Sports

NFF: Aspirants Stormed Election With Dollars, Contestant Alleges

Published

3 years ago

September 30, 2022

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and contestant in Friday’s Nigeria Football Federation presidential election, Idah Peterside, has alleged that some aspirants stormed the venue of the poll in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with bags of dollars in a bid to buy votes.

The dollar rain at the NFF elections held at the Edo Heritage Hotel in Benin City was not unexpected.

The stakes were already high and tension was fever-pitched as Ibrahim Gusau emerged as the new NFF president after he won the election in a landslide victory.

He polled 21 votes to defeat his closest rival, Seyi Akinwunmi, who got 12. The second runner-up, Shehu Dikko, garnered six votes while Abba Yola and Peterside had one vote each.

Peterside stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission must get involved in Nigerian football if the ills were to be corrected.

“The problem we have here is that we need to bring in the EFCC if football must be right in our country,” Peterside said in a radio interview with Sports Salsa before the election on Friday.

“They must arrest people because it’s an economic crime when people are carrying bags of dollars without shame. The Central Bank of Nigeria will be proud on what they will find in these rooms.

“We did not sleep till 3am (Friday morning) because we were trying to convince people. Some told us they were offered $15,000; $10,000. What gain do I have to lie about this?

“A young man told me that he had $5,000 shared into six places to offer zones who would vote.”

Peterside also labelled the election venue a crime scene, saying, “the EFCC should come here and search rooms of this hotel. This is a crime scene. I have integrity to spend and love for the game. Hoodlums will continue to run our football and how can it improve?

“I will make noise to the roof; how do we hold people responsible with all these issues?”

After the election, he congratulated Gusau, following his victory and promised to offer his support to him if needed.
He added that he would contest the NFF presidency again in 2026.

“Congratulations to Ibrahim Gusau. The truth is that I understand the politics. People make promises with hope,” Peterside, a football pundit based in South Africa, said after the election.

“I came from outside to prove a point. I will be back next four years. The election cost me N15m to N20m. We won’t stop until the Congress is expanded. Then it will be a level playing ground.

“The process today (Friday) wasn’t bad. My life goes on, I have work to do at SuperSport, and I am also a pastor. I will be the NFF president. I will also be ready to offer my support to Gusau if he deems me worthy of such.”

Sports

Full List: Maresca No Longer Needs Nine Players At Chelsea

Published

7 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are preparing for another major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as nine players set to leave Stamford Bridge.

New manager Enzo Maresca is keen to trim the squad further, targeting players who no longer fit into his long-term plans.

According to BBC Sport, the Italian tactician has identified nine players who are now available for transfer.

The players reportedly on the exit list include Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Sterling and Félix were both omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, struggled to make an impression at the Emirates and failed to secure a permanent move.

Félix, meanwhile, was on loan at AC Milan from January until the end of the campaign, but the Serie A club have reportedly decided against making the deal permanent.

Sports

NPFL: Go For Victory, Enabulele Tasks Bendel Insurance FC

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged Bendel Insurance Football Club to go for victory.

His charge follows the official announcement of the commencement of the 2025/26 season by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Announcing the commencement in Abuja, Elegbeleye said the season will run from August 22, 2025, to May 24, 2026.

He emphasized that maintaining a stable football calendar is critical to Nigeria’s improved performance in continental tournaments.

Reacting to the announcement, Enabulele commended the NPFL leadership for the consistency in scheduling.

The Edo Sports Commission Boss who spoke through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, called on players, coaches, and the entire management of Bendel Insurance FC to approach the new season with renewed vigor and a winning mentality.

“We are aware that the league calendar has been stabilized. This means every club must be better prepared. For us at Bendel Insurance, this is a fresh opportunity to compete strongly, win games, and aim for the top. The people of Edo State deserve nothing less,” he said.

Enabulele also pledged continued support for the team’s technical crew and urged the players to maintain discipline, focus, and unity both on and off the pitch, he also appreciated His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for their unwavering commitment and support in elevating the team.

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

2 weeks ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.