde has been suffering from a very very low self esteem, he would take any girls every body language and remark to mean rejection. The story of Onuora statement vs. other England-bred players’ comes to mind in this analogy.. For those of you who tow this line of reasoning, that no clear statement in favor of Nigeria means rejection, I hope you get the analogy. You don’t have to be in the shoes of tbaba1234 , komekn etc. or myself to relate or understand the situation of these foreign-breds. It only calls for deep thinking and consideration to have sound judgments like Mujtahida ‘s and a few others’. Yes, It is left for the player to decide where his allegiance lies. Either way it should be respected without hard feelings. It is a professional decision. Many of you, in their shoes, WILL even do worse.

To your next paragraph, it’s illusory of you to think that anyone is suggesting that they, foreign-breds are “the best thing that has happened to our football”. Side note: I like to use the term foreign-bred because as a matter of fact, a handful of these players we refer to were actually born in Nigeria.
Even Komekn who I must admit seem extreme sometimes, I have to concede with him anytime he is able to prove that any of those foreign-breds he mentions are better than what we have right now in terms of position of play. Let’s think straight and be progressive in our approach to discussing these matters. Every country wants excellence and wants the best.. Sentiments removes from excellence – just as “rotation” does. If you can argue for a player or two who are home-grown and can prove that they are better than these foreign-breds make your arguments without sentiments, and I will concede. These players are all known to us.. We can check the facts. Videos can demonstrate their strengths.. If your desire is to hit back at whites for treating you in any specific way don’t take it on foreign-bred who happen to be biracial sometimes. IF YOUR CLAIM IS TRUE , that they are only second fiddle in that country, then why do you want to also treat them as such here. If you were in their shoes will you cherish being caught at the middle that way?
Ekong said Oliseh said oyibo are soft (something like that), if that similar remark was said by a foreign coach to a black player abroad won’t we shout racist remark? And somebody said Ekong should forget the past. Haha. But he never forgot because he is human too.
Please someone correct me if I’m reading your intentions wrongly.

As regards England, England is a special case. But one thing is sure, they have now won the U20 because of us—yes I see them as us. And we have NEVER won that tournament. They are doing better at the junior levels because of us. Not like we --Nigeria—who are so so blessed, but have done great at the senior level either. Those Nigerian players they capped and “shoved aside”, how were their club careers at the time? Which coach will dump an ourstanding player just because he wants to prove a point with so called white English players? It happens most times here in Nigeria with our tribalistic “rotation” mindset. Ameobi’s case is that special one. Because he did do well at some point even after insisting on playing for England. I would rather blame the England coach at the time, than blame the country. (Let me chip in although I didn’t want to earlier, 50% of my immediate family are UK citizens and are doing well in their fields. And we even extend to Australia, so I have a world view in some of these matters).

Back to what I was saying before I digressed, as long as Dele Alli and Ross Barkley stay outstanding they will always get the nod at the senior level (Check Barklay’s form now). Understandably, any player that hits a rough patch does not deserve an invite in any national team for that matter. You don’t use National teams to fix player’s careers. It’s not done that way. That’s bringing sentiments in where excellence should be the watchword. You want to invite the best at all times. John Fashanu, only 2 games for England. He played roughly 90 Premier league matches his entire career, and scored just about 20-something. I think his number of England caps is commensurate with his club performance. Victor Moses especially will be an England international today if not for his switch – going by his recent performances. How has Jordan Ibe been performing? Hahaha
England national coaches are hawks but they are not as sentimental as most of our indigineous coaches.


And lastly, to your last paragraph, “They need Nigeria more than Nigeria needs them” ,.
The fact actually is, the need is mutual. If Fashanu had played for Nigeria, I’m sure many of us would have loved it for him to run our FA?.. A section of us wouldn’t for some obvious sentimental reasons. You see where I am going?

What we have today in Nigeria is a result of years and years of incompetence at all levels of leadership. We can be sentimental for all we want, but that will not fix the problem even for our unborn children.

My very good man, I doff my had for you. We need you, Komekn and tbaba1234, as you have posited, if you all resonate at this same 'high octane' frequency, in the developing Nigerian Nation - vis a vis her football.

I'll send you a NL mail but just in case you do not receive it, I'll be happy to speak with you and both men you mentioned

You have excellent submissions, I must say, and myself and a few other Nigerians you all know are working hard to harness the positive energies that young professionals of Nigerian origin have for/about/around the game of football.

We are carefully selecting those we invite on the basis of knowledge, depth and intelligence exhibited. That's why I have come to you - and everyone I have reached.

