Sport

We owed Amuneke, Siasia but they won Trophies – NFF blasts Oliseh

Published

10 years ago

February 4, 2016

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has once again criticized head coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh, for blaming the federation for the country’s poor outing at the ongoing CHAN 2016.

Oliseh claimed that his squad were not well motivated and he had to spend $4,000 of his personal money, during their training camp in Pretoria, South Africa.

Responding to the former national team skipper’s claims, NFF board member, Chris Green, told Oliseh to imbibe tolerance like Samson Siasia and Emmanuel Amuneke, who despite being owed went ahead to win important trophies for Nigeria.

In an interview with TheCable, he said: I don’t think it is very fair to the NFF that Sunday Oliseh will say the team was not motivated. Of course, he sent his programme to the NFF, for him to camp in Nigeria as well as Pretoria in South Africa and that programme was executed. In South Africa, he had good matches to play, which he played. These were part of the preparations for the CHAN tournament.

“Ordinarily, in a tournament where one will have domestic players, one would have said they should remain in the country and prepare. But in this case, in total obedience to the programme of the coach, they had to leave Nigeria and went to Pretoria. And so, I will not want to say that the NFF did not motivate the team.

“What about Samson Siasia’s team that played all the way to the final and won the cup without being paid their match bonuses and allowances? What about Emmanuel Amuneke that played till the final and won the World Cup in Chile without being paid?

“Also, what about the girls that went to Namibia and won? They all know that their money will be paid to them. And I can assure you that very soon, all debts will be cleared when the NFF receives its money.”

Green also admitted that the federation were broke and that is why they were finding it hard to clear up debts and pay allowances.

“You and I, just like every Nigerian, know that the federation is very stretched financially, and money that has accrued to the federation is being expected. I wonder why, when we are getting to the tail end of when the money will be delivered to the football federation, one will now start saying it is because money was not given to the players that they were eliminated from CHAN at the early stage. I know that very soon, even though they did not make it to the next stage of CHAN, the players will be paid what they are owed,” he added.

Sport

“Oshoala Is A Sister ” – Tosin Demehin Breaks Silence on Handball Controversy, Reveals What Asisat Told Her

Published

2 weeks ago

August 1, 2025

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After weeks of online speculation and heated debates among football fans, Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has finally addressed the handball controversy that nearly marred her performance during Nigeria’s recent international fixture. In a press chat in Lagos, Demehin shared her side of the story—and the moment that calmed her fears came from none other than Nigerian football legend Asisat Oshoala.

The Controversial Moment

The incident, which sparked a storm of reactions on social media, occurred during a tense moment in the match when the ball struck Demehin’s hand inside the penalty box. Fans and pundits were split on whether it was a legitimate penalty call, with many accusing the defender of an avoidable error.

But Demehin has now spoken up, giving clarity from her point of view:

> “I was scared, but deep down I knew it wasn’t a penalty,” she said, according to BoldSports. “The ball touched my hand, yes, but the way I was positioned, it wasn’t unnatural.”

The Oshoala Moment

What happened next shows the true spirit of leadership and sisterhood within the team. Demehin revealed that as the team regrouped, Asisat Oshoala—widely regarded as the face of Nigerian women’s football—walked up to her and offered both comfort and clarity.

> “‘Agba baller’ (Asisat Oshoala) came to me and asked, ‘Tosin, ṣo bọwọ́ ẹ?’ (Did it touch your hand?). I said, ‘O bọwọ́ mi, but mo dúró dáadáa’ (Yes, but I stood naturally).”

Rather than chastise her, Oshoala offered reassurance:

> “She told me to calm down, assuring me it wouldn’t be given as a penalty.”

It’s a moment that many are now hailing as an example of what true leadership and team support should look like.

Fans React

Football fans have taken to social media with renewed respect for both players:

> “Oshoala is not just a baller, she’s a big sister to the younger ones. Love how she protects her teammates,” one user wrote on X.

> “Tosin held her ground and Asisat backed her up like a true leader. That’s the unity we want to see in the Falcons,” another posted.

A Lesson in Composure

Demehin’s calm explanation and the guidance she received from a senior teammate have turned what could have been a stain on her growing career into a teachable moment about composure under pressure and trust within a team.

As the Super Falcons prepare for upcoming matches, fans are calling for more behind-the-scenes stories like this—ones that highlight not just skills, but the bond and values that make champions.

Foreign

Newly Married Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota Dies at 28

Published

1 month ago

July 3, 2025

lagoslately

The football world is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota, star striker for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. He was just 28 years old.

Jota lost his life in a tragic road incident in Spain alongside his younger brother in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The devastating news comes less than two weeks after his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, which took place on June 22, 2025. The couple shared three children and had just begun a new chapter together.

Since joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota became a fan favorite for his sharp instincts, energy, and goal-scoring brilliance. He also proudly represented Portugal on the international stage, winning hearts with his commitment and character.

This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, teammates, and the entire football community.

Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.
You will never walk alone. ❤️

Sport

NFF Denies Blacklisting Leon Balogun from Super Eagles

Published

6 months ago

February 18, 2025

lagoslately

Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!