Sports

NFF Owe Vendors N600m – Pinnick

Published

3 years ago

August 21, 2022

President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Pinnick Amaju, has revealed that the federation is still owing their vendors over N600m.

Pinnick made this known in an interview with Brila FM on Saturday.

The NFF have outstanding bills to pay to hotels, travel agents, various national teams, and staff members our correspondent learnt.

Pinnick whose eight-year tenure in office ends September 30 after the Annual General Assembly agreed to a 10-day extension also added that the NFF is also being owed $6m by one of its sponsors.

He first assumed office in 2014.

“We owe our hotels and traveling agencies over N600m, but I always want to guarantee the payment. So, it’s been very tough, but Nigerians don’t understand,” Pinnick said while highlighting his regrets as the President of the NFF in an interview with Brila FM on Saturday.

“Right now our sponsors are not paying on time because of the economic challenges. One of our sponsors is owing us about $6m and because of the business they do and the relationship, we have to understand. That money would have solved most of our problems.

“Some sponsors have even called us to renegotiate the terms in the contract, saying they can’t meet up and we understand.

“For example, our budget to the government annually is over N800m.”

Pinnick also disclosed that plans were in the offing to build a football centre for the national teams.

“I wanted to build a centre because we are spending so much renting hotels and others,” he continued

“We wanted to build a world-class centre with four training pitches, almost six floors of hotel with 100 rooms and gym and 1000 capacity stadium. We are almost at the end of discussing FIFA’s capacity development and our sponsors, so we can reduce cost.”

Meanwhile, having opted against contesting to remain in office despite calls from associates persuading him to continue in office, Pinnick believes there are competent replacements among the NFF executive board to take over from him.

“My first and second vice Presidents are competent, and I will not leave them,” he added.

“Even if the next President comes from outside the current executive committee, I’ll force myself to work with him, because we are all Nigerians.”

Sports

Full List: Maresca No Longer Needs Nine Players At Chelsea

Published

3 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

1 week 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.