WhatsApp is the best medium of this ongoing convo. I'll be happy to invite you to one of the most operational places you can directly involve yourself and see it truly manifest. Many times, people say talk is easy. Now we have a platform where you can talk, interphase with "them," hear from the principal officials and suggest directly what your best thought ideas are.

A few people here have joined us and can tell you their experiences.

Cc: Safarigirl
Mujtahida
TheGoodJoe


P.S: Dropping phone numbers or email addresses on NL have proven to be risky over time. Fruadsters often take advantage of that, often times long after the need is completed. That's why I have been unable to do so. I hope you'll respond to my NL ails.

komekn:


When did you send it, many apologies I'll try and reply pronto.

We exchanged 7 emails until I no longer heard from you.

We were good to go on 16/01/17 - then you went on 'radio silence."

Sent you a couple thereafter. I hope I haven't written too much here...

komekn:


I had this discussion with you sometime ago but you still do not get it.

The EPL is unlike any other league across Europe. It is a completely international league in which English players have become the minority.

When you look at the top 6 on a lot of occasions they may field a first 11, with no more than 1-3 English players in the team. On some occasions not a single English player. That will never happen in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, France etc.

So although the EPL us the most competitive league in the World you it has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO LARGELY with national team prominence and or dominance.

On the other hand there is no top 5 ranked nation by FIFA that will not have at least a number of thier highest performing and or top playing in the EPL.

I ask you directly. Can you say that of the Turkish, Belgium, Austrian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Swiss, Ukrainian, leagues, etc to name a few.

The comparison that you make is not substantively underpinned just mere sentiment.

Shehu is an exception and far very far from the general trend. Better players play in top leagues full stop and the best in the best teams and best leagues.

You didn't reply my last mails. Had huge expectation after such good convo, you know.

Kog45:
Ok

Mail sent. Ain't gotten your reply yet. Got to talk to you on telephone, if you wouldn't mind.

Kog45:
My man u relayed d match live and God bless u.

I want Rohr to use d match as a case study for his boys,we lost that match due to a lot of factors,i w never say conspiracy coz we have seen other Africa countries progressed to quarter final and Ghana even had d opportunity to reach semi final

A lot of things happened in eagles camp before Italy match and Mutiu Adepoju should able to tell u much,this is one of d reason am happy for d unity in this present team.

Prior to that match there was a serious brawl between Siasia and Olishe,this made Westerhoff to axe Siasia from d team list and brought in Okocha.After injury to Daniel Amokachie,naturally Samson Siasia should have replaced him and d rhythm of d game w continue coz Italy were under pressure.

We had d game under our control till d tail end but Olishe messed up instead of simple clearance,Olishe decided to win d ball and lost it,this resulted to Italy equaliser.

The penalty given to Italy was disheartening coz Eguavoen just act ignorantly and got punished for it,is a match i hate to remember,winning that match was straight to d final.

Oh Emenalo pass to Yekini,just simple tap in would have done it but Yekini messed it up.One of d worst outing for Yekini in eagles even i w say US 94 his worst outing.

We lost d match due to lack of WC experience and it was glaring we have d best team in d world after Brazil, rating d best entertaining team in d world and 5th best in d world.

Hope this young team w supercede this great performance,they have everything at their disposal to achieve it,depends on d coaching crew ability to approach every game tactically.

My good man, let us talk privately. I'll send you an email.

Mujtahida:

Okay. I will send my email to you.

I'll be grateful. I just sent you a NL email.

Mujtahida:

On your first paragraph: have you not heard or experienced those average students in Nigeria who went to the UK and got first class? How come? What happened? I'm not saying Rohr is average or not. I am saying comparing him with others like Klinsmann or Leow is not it.(you didn't mention Klinsmann and Leow sha)

Ogu has been more like a fan on the bench. If he misses this World Cup again like he did 2014 he will madt oo. Biko

Can I reach you via email, please? NL appears to have a lid on the amount of emails a person can send at a given time.

TheGoodJoe:


Great addition to the group. The more our voices are heard, the louder our cries and possibly a chance to make the much needed changes our football.

I need you to help speak with all the quality people you know and have a good relationship with. I really dislike the cold shoulder I have received over time from so many folks. I "chased" you, for example, for nearly eight months! I understand the reasons though. People can be quite reluctant to talk to totally new people and give up the freedom to be totally unknown, a feature NL offers. The sad part is that I believe Europeans monitor this thread while our own chiefs may have no idea of the enormity of options and suggestions you guys put up regularly here. In addition, folks who join us wouls also be able to channel their passion directly to source, and would also have a clearer idea of what our issues really are.

