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NFF: Aspirants Stormed Election With Dollars, Contestant Alleges

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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.

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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.

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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?

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“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?”

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READ ALSO: BREAKING: NFF Gets New President

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.

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“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.”

 

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WAFCON: Ihezuo Strikes Late As Nigeria Edge Botswana To Reach Quarter-finals

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Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to score a dramatic 89th-minute winner as Nigeria sealed a 1-0 win over Botswana in their Group B clash at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday.

Nigeria looked set for a frustrating evening until Ihezuo met a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo and tapped home at the back post for her second goal of the tournament.

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The result, secured at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, confirmed the Super Falcons’ place in the quarter-finals.

READ ALSO:Burna Boy Turns 34, Reveals Plans To Start A Family

Despite being overwhelming favourites, the nine-time champions struggled to break down a resilient Botswana side and their outstanding goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja.

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The Super Falcons were wasteful in front of goal for much of the contest, with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both missing first-half chances. Botswana came close to a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts tested Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

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Oliseh Urges Osimhen To Choose Premier League Over Galatasaray Return

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Former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has issued a strong word of advice to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen amid mounting speculation linking the Napoli forward with a surprise return to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Oliseh warned that the 26-year-old striker is at a pivotal stage in his career and must carefully consider his next move to avoid future regret. He wrote, “Victor Osimhen is at a very delicate crossroad. He needs to find his way to the Premier League in a hurry or he risks so much regret! Man. United and Arsenal need this player if only…..”

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Oliseh’s comments come amid reports that Osimhen is preparing for a permanent switch to Galatasaray, where he previously starred during a loan spell, scoring 26 goals to lead the club to the Turkish Super Lig title. However, the Nigerian legend believes a move to England’s top flight would better suit Osimhen’s development and global standing.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: UAE Imposes Fresh Visa Conditions On Nigerians, Bans Transit Visa

Now 26, Osimhen’s age is reportedly becoming a factor in transfer negotiations, with some Premier League clubs cautious about making a high-value investment. Delaying a move to England any further could reduce his appeal in the competitive Premier League market, insiders suggest.

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Despite being contracted to Napoli until 2026, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. The striker was expected to return for pre-season training, but reports in Italy claim that new head coach Antonio Conte has no intention of including him in his plans and could relegate him to the youth team.

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Liverpool Return To Training In Wake Of Jota death

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Liverpool’s stars returned to training on Tuesday for the first time since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota.

The Premier League champions postponed the start of pre-season training after Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in northern Spain last Thursday.

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Manager Arne Slot and a number of the Liverpool squad, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, attended Jota’s funeral in his home town of Gondomar, near Porto, on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo were among the players pictured arriving at the training ground.

READ ALSO: Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

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Salah said in his tribute to the Portuguese international that he was frightened to go back to Liverpool to face the reality of Jota’s passing.

Teammates come and go but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back,” Salah posted on Instagram.

A site of remembrance has been set up at the club’s iconic Anfield stadium where hundreds of bouquets of flowers, shirts, scarves and pictures have been left by fans and former players in recent days.

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READ ALSO: BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Is Dead

Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly is scheduled for Sunday away at Championship side Preston.

But ticket sales for that match have been suspended pending a final decision on whether the match will go ahead.

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Liverpool are then due to go on an Asian tour, playing AC Milan in Hong Kong and Japanese side Yokohama Marinos before the end of the month.

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