Tag: NANPF

3rd Keshi National U-17 Football Tournament, Registration Commences

Posted on by Ayoola Adeleke

The organising committee of the 3rd edition of late Stephen Keshi’s U-17 football tournament has announced the deadline for registration of clubs for the tournaments which commences in fourth night.

The Chairman organising committee for this year’s event, Fred Newton made this known to Platinum News on Sunday afternoon in Benin City.

Late Stephen Keshi

In a remark, the Chairman noted that logistics and organizations are underway for the 5-day event in Benin City and emphasises more on details interested clubs should know.

“The registration starts tomorrow, 16th November 2020, all interested clubs are advised to pay to the bank account provided on the form and forward the proof of payment to the Chairman via WhatsApp”

Fred Newton, Chairman organising committee

“The first sixteen (16) team to register will be accredited for the event and there won’t be late form on sale for any late comer; so any team who is interested should make it a matter of urgency in registering in this competition as there won’t be extension of registration date”

Also, the chairman in his statement, categorically states that the basics requirements should be met by clubs who are willing to participate in the competition – players name, date of birth, the position, jersey number and players’ physical characteristics such as the height which should not be taller than 1.78m, not heavier than 60kg in weight and stressed that facial appearances also shall be used where in doubt and this, he said supercede other criteria.

Sporting Dream FC Abuja, Maiden edition champions

The organizers in the document made available to Platinum News, have the event detailed by dates and time of activities which includes arrival, screening, match days from group phase to the final of the competition.

The competition which kicks off on December 1st will see S&T Barracks and University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) football field hosts the games.

For Payment, interested clubs are encouraged to pay a fee of #30,000 into the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Center Zenit bank account; account number: 1017104448, fill the registration form and send both form and payment slip to the Chairman organising committee on WhatsApp (+234 806 304 5544), same number for further enquiry.

PROPOSED FIXTURES FOR 3RD EDITION OF LATE STEPHEN KESHI CUP.

ARRIVALS

DAY 1
SCREENING 7.30 – 9AM VENUE S & T BARRACKS.
A1 VS A3 11AM
A2 VS A4 12 PM
B1 VS B3 2 PM
B2 VS B4 4PM
C1 VS C3 11AM
C2 VS C4 12 PM
D1 VS D3 2 PM
D2 VS D4 4 PM

DAY 2
A2 VS A3 8AM
A4 VS A1 9AM
B2 VS B3 10AM
B4 VS B1 11AM
C2 VS C3 8AM
C4 VS C1 9AM
D2 VS D3 10AM
D4 VS D1 11AM

DAY 3
A1 VS A2 8AM
A3 VS A4 9AM
B1 VS B2 10AM
B3 VS B4 11AM
C1 VS C2 8AM
C3 VS C4 9AM
D1 VS D2 10AM
D3 VS D4 11AM

DAY 4
QUARTER FINALS
QF 1: WINNER A VS RUNNER UP C…8AM
QF 2: WINNER C VS RUNNER UP A….9AM
QF 3: WINNER B VS RUNNER UP D…8AM
QF 4: WINNER D VS RUNNER UP B….9AM

SEMI FINALS
WINNER MATCH QF 1 VS WINNER MATCH QF 3 4PM
WINNER MATCH QF 2 VS WINNER MATCH QF QF 4: 4PM

DAY 5
THIRD PLACE MATCH 2PM
FINALS 4PM.

3RD Edition of STEPHEN KESHI National U-17 Football Tournament Kicks Off in Benin, Edo State

Posted on by Ayoola Adeleke

The Board of Trustees of the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Center (SKFVTC) Obazuwa, has commenced plans to kick start the 3rd Edition of the Stephen Keshi National Under 17 Football Tournament from 1st to 5th December 2020 in the ancient City of Benin Edo State

Sporting Dream FC Abuja, Maiden edition champions

The Annual youth tournament, which follows the hosting of the Stephen Keshi annual Memorial lecture , which promises to attract more than 40 Youths Football teams from across the states of Nigeria to Edo is put together by the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Centre Obazuwa, under the auspices of Nigeria Players Union, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, to immortalise and preserve the legacies and contributions of late Stephen Keshi , both as a coach and player to the overall development of football in Africa.

The inaugural Edition of the tournament was held in Benin, Edo State in 2018 and was later expanded in its second hosting 2019 in Asaba Delta State to include two categories, Under 17 and 21 .

