Sports
Football Stakeholders Want More Nigerians In CAF
Three football enthusiasts
have in Lagos called for more Nigerians in the running of the continental football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The enthusiasts, Adegboye Onigbinde, Rafiu Oladipo and Edwin Eze, told newsmen that more Nigerians were needed in CAF to help champion the country’s cause.
They said they were not satisfied with the outcome of the Glo-CAF awards held on January 8 in Lagos, where Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama could not stop Ivorian Yaya Toure.
The Super Eagles captain and first-choice goalkeeper could not stop the midfielder from winning the top award, his fourth so far.
Eze, the Co-ordinator of Enugu Pepsi Football Academy, said as a good football nation, it was expected that Nigeria should have a say in the apex body.
“The country’s influence is lacking in the body, and that is why our players were being schemed out in events such as the Glo-CAF awards,” he said.
Onigbinde, a former coach of the Nigeria senior national team, the Super Eagles, said playing football alone cannot earn the country the coveted African Footballer of the Year Award.
“We need to be in CAF boardroom meetings where decisions concerning us are made.
“Since, 1990 the award has eluded Nigerian, players no matter how hard they try,” he said.
Onigbinde, however, called on football technocrats in the country to follow the path of honour and get themselves into the running of the body instead of lamenting from the sidelines.
Oladipo, the President-General of Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club, said Nigerian players deserved more than what they got.
“Our goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, deserved the crown for his efforts in 2014, both in his club and in the national team,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, some female football stakeholders have commended the Super Falcons and striker Asisat Oshoala for clinching the Best Female Team and Best Female Footballer awards at the 2014 Glo-CAF awards.
In separate interviews conducted in Lagos, the stakeholders said female footballers deserved to be given recognition, and that female football should be given the needed support.
Gift Sowemimo-Okunwa, a former Super Falcons striker, said the senior female team should be commended, saying it has been flying the country’s flag high at continental and international competitions.
“I want to commend the Super Falcons team for their tremendous performance in all tournaments. They have been trying their best to see that the country is among the best.
“The calibre of players who dominate the teams from the under-20 to the senior is really good, and I commend them.
“I also want to commend Oshoala. I am so happy that she is doing what she knows best in the area of football and she has been making herself useful.
“I am so glad and happy for her because she is building her reputation,’’ she said.
Nnenna Etim, a former Super Falcons’ assistant coach, also said she was happy that the female teams have continued to prove their mettle.
She however urged more corporate bodies to help develop female football.
“These girls have always been doing this country proud. They need to be appreciated, and receiving the award is a sign that they have been putting in their best.
“I congratulate the team and especially Oshoala for the awards. It shows that if you are committed to a cause, you will reap it at the end of the day,’’ she said.
Etim also appealed that the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) should be better sponsored like its male version.
“I know that it is a gradual process, but the women league needs all the support it can get from private organisations. These girls have been doing the country proud,’’ she said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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