Sports

Football: Understanding The Politics Of Nigeria’s Self Isolation

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2010

President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision on Wednesday to withdraw Nigeria from international football for two years, and more or less dissolve the Nigeria Football Federation came straight from left field.

Few, not even the most ardent of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF’s) critics, expected it. But make no mistake, this was less about Nigeria’s poor performance at the World Cup, and more about the elections into the executive committee of the NFF.

This action would seem to be the final masterstroke of the Presidential Task Force, set up by the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to help mastermind Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup.

With the country’s participation in South Africa on the verge of collapse, the late President put together a team headed by Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and including the then Sports Minister, Bawa Kaoje as his deputy, to help the NFF ensure that the Super Eagles made it to the World Cup.

But the friction between both parties was evident from the get go. And the fact that at least two members of that body had designs on positions in the NFF already held by sit tight officials did little to ease the situation.

While the qualification campaign lasted, both parties fought a silent, but bruising battle to stay ahead in the build up to the elections. The little matter of actually participating at the event itself, was almost an afterthought.

NFF President, Sani Lulu and his executive committee were wary of the political and financial might of the PTF, and moved not so silently, not only to strengthen their vice grip on power, but also to ensure that the August elections were in the bag before a single ballot had been cast.

The plan was simple. They tweaked the Statutes by extending the life of state FA chairman (who held the majority of the votes at the Elective Assembly), until after the NFF elections.

What this meant in effect was that those gentlemen would not have to worry about their positions until after they had voted the not so new board in. It also meant that the current executive knew exactly who to ‘keep happy’ in the run up to the elections.

And they did a good job of it.

First, the ‘grants’ due to the state FAs were paid for the first time in over four years.

Then 30 out of 37 chairmen and secretaries were taken on an all expenses paid trip to the World Cup in South Africa. Harmless looking actions on the face of it, but one which effectively left the favoured beholden to the NFF.

The direct consequence was that even if the eligibilty criteria had not been so considerably skewed in favour of the incumbents, none but those in the inner circle would have a chance of winning.

Led by the new Sports Minister, Isa Bio, members of the PTF appealed to FIFA, accusing the NFF leadership of corruption and asking for the elections to be suspended.

They met a brick wall in President Sepp Blatter who informed the delegation that corruption issues should be tackled by the national agencies involved, and the elections could not be stopped as long as the Statutes were followed.

And so the PTF played their final card, a direct appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan, presenting a World cup report that detailed ‘maladministration’. It is that appeal which has now led to the withdrawal of Nigeria from international competitions.

FIFA’s initial official response was to reaffirm their position on government interference in football matters. However, it is understood that the world football governing body would not be unwilling to negotiate a resolution to the crisis, although that would be strictly off the record.

In the event, the Nigerian government’s demands are clear; that FIFA must accept the removal of the current NFF leadership, with transparent elections to be held to bring in a new team.

FIFA, on the other hand, would want to see the Nigerian government reverse their decision. Hopefully, that will be in time for the country to take part in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier or risk a one tournament ban, in line with Art 51 of the CAF Regulations on the competition.

Sports

Tottenham’s Miserable Run Continues

Published

2 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Relegation-threatened Tottenham’s miserable 2026 continued as their winless run extended to 10 league games with Fulham gaining a deserved victory to boost their hopes of qualifying for European football.

Fulham, who scored twice in the opening six minutes in their 2-1 win over Spurs in November, again got an early goal with Harry Wilson netting in the seventh minute.

However, the goal was controversial as new Spurs boss Igor Tudor felt it should have been disallowed as home striker Raul Jimenez pushed Radu Dragusin as they challenged for a Kenny Tete cross, before Oscar Bobb picked out Wilson to volley home from six yards out.

Tottenham had a similar goal ruled out last week in their 4-1 loss to Arsenal for a foul by Randal Kolo Muani on Gunners defender Gabriel but, following a check from the video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson, Fulham’s goal was allowed to stand, much to Tudor’s fury.

Spurs, though, had no excuses for the 34th-minute second goal with Alex Iwobi left with space to shoot home superbly from 18 yards out, with the ball going in off the inside of the post after a neat exchange with Wilson.

Sports

City Survive Leeds’ Challenge At Elland Road

Published

2 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Antoine Semenyo scored just before half-time as title-chasing Manchester City escaped Elland Road with victory over an energetic Leeds United.

The hard-earned outcome narrowed Arsenal’s lead to two points at the top of the Premier League.

City travelled to West Yorkshire without their Leeds-born star striker Erling Haaland who was injured in training, and it looked for large periods in the first half that they would rue not having their top goalscorer available.

But Ghana international Semenyo stretched to convert Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fizzed low ball into the penalty area for his sixth City goal since joining from Bournemouth in January.

Leeds will be wondering how they did not score after making a sprightly start and giving City real cause for early concern.

Meanwhile , a clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

Bayern Rebound To Overcome Dortmund In Bundesliga (5)

Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling match and move 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

The England striker took his tally to 45 goals in all competitions this season as Bayern became the first team to inflict a home league defeat on Dortmund.

Kane, who passed 500 A clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

All three of the Reds’ first-half goals came from set-pieces – with Arne Slot’s side now leading the table in 2026 when it comes to goals from set-plays (excluding penalties).

In the fifth minute, Ryan Gravenberch teed up Ekitike, who finished smartly to beat Mads Hermansen at the near post for his 16th goal of the season.

West Ham threatened to equalise, but against the run of play Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner.

The visitors failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s complacency with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen and Soucek all wasting chances.

And just before half-time, Mac Allister’s superb volley took a deflection and ended in the back of the net. That was the cue for sections of the travelling support to head for the exits.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s opener.

Dortmund thought they had snatched a point when Daniel Svensson’s thumping volley sent Signal Iduna Park into pandemonium.

But that was until Joshua Kimmich’s strike three minutes from time kept Bayern in pole position to win a 14th title in 15 seasons.

Schlotterbeck headed Dortmund ahead in the 26th minute when he rose highest in a crowded penalty area to connect with Svensson’s free-kick from the left.

Dortmund had the chance to double their lead later in the half when Fabio Silva squared the ball to Maximilian Beier, who was denied by the onrushing Jonas Urbig.

Despite dominating possession in the first half, Bayern – playing with a front three of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz – were unable to test Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

But Kane equalised early in the second period with a poacher’s effort from inside the area at the end of a slick move involving Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.

Both teams missed chances before Kane scored a penalty – a record 10th in a Bundesliga season – after Josip Stanisic was floored by Schlotterbeck.

Dortmund levelled when Svensson volleyed past Urbig, but Kimmich all but ended their hopes of winning a first title since 2012.

Sports

PSG Extend Lead In Ligue 1

Published

2 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Paris St-Germain stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points by claiming a narrow win at Le Havre.

The defending champions hoped to take advantage after second-placed Lens drew at Strasbourg on Friday, and Bradley Barcola gave them a deserved lead shortly before half-time.

PSG had chances to extend their lead and substitute Desire Doue had a late penalty saved by Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

Lee Kang-In had an effort saved by Diaw before his right-wing cross was headed home by Barcola for his ninth goal of the season.

Moments later Lee fired wide when through on goal, before PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired against a post just after half-time.

Keeper Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Issa Soumare to keep PSG in front, while Diaw denied substitutes Nuno Mendes, Ibrahim Mbaye and Doue.

Diaw parried Doue’s spot-kick low to his right after Doue was brought down by Lucas Gourna-Douath with 11 minutes left.