This years edition, due to impact of Covid19 pandemic resulting in restrictions of sporting activities which has just been lifted, has led the organizers to deliberately packaged this year edition to capture only the under 17 category due to time constraints

Details for Registration will communicated as soon as possible

NANPF Requests NNL to Address Clubs Indebtedness To Players Before Registration

Posted on by Ayoola Adeleke

Football has been one of the most lucrative businesses in the world in recent years and the major actors, (footballers) are making good rewards from their God-given talent.

The case in Nigeria however is reversed as majority of these players are living a life of suffering and smiling owing to the fact that maladministration by some of the clubs administrators is not nothing to write home about.

“We bring you the unreserved compliments of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF led by its President, Nigeria ex international, Tijani Babaginda (Mon)”

“The Nigeria Players Union, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF commends the Nigeria National League, NNL, for requesting clubs participating for the 2020/2021 season in the Nigeria National League, (NNL) to provide necessary information guaranteeing the provisions of safe and appropriate ground in accordance with basic facility requirements, as stipulated in the NNL rule books.”

In a letter addressed to the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL) by the professional football players Union in Nigeria as signed for its President, Tijani Babangida (MON), by the Secretary General, Austin Popo on Thursday September 17 as made available to Platinum Sports, the Union has urged the body not to allow clubs who indebted to players register any players for the coming season.

“In addition to fulfilling basic conducive training and match ground for league games by the participating Clubs in the 2020/2021 league as demanded by the NNL, the Players Union equally request the NNL to enforce full compliance of the critical provisions of the Club licensing regulations by ensuring that Clubs indebted to Players, are only allowed to register new players in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.

“The Union is already compiling the list of the affected clubs to determine their status of indebtedness to the Players and Coaches which will be send to you as soon as possible, while the Union seek your cooperation and understanding in ensuring full compliance by the affected Clubs before they are allowed to register new players.”

“We sincerely request that you give our request the maximum attention it deserves.”

NANPF President, Tijani Babangida (MON)

“NANPF wishes to advise that all players in the NPFL and NNL who have issues with indebtedness of salaries and other unsettled contractual obligations by their clubs in the 2019/2020 season, should inform the union with documented envidence for necessary action before the Registration period for the 2020/2021 elapsed”

NANPF Calls For Strict Measures On Football Clubs Licencing and Players Welfare; Commends Federal Government On Sports Restrictions Lifting

Posted on by Ayoola Adeleke

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF), has commendend the Federal Government of Nigeria for reopening sports across the country, especially football after the covid19 pandemic lock down.

The Union as led by ex-International, Tijani Babangida (MON) commends the honourable Minister for Sports and Youths Development, Sunday Dare for insisting on compliance to Clubs licencing regulations on Financial control and regulations as part of the conditions for clubs to participate in the domestic leagues, Viv a vis debts to players and coaches by majority of the clubs in move to ensure the domestic league moves to the next level.

The Union through its Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo writes: “We want to thank the Federal Government for lifting the restrictions placed on sports, football inclusive (in the wake of combating the COVID-19), now our players can go back to the field to do what they know how to do best.”

Recall, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on Sunday 5th September, 2020 said that the Nigerian leagues will not resume until Covid-19 protocols and club licensing are put in place.

The ministry in a statement released on noted that, “The domestic League will not commence until the regulations and controls in the aspect of financial and licensing control are put in place.”

Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare

The players Union in its consistency has always maintained that, “if its only 50% of the current clubs can meet the criteria so be it. Clubs who can’t should be declared bankrupt so the affected players can access the FIFA – FIFPRO FUND designated for such purpose.”

The Union however, plead the honourable Minister, Sunday Dare to ensure strict compliance by clubs to the declaration so as to come by standard practice of football leagues and players welfare.

NANPF President, Tijani Babangida (MON)

“We want to use this medium to thank the minister for this groundbreaking stand, we however plead that clubs be made to strictly adhere to this and not give rooms for compromising the processes.

Players Union Calls on NFF For Disbursements of COVID-19 Palliative Money

Posted on by Ayoola Adeleke

The National Association of Nigeria in Professional Footballers (NANPF) has call on the hierarchy of the Nigeria Football Federation to disburse money meant for the players as been seen in other part of the world

Speaking to Ayoola Adeleke of Rhythm FM Benin, in a phone interview on Tuesday September 1st, 2020, the President of the Union, ex-international, Tijani Babangida (MON) made the call for a quick implementation of sharing the FIFA palliative money which is said to have been with the FA for over seven weeks to the clubs who are eligible to it

According to him, players are on their neck to have their share of the largesse due to the manner at which their various clubs have been treating them.