Meanwhile, I am still expecting the alternative # you spoke to me about. We must make the right calls at/to/around the ears of the right people. I have had to create time to write on this thread a little more than I may have wanted while we try to get the people we want to join us. Once we complete that, I would be back to my regular.

TheGoodJoe:


Rohr has done it, even during games unless you are saying Rohr is not coaching international football.

Bro, we meet here again. Still expectant.

Safarigirl is now in the crib. Spoke to Terzum. I think Mujtahida and Humility017 would make excellent additions. What do you think?

kennysville:


Conspiracy of the highest order!
O pari

It didn't start in Brazil. In USA 94, the Italians, after falling one goal behind very early - and the world had woken up to learn the Nigerian?African unusual style of physical and beautiful play, simply - and tactically - ensured that Amokachi and Amuneke were injured and substituted very early in the game. They got no red cards on their way to achieving this. Zola, who was red-carded (and they still beat us anyway!) much later in the game, earned the red for a totally unrelated occurrence.

Of course, Thompson Oliha, of blessed memory, and my big friend, Mutiu Adepoju who came in for the Nigerian wingers were no perfect matches for the Bull and the flying left winger in Amokachi and Amuneke respectively. That left Rashidi Yekini (God rest his soul) all alone with an Italian Mafia defence, Rashidi could only huff and puff without any results. I have watched that game over and again and even protested about it on FIFA.com!

Yekini was so disillusioned that when now-Chelsea FC Chief, Mike Emenalo, playing as a left back in place of Benedict Iroha and donning jersey 19, eventually cut through from the left and made Yekini a marvelous pass from heaven in the late stages of the second half of extra time, with Nigeria 2-1 down and facing exit from the World Cup, Baba Yekini apparently had forgotten how to take a hot shot first time and blast it into the yapping net. He attempted to 'dress' the ball first to get into a more comfortable shooting position.

That was the end of the story. You don't try that in the face of a storm. The Italian defence recovered in a twinkle of a second and snuffed Yekini and danger out. The Super Eagles crashed and Nigeria's maiden World Cup appearance came to a stuttering end. NIGERIA was later named the second most entertaining team at the USA 94 Mundial, second only to eventual champions, Brazil.

I understand Yekini was awarded something for "Best Behaved Player" at that World Cup. I am not sure.

Bottom line: Europe would NEVER EVER allow Africa to have the best opportunities that can stand in their way. For as long as our players continue to seek 'greener pastures' in Europe for the lucre, and our local leagues are nothing to write home about in terms of officiating and organisation, we would never rule the world of football - and global success in the game of football MAY continue to be a mirage.

kennysville:
Has anyone ever wondered what our Olympic games outing would have been like had we featured Iheanacho, Iwobi, Ndidi and other intelligent players? But fact is we never saw conspiracy of the highest order. How convenient it was for Wenger to stop Iwobi, and how Baldiola too stopped Nacho, how Conte made Mikel choose between pre season and olympic games.
So now after stoppin the poor Iheanacho from playing at the olympic games, he would go on to confine the innocent boy to da bench, drilling him till every bit of skill almost faded out. I remember when the boy got into city's first team in their pre season and Iheanacho was played as a 10. Boy, can this dude pass? He scored and had assists.

Naija wake up! White people no want us successful at anything. Thats a story for another day

This is the deepest of intelligent contributions I have read on this thread in the last 30minutes. You wrote the like someone who is very thoughtful and I would like to speak with you in person, if you wouldn't mind.

safarigirl:
me I've not heard from you o

You've got a coupla mails.

safarigirl:
me I've not heard from you o

Sent you a mail already. Would probably send another.

terzurum5:

I sent you a reply.

Received. Replied. Sent you the framework.
As soon as you read and reply that, we would be all perfect.

I would ring you shortly by the way. It has been a very busy day here. My bones are all creaky

Tolexander:
Black Mamba!

It is a nocturnal snake that loves swallowing hen's eggs.
It is the snake behind killing of brooding hens at home and in the bush.

Many times killed by inserting a hook and line in a boiled egg tied down. It becomes stuck after swallowing the boiled egg. Banging itself on the ground for the egg to be broken. During the process, the hook gets hooked to its intestine and starts struggling to be freed from the line.

There is a myth about it in Yoruba. They say when it grows to a certain stage, it starts developing comb like a cock, and starts crowing like a cock to attract hens. Though I have outgrown that believe.

