The Germans at war with Nigeria before the match

Super Falcon,Kikelomo Ajayi, in aworld cup encounter

The German and Nigerian press conference at the Commercz Arena Stadium in Frankfurt where the game is going to be played tonight.

The German Coach’s view:
The German coach has a lot of respect for Nigeria and is hoping to match up with Nigeria's skill, speed and strength on the ball when they play them tonight. They plan to play an offensive game and hoping to win with it.
They were not happy about their opening game against Canada and are expecting to have a different game against Nigeria. All players are in good condition and ready to go.
“Nigeria is a very strong team, aggressive, they play very hard and their strikers also very quick with a lot of speed. All teams are playing well at the moment and the level and gap is closing by the day.
Nigeria’s players are good ball handlers and they are hoping their players are able to match up to that as well. An important match for both countries.  The German team practiced after the press conference working on drills, penalties, shot taking, keeper training and stretching. Training was light.
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The Nigerian Coach’s view:
The team is ready and looking forward to the game. Both countries are looking forward to it. It's an important game for Nigeria. Team Lineup hasn't been decided yet.
She says she was sorry about the comments she made as she was misquoted by the NYT Times reporter.."Human Beings have their do's and don't" and refutes the things said about her.
Question on why Cynthia Uwak wasn't selected:  She said they haven't seen her for quite a while and went on about her not been in form. Also said the World Cup wasn't for her this time around. Strange responses.

What the actors  said:

Nigeria forward Perpetua Nkwocha:
We hadn’t planned to defend as much as we did, but nothing is lost yet. We weren’t intimidated by the number of goals France had scored in their preparation games. We’ll now have to attack more against Germany, and we’ll also have to play more as a team and talk to each other more on the pitch.
France coach Bruno Bini:
I told the girls we had three finals to win in this group, so we’ve already won one of them. But I have to say that everyone else will have trouble against Nigeria – they’re a great side. I was really impressed, especially by their defensive midfielders. They surprised me after what I’d seen of their preparation games on video.
France midfielder Louisa Necib:
Although it was only 1-0, I think this win was very important, as the opening matches in competitions always are. It’ll give us maximum confidence for what lies ahead. I felt very good in this game and the comparisons with [Zinedine] Zidane make me very happy. I don’t think they can cause me any harm because I’ve been used to them since I was very young.

Maigari’s man, Igbinidu, sues NFA

Igbinidu...the plaintiff in the suit

*See you in court - Tenebe

 Jarret Tenebe and five of his ilks in the interim board of the NFA like the NSC, have a law suit slammed on their face by a friend of the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, challenging the latter’s legality in the current struggle for the soul of Nigerian football.

And who is the plaintiff? He is a young Abuja-based businessman, Chief Osamuyi Igbinidu, who on the 16^th June had warned that if his friend (Maigari) is not left alone he would have no option than to go to court. He is now before an Abuja Federal High Court in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/585/11. The matter is to be heard in court seven.

He is challenging the constitution of the interim board of the NFA in view of the provisions of the NFA Act 1992 whether the interim board has been properly, legally and duly constituted; whether they can apply or receive subvention from the government of Nigeria on behalf of football;

Whether they can be recognized in matters of football administration in Nigeria given the way and manner they had come up to life without going through the provisions of the NFA Act 1992;

As a consequence, Igbinidu asked the court to restrain the NFA interim board from being recognized by the NSC, and from collecting or spending subvention meant for football, from exercising the powers of administering football in Nigeria and from occupying the Glass House. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.

Contacted in a telephone chat, Mr. Jarret Tenebe said, “I am aware of the suit. We were served yesterday. Our lawyers have been briefed this morning. It is not surprising. If the NFF people had gone to court against the Inspector General of Police in their personal capacities and know that they cannot sue as NFF because of the illegal status, suing us through a proxy is equally okay. We shall respond to them accordingly.”

He added, “candidly speaking, going by way of court is very good and very okay by us. That will help define the very issues of law and legality we had raised against the NFF. Whatever the direction the court rules will be okay by us. Remember, we had said earlier that only a court of law can make us leave the path of reform we have set out to achieve. See you in court.”

It would be recalled that on Thursday 16^th June, 2011 in Abuja, the ardent football fan and keen observer of the on-going crisis in Nigerian football, Chief Osamuyi Igbinidu, has called on the "dissident NFA members" to leave the Aminu Maigari NFF board alone or face legal suit.

The young chief, an Abuja-based businessman said, "I worked for Jarret Tenebe at the last two attempts to enter the board, he introduced me to Maigari. Maigari is a good man"
Asked why he is against the NFA, he said, "the truth is, they can't come from nowhere to hijack the football management. They should wait for the next election."