“This is the time and the moment they need their money so we are calling on NFF to do all what they can and try to see that they give money to clubs so that all clubs can pay their players which is what all other countries have done.”

“Off course we commend them for puttings things out so that everybody can see, but the implementation is what we need now because a lot of players and clubs are in need of it knowing that the season is about to start.”

Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation released the sharing format of the monies received from FIFA, CAF and their sponsors last month, the President of the Players Union acting on item 7 of the Communique released after their last virtual conference called out to the NFF for immediate implementation of sharing the funds to clubs.

“You see, we have been geting a lot of calls from teams complaining of their salaries been held by clubs they have not been paid, I believe that FIFA palliative money was already in Nigeria for over two months and I think it’s time NFF releases this money at least.”

“Players are being owed, and we hope that NFF as soon possible will release these monies for to the people that are deserved to be paid”, he added.

NANPF Suspends Earlier Scheduled Election, Expands Congress; Tasks NFF on Players Welfare Packages.

Posted on by Ayoola Adeleke

The National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has in its recent visual annual general meeting called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to set up the Players Status Committee in line with relevant provisions of FIFA and NFF in order to enable players get justice and avoid unnecessary industrial crises.

At the end of the 2nd Annual General Assembly Meeting held virtually on Saturday, 29th August 2020, the NEC came up with series of way forward decisions for the development of the players union and the betterment of its members.

Commendeding the National Administrative Council (NAC) led by the its President, ex-international Tijani Babangida (MON) for their doggedness, commitment, and sacrifice in pushing and repositioning the players union to a new level through its various players welfare initiatives and demands for players rights within the industry.

Executive Council in its communique, tasked the NAC to immediately set up a Monitoring and Compliance Committee in ensuring that players are professionally guided in terms of Contract signing and termination, including the decisions of Arbitration Committee are complied with, and other related matters regarding players Career.

The NEC in session however calls on the NFF and the Leagues to put in place appropriate rules and regulations that will compel all Professional Football Players, especially those in NPFL to engage FIFA/NFF Football intermediaries, or Lawyers in signing of Contracts and other related services, beginning from the 2020/2021 League season.

In the same vein, the NEC calls for immediate establishment of the Players Status Committee and National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) in line with relevant provisions of FIFA and NFF Statutes without further delay to enable players get justice and avoid unnessary industrial crises in seeking for alternative means by the players and their union .

In view of the ongoing reconciliation move for merger of the two players associations , the NEC approved the suspension of the union State Administrative Councils (SAC) elections earlier scheduled for the month of September 2020 to create the enabling environment moving into the new phase of the promotion of one united players union in Nigeria.

Other resolutions made at the AGM includes:

Requesting the NAC to develop and Strategies appropriate plans with the NFF and the Leagues for the speedy implementation of the Customized Nigeria Professional Footbllers Pension Scheme (NPFPS) beginning from the 2020/2021 Football season.

Charging the NFF/LMC to demonstrate good faith and commitment in the Facilitation and the implementation of the union membership check off dues and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) without further delay

The NEC in requests that the NFF fast track the payment of the FIFA covid19 palliative monies to clubs to enable them pay the players and coaches, including other club Officials without further delay.

In another resolution, the NEC calls on the NFF to declare professional football Clubs who are unable to meet their financial obligations to players and coaches in terms of non payment of salaries and allowance for several months Bankrupt, to enable the affected players and coaches qualify to draw benefits from the FIFA/FIFPRO Relieve Fund designated for such purpose

In a bid of expansion of its congress, the NEC also approves the addition of 21 female Captains and Zonal representatives of NNL Captains.

To facilitate the Union’s membership Drives of current and Ex Players, including the proposed Semi-Professional Footbllers Data Base program, the NEC approves the appointment of Country Representatives across the globe.

In appreciation, the NEC commends NAC, and ex-footballers, and Chairman of Surulere Local Government Council, Hon Tajudeen Ajide, Covener and Sponsor of the ongoing reconciliation move to reconcile the NANPF and NANF towards one strong and indivisible Players Union in Nigeria with the capacity to reposition the development and gowth of players welfare in Nigeria.

The Communique drafting Committee comprises of ex-Internationals, with Edema Fuludu as its chairman, and Danladi Musa the secretary; members include Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Okoh and barrister Audu Lawal.

4 Years On, NFF Still Holding Back My Late Son’s Entitlement. – Jacob Uzama Cries Out

Posted on by Platinum News

Uzama Douglas was born on 7th December 1998 and died 29 December 2016, aged 18 years. A left back for the Nigerian U-17 and U-20 teams.

Signed on loan from Karamone by the Nigeria National League team Gombe United F.C. in the second division league and assisted the team to be promoted into the Nigeria Premier League in 2016.

Late Douglas Uzama

He was a sqaud member of the 2017 AFCON U-20 qualifier alongside Kelechi Nwakali, Akpan Udoh, Chinedu Madueke, Tobechukwu Ibe, Gavi Thompson, Samuel Chukwueze, Orji Okonkwo, Victor Osimhen, Udochukwu Anumudu, John Lazarus under Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.

He unfortunately met his death when he was shot by unknown men and later on 29 December 2016 in Benin City as a result.

From our investigation, the NFF owed the player match bonus and camp allowance USD 4000, and another #400, 000.

The Nigerian Players Union from our further investigation posited that they have been requesting for the past 3 years to pay the family so that they can take of the little baby left behind by the late player, but nothing so far has been so far from information on our desk.

Douglas’ little baby

The father of the deseased, rtd. Army officer Jacob Uzama has therefore cried out that he wants the whole Nigerian to help him beg the NFF and Amaju Pinnick to come to his rescue and pay his late son’s outstanding.

“There has not been anything coming forth from the NFF,I want to thank Austin Popo who has been trying his best and checking to see the condition of the son my son left behind as well as the chairman President of the players Union, Tijani Babangida (MON).”

“At the point when my son was undergoing operation at the Stella Obasanjo hospital in Benin, they (NANPF) have been coming around until when he left and they are still checking on us, a big thanks to them”

NANPF President, Tijani Babangida (MON) on his visit to the family

“From the NFF, nothing has come except from friends of my son and individuals who have been supportive to us since the demise of my son.”

“I understand that some money have been given to NFF by FIFA for them to offset the players they are owing from what I heard from the radio.”

“Up till now, I have not heard anything from the NFF about how they want to pay my son’s debt to the family.”

“My son was called to represent the U17 of the country while playing for Gombe United, but did not make it to the world cup because of MRI”

“He played alongside Osimehn, they were room mate back then and now you can see that Osimehn is a bread winner which my son would have if he was to be alive by now, but the wicked of the world took him away from me.”

“The Police intervened and up till this time now about four years, I won’t blame the police men maybe the investigation is still going on, but while that is going on, look this boy, he will have to eat, to go to school, to clothing and with my little pension I have been scratching myself to make sure that he is been taking care of and he is attending one of the best school.”

“He met his death three days to his departure to Argentina where he signed for a club, and the FIFA sent condolence message to the family and NFF”

Austin Popo (NANPF Secretary General) with the baby and mother on a visit

“I pray that almighty God touch the heart of Amaju Pinnick with his holy hand so that he can have a rethink about this very small boy”

NANPF Annual General Meeting, Key Decisions Ahead.

Posted on by Platinum News

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) is set to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) via online platform ZOOM, due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the 29th of August, 2020.

In a communique signed by the Secretary of the Union, Austin Popo and released on Wednesday 15th of July, 2020, the AGM which is expected to be attended by all members of the National Adminstrative Council (NAC), NANPF States Chairmen and Secretaries, Clubs Captains of the NPFL, NNL and NWPFL and invited associates and partners of NANPF who would be serving as observers is expected to witness making lot of key decisions for the way forward of the Union.

Amongst other agenda for the AGM will be suspension or expulsion of members (if applicable), activity Report ( containing the activities of the Union since the last General Assembly, presentation of the consolidated Balance Sheet and Profit and loss Statement.

Also, the approval of the financial Statement, approval of the Budget and admission of Members (if applicable) would also be looked into.

Meanwhile, the votes on proposals for the amendment of the Statutes, the regulations governing the application of the Statutes and the standing orders of the General Assembly (if applicable), discussion of Proposals submitted by the members and the National Adminstrative Council (NAC), dismissal of a Person or Body (if applicable) will also be on the agenda for the day.

NANPF is at this stage in one of the most crucial stage if its history are they are focused on maintaining orderliness and adamant on the NFF putting the welfare of members into full consideration and implementation.

Set Up Players Status Committee Now! NANPF To NFF

Posted on by Platinum News

In the wake of incessant sacking of Players and Coaches and the non payment of players and coaches wages by some clubs in Nigerian football leagues, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has dragged the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick to the House Committee on Sports of the two Chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria and Ministry of Sports in a bid to have them set up the Players Status Committee.

In