Tolex, this is huge! You just gave so much information about that quite easily. Thank you Tolexander.

Icon4s:


We don't have the quality to match that of the Brazilians. Take that to the bank.

I don't think so, with due respects Sir.

I think that if we harness and groom our talents well, we have what it takes to defeat Brazil at the full senior level - and regularly too.

This thing is simple: population and diversity. The larger a population, if optimally primed, the more abundant the possibilities and potentials therein. That is why we are the most successful country in the world at male cadet football level. It suggests that we have the innate quality but our growth and development has/had perennially been stymied.

The only reason we shocked the World in USA 94 was because we were underrated and the real World barely knew us and our capacity. Bulgaria underestimated us. Meanwhile, we may have been lucky that Stoichkov's early freekick goal was ruled out. Those 1994 boys never showed the world that they had the mental strength to come back from losing positions - at least not in the four matches they played at that World Cup Greece were the whipping boys in the group. Argentina and Maradona+Cannigia hit them twice and they lost SiaSia's wonderful sole goal lead. Against Italy, same thing. Amuneke has scored early and mental fatigue set in. We collapsed with two minutes to go.

The 1994 team was at the King Fahd Cup in 1995, wasn't it? Our people like to forget that. They drew Argentina 0-0 and lost on PKs to Mexico and Jorge Campus. Watch those games again. They weren't giant killers per se. So Nigeria had never really had a globe-conquering senior squad, not out of lack, but because of poor planning when compared to the best countries in the world. We may win AFCON but we need to do much more in terms of the science and technology aside the pure art of football, if we intend to win the World Cup.

It is the same that happened with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. France underestimated them, like Spain also did to Nigeria in 1998.

We have the quality to win Brazil, or at least be at par with them. All we need to do is to organise ourselves better. Italy showed how to defeat the [/i]Jogo Bonito[i] Brazil all-playing squad, from as early as Espana '82, en route their third World Cup win.

terzurum5:


I have done that but could not find anything. I had to even go through "Spam" still found none.
Cc: Fringes

Sorted.

TheGoodJoe:


Check your email.

Didn't receive a mail from you. Would send you one right away.

safarigirl:
the rest of us nko? You want to steal them like you did lazyerudite?

Safarigirl, I do take exception to the word 'steal.' You may prefer "invite preferentially."

However, I have been constrained in reaching you because you are female and I know male-female DMs on this website has been hugely abused. If you would respond however, I would love to have you join us. Indeed, our entire Nigerian society probably needs more enlightened and participating females.

Icon4s,
terzurum5
thegoodjoe


Can I speak with you on telephone, please?

Hello Folks.

As we wait upon this match that is likely to qualify us for the World Cup in Russia, I must salute the dedication that very many of you have put into discussing the Senior Male National football team for so long, spanning more than a thousand pages of this thread.

The enormity of information on this thread is enough, if used appropriately, to set up the template for building national football teams that can win the world cup at cadet, youth and senior levels under the next two decades.

I must however let you know that nairaland may be too narrow, and/or too far, despite the huge abundance of information being shared here, for the administrators and officials that make the most important decisions regarding Nigerian football. Narrow in the sense that there are too many distractions and trolling, bickering and tribal all-what-nots for some real talk on this website and that might just keep the eyes that matter away from the significant knowledge regularly shared hereon.

Sometimes we just need to be patient before we hug news and misinterpret it.

As you can see from the Dr's quote and hashtag, "#veterianarymedicine," he extracted that object from the gut of an animal.

He is an animal Dr. Now some animals are known to swallow all manners of objects for all manners of reasons.

In essence, that didn't come out of a human being.

This ought to have happened AGES ago.

It is so simple and doesn't require scientific knowledge to know that FANTA in the UK is very different from FANTA in Nigeria.

In UK, you can virtually taste the ORANGE in the Fanta Orange. In Nigeria, you know you are simply drinking some sweet colouring.

In better climes, Dr. Fijabi Adebo deserved a national award for going out of his way to prove this.

What we do to ourselves in Nigeria, by Nigerians to Nigerians - not colonial masters anything o! - is often atrocious, yet we perennially try to hide under a finger and blame others.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah suspends Team Manager, apologises to all stakeholders and fans for the outcome of the match between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah

FC Ifeanyi Ubah has suspended its Team Manager, Mr. Jonathan Igwe for four matches for the role he played in the abandonment of the NPFL curtain raiser between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano yesterday.