He said, "I have watched events with care. I have not spoken to the two gladiators. I believe Maigari and his team do not deserve these distractions."

I will be briefing my lawyers by tomorrow (Wednesday) to go and challenge the illegality being perpetrated by the NFA. Please tell them to leave Maigari alone. Democracy should be allowed to prevail fully in this matter."

In Search of Truth, the Nigerian football Mess

By Mike Enahoro: http://www.real-jazman.blogspot.com

Can we broker this change for peace?

For the last 10 weeks, I have read in numerous media publications, stories regarding the continued crises raging in Nigerian football.  I have taken it upon myself to actively mediate and find a lasting solution to the problems that is currently bedeviling Nigerian football.  Trying in my way to play the peacemaker in the resolution of this current crisis, between the Alh. Aminu Maigari NFF board, and the Jerret Tenebe NFA interim committee.
As is with anything Nigerian, the intrigues and multi-layered facets of issues have left me, with certain key inferences.  Firstly, there are deep rooted issues in both camps, that are personal, political, and in some cases, not in the best interest of football.  Secondly, while trying to tread carefully, and peel away at the layers of the issues, I have come to observe that the issue of legitimacy can be easily resolved without external influences (devoid of the current personal and political undertones that seem to be present and very strong in both camps).
Furthermore, I have come to question the real motives of some of the actors in both camps.  Like a true Robert Ludlum thriller, encircling both camps, the "vultures" and "jackals" are poised to see that this crisis germinates into an imbroglio that will see them picking up the pieces and leaving the table with the remnants of the fallout, they are currently strategically positioned to be the beneficiaries of the current crisis.  Whether it’s in the supply of vital information, or disinformation, or the silent advice that becomes public knowledge the next day, or the provision of access to people holding the strings of the polity, these individuals are the crux of the reason why these crises have and will not be solved in the foreseeable future.  Except................
After due analysis, my personal findings and opinions remains that we can and are ready for REFORM.  The reform in the structure of the board, the secretariat and its daily operations, the technicalities of managing football, the sponsorship (economically beneficial sponsorship, involving an active ownership and participation by the Private Sector), and grassroots development of our teams, so as to ensure the sustained maintenance of our place, as a giant in the football world.
We are talking about reforms that will ignite life back into the league and see fans back in the stands and increased and an avid follower-ship of our national pastime by us, the citizens.
Many do not realise the role of football in the Nigerian nation state.  The role it plays in solidifying, unifying and entrenching the meaning of being a Nigerian. We all bleed GREEN and WHITE anytime any of our national teams or representatives take to the field.  And those who manage this beautiful game in this country, should know this fact and ensure that they do all they can, to forestall any attempt to kill the game in this country.
I am bothered by the continuous litigation, criminal and judicial investigations, claims and counter claims by one group or another seeking control of this great game.  It is high time we commence true dialogue, that will be truly acceptable to ALL stakeholders and one that allows participation, transparency, the rule of law, sound business and sporting ethics.
I would like to propose the following strategy to resolving this crisis:

1. Would like to urge the Aminu Maigari board to organize a formal face to face meeting with the Tenebe group.  This has to happen with a view to articulating the issues, understanding the differences between both groups, and identifying those areas that are clearly problematic.  I propose a small committee of no more than 9 persons should carry out this exercise, and be done within one week.  The committee should be made up of: NSC, NFF, NFA, Selected and agreed private individuals (2-3 persons)
2. A stakeholder forum should be organised.  This forum will allow all stakeholders of football in Nigeria, to be present, discuss and pro-offer key recommendations that will be integrated into a holistic ROADMAP for the development of football, and presented to Nigerians worldwide. 
3. The Football Congress should then be convened to agree to the content of the Roadmap and to review the recommendations of both the stakeholder forum and committee.

I have come to believe that the key actors in both groups want what is best for Nigerian football and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that.  Such passion should not be lost or set aside.  I believe that appropriate participatory avenues exist to accommodate all those passionately willing to TRULY serve (watch out for the Vultures and Jackals).

The only thing I see stopping the above proposal from happening today, is the "noise" and "heat" being generated by the "Vultures and Jackals", knowing that a peaceful resolution of this impasse, will cost them any opportunity to fleece our dear country through this means.............

I call on Aminu Maigari and Jerret Tenebe (two men, with very close relationships) to take the path of strong leaders, who have taken unpopular but very necessary and legendary steps, and resolve this current impasse. I have heard that the matter is out of their hands (Nonsense!! I don’t believe it, it can only be out of their hands if they give or hand it over).  This matter is still in your hands, gentlemen.

