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Nigerians Tongue-Lash NFF Over Finidi’s Resignation

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Football crazy Nigerians have been venting their spleen on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the resignation of Finidi George from his position as coach of the senior national team, the Super Eagles.

Netizens appear unable to hide their anger that the NFF did nothing to support an indigenous coach, even with tales of dissent from the playing staff beginning to manifest in several quarters.

Football followers, Biztellers can report are wondering if the NFF had extended any form of support to George, in the manner they would have to a foreign coach.

In addition, they’re lamenting that the Board of the NFF threw the Nigerian coach under the bus, when they met with the Minister of Sports, two days ago and were mute on the circumstances that led to the dismal performance of the Super Eagles in the two competitive games under George.

Biztellers gathered that the playing staff reported late to camp, giving the trainer no time to harness his strategy, while the NFF did nothing to reign-in the player or to rally support for the Eagles in the away game against Benin Republic in Cote D’Ivoire.

Their only response being to assure the minister that they would remedy the situation by relegating the newly appointed coach by getting a foreigner to boss him.

A Nigerian football analyst caught the mood of the rampaging netizens, and took to his X handle to berate the attitude of the NFF, claiming that it was all schemed out from the get-go, by averting the demotion clause in his contract.

A visibly angry ‘Mr Nigerian Football’, wrote, “The Nigeria Football Federation ended up outsmarting Finidi George via his contract when they had realized their mistake:

“If the NFF had decided to fire Finidi George ahead of time – they would have to pay him 6 months ahead meaning that would be 80 million Naira.

“But there was nothing in the contract against demotion.

“Finidi was demoted to working with the technical team as the NFF stated they were working on a deal to get a foreign manager to assist him.

“That was going to be embarassing to remain in the same camp and demoted to assistant manager, there was option left. He had to resign to save his image and he did.”

With things as they stand the NFF is still playing games with the position of the Super Eagles Coach, with the President, NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, still claiming ignorance of George’s resignation.

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Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension

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Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.

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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”

As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.

This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.

Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.

In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.

The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.

This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.

Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.

Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.

 

 

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CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others

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Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.

Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.

Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

ALSO READ: NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.

“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.

“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.

“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.

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NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

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In a bid to ensure increased visibility for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) this coming season, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment by engaging with StarTimes, a key broadcasting partner.

This filtered out of the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, which saw Chairman of the NWFL Board, Nkechi Obi, lead a high-powered delegation to meet with StarTimes management on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: NWFL Backs Edo Queens’ Historic Quest @ 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League

She said, “This partnership is a vital step in our mission to bring the excitement of the league to a wider audience and showcase the talent in women’s football.”

It was gathered that during the discussions, StarTimes’ Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tunde Aina reiterated that, “StarTimes is committed to delivering top-quality coverage and ensuring that our viewers enjoy every moment of the women’s leagues.”

These initiatives aim to significantly boost audience engagement and elevate the NWFL’s profile both locally and internationally. The discussions covered the production and coverage of matches, highlight shows, and strategic marketing of league content across StarTimes’ diverse channels.

As a key outcome of the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized, with both parties expressing optimism about concluding arrangements in time for the Season Opener.

The anticipated partnership is expected to kick off with the high-stakes NWFL Premiership clash between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on January 15, 2025.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking NWFL officials, including Vice Chairperson Hajiya Hussina Suleiman and Board member, Madam Henrietta Ihiabor.

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