In a press release made available on the club's website and signed by the Chairman of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Mr. Chukwuma Ubah, the club condemned in plain terms the conduct of its team manager while apologising to the President of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, the Chairman of the LMC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Governor of Kano State, H.E. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, other relevant stakeholders, fans and football lovers for its role in the disappointing start of the NPFL while promising to uphold the statutes and tenets of the beautiful game.

Read the press statement below:

"Our attention has been drawn to the sad events that led to the abandonment of the opening game of the 2016/2017 NPFL season between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah on the 14th of January, 2017 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. After extensive investigations into the occurrences that culminated in the disappointing start of the Nigeria Professional Football League, the Management of FC Ifeanyi Ubah has arrived at the following findings:

1. That the Team Manager, Mr. Jonathan Igwe in a rather autocratic and unprofessional manner took laws into his hands by dishing out orders to the team without due recourse to the statutes and ethics of the game.
2. That his actions were borne out of an uncontrollable emotion owing to his perceived antagonistic behaviour of the centre referee who he claimed allowed a goal that was flagged offside by the linesman to stand against us and disallowing a legitimate goal scored by FC Ifeanyi Ubah via a direct free kick deep into stoppage time of the first half.
3. That he is deeply remorseful for his actions and the role he played in the eventual abandonment of the match between Kano Pillars and our darling club, FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Sani Abacha Stadium which also resulted in him being given a red card by the centre referee.

In view of the aforementioned, the club has reached the following decisions:

1. That the Team Manager Mr. Jonathan Igwe is suspended for four (4) football matches with immediate effect and will forfeit one (1) month salary/allowances for his unprofessionalism and role in the eventual abandonment of the match.
2. That the Team Manager is not to be seen in the venue of any FC Ifeanyi Ubah match during the period of his suspension.
3. That the Team Manager is mandated to issue a letter of apology and promise of good conduct to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the organisers of the NPFL, the League Management Company (LMC) within 72 hours.
4. That the Team Manager is also to issue a written unreserved apology letter to the club and its teeming fans.

The Management of FC Ifeanyi Ubah hereby tenders an unreserved apology to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the League Management Company (LMC) for the outcome of the match between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah which was supposed to be a befitting curtain raiser for the 2016/2017 NPFL season.

Our most sincere and heartfelt apology goes out to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and the Chairman of the League Management Company, Mallam Shehu Dikko who has done so much in promoting the NPFL while raising the standards of the league and football in Nigeria.

We also wish to apologise to all important dignitaries, especially the Governor of Kano State, H.E. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Management of Kano Pillars, the good people of Kano State, Chairmen of various State FAs, sponsors of the NPFL and members of the press who were present to witness the match.

Finally, may we use this medium to apologise to our teeming fans and football lovers all over Nigeria and around the world for the disappointing display that has brought the name of the beautiful game to disrepute. This is highly regrettable and we wish to state categorically that we would do everything within our powers to make sure that such occurrence does not repeat itself.

The club condemns explicitly the unprofessional conduct of Mr. Jonathan Igwe and believe that the sanctions imposed on the Team Manager will serve as a severe deterrent to the entire management and playing staff of the club. FC Ifeanyi Ubah vows to uphold the statutes and tenets of the beautiful game we love so much.

Thank you and God bless."

Afam4eva:

Ifeanyi Uba scored a goal and instead of the referee to count it as a goal, he she blew the whitsle for the end of the first half. After about 60 minutes Kano Pillars were a goal up and Ifeanyi Uba players walked out in protest.

I was there. Your account isn't a true reflection of what happened. I have the video but evidently can't upload it here. Watch Naija Made this Thursday on Supersport for full analysis however.

Replied two more emails. Icons4 included his nairaland moniker.

Please include your Nairaland monikers when sending the mail friends. I've duly responded to Icons4.

Goodjoe and Komekn, kindly confirm as necessary Sirs. Only us Nigerians can fix Nigeria and her football. Let's do this..

Icon4s:

I have sent you a mail. Thanks.

Replied Sir.

CC:
Icon4s
goldfish80
TheGoodJoe
Komekn

I know I may have skipped few great brains. Your great knowledge would be of huge importance to Nigeria and our football. If you are positively disposed to it, I could facilitate bringing you all directly to the earshots of those who matter the most in all the conversation on this thread. Kindly send a mail. We'll work from there.

We would all benefit from the wisdom you all churn out relentlessly here.

chicobaddest:
Please when you are added kindly inform me

I've not heard nadir from them.