I urge you both to be leaders worth emulating, take the Attahiru JEGA approach, tell Nigerians that an organised football administration is possible and achievable in this time, country and with Nigerians at the helm.  Be leaders that will be known as living legends....... do what most have said, can’t be done....... 

NB: I have 'stolen' this material and re-produced here because it has represented the stance some of us have occupied from the very genesis of this crisis pre-dating the coming of the Aminu Maigari board. This board only came and the crisis matured on its head. Can they give us the required Glasnost and Perestroika? Uhn! Countrymen and women, here is a stable to nurture the truth.

As SAFA pays R5m for Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane with 

Siphiwe Tshabalala and Katlego Mphela during 

the South African national soccer team kit launch

at Soccer City on June 07, 2011 in Johannesburg, 

South Africa Image by: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images

*Lessons for Nigerian FA

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has agreed to pay five million Rands for the trademark to the national team’s nickname, Bafana Bafana.

After an 18-year battle with Stanton Woodrush Ltd — which owns the Bafana Bafana trademark for apparel, headwear and footwear — SAFA announced on Friday it would buy the full rights to the name.

SAFA, which had considered changing the team’s nickname, said it would pay the R5 million fee over a 12-month period. The national football governing body entered into a joint venture company in 2005 with Stanton Woodrush — which bought the Bafana Bafana trademark in 1993 — called SAFA Licensing and Management (Slam).

The football body owned 50.5% of Slam, which controlled the trademark, and Stanton Woodrush owner Wayne Smidt held the other 49.5%. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula had thrown his weight behind the idea to change the team’s nickname, a globally known trademark, rather than buy the rights.

Mbalula said the side needed a stronger name than Bafana Bafana,  which means “The Boys” in Zulu. In March, SAFA said a three-man panel — president Kirsten Nematendani, vice president Danny Jordaan and SAFA executive member  Alpha Mchunu — would look in to a possible name change.

Were this to be in Nigeria, it is the tradition of our FA officials to steal with impunity intellectual property rights. One only hopes that they are learning from smaller African nations how the business of sports is conducted with integrity and dignity.

Can someone ask, in which business does the Nigerian FA has a shareholding. Even the one they had in the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) is now nought because the name under which they so owned it is illegal, non-juristic and null.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011

The trophy at stake

By Gbenga Subair, New York

Rwandan U-17 team

The FIFA U-17 World Cup the 14^th edition starts today, Sunday, 26^th June 2011, with the opening match taking place in the city of Morelia. Host country, Mexico, opens the tournament against North Korea who will be making their third ever appearance in this competition. Mexico, champions in 2005 in Peru beating Brazil in that classic final 3-0 will be hoping to achieve the same feat again on home soil when the final takes place on 10^th July, 2011 at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City, which holds a capacity of 105,064 thousand fans.

It was the venue of the two classic World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, which crowned Pele and Maradona as World Cup champions.  A total of 24 teams qualified for this tournament across six confederations and will be hoping for a lot of success when the group games begin. The games will be spread across seven cities with the third place match and final to be played at the Azteca stadium. The only time the stadium will host two matches.

The two finalists from the last tournament which was hosted in Nigeria 2009 are present in Mexico. Current champions, Switzerland, and host country Nigeria who both played in that final match in Abuja two years ago did not qualify for this year’s tournament. Which means, a new country will be crowned champions on July 10, 2011?

A lot of new exciting talents are expected to showcase their skills to the world and new discoveries are expected to emerge from this tournament regardless of what the results are. The choice of Mexico hosting another FIFA tournament is nothing after having hosted two FIFA World Cups, an U-20 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup which Mexico won in 1999 beating Brazil in the final. The FIFA U-17 World Cup will make it a total of five FIFA tournaments Mexico will be hosting. An impressive record for a country that is one of the top footballing powerhouses in the CONCACAF region.

One of the beautiful and inspiring stories to come out of all the countries who qualified for the U-17 World Cup in Mexico will be Rwanda, a country located in the central/eastern part of Africa with a population of 11 million people will be making their first ever appearance in a FIFA tournament.  A country still emerging from the dark episodes of the genocide that took place in the mid 90’s and something the country continues to reconcile with and overcome as each year goes by.

The Rwanda U-17 team, who are popularly called the “Junior Wasps”, will be carrying the hopes and touch of a nation when they play in their first ever FIFA match at the Estadio Hidalgo on the 19^th June against England in the city of Pachuca. They will be carrying the hopes and weight of a nation and will definitely represent as worthy ambassadors when the tournament kicks off. Let the games begin… The whole world looks to Mexico again for the next three weeks of action, excitement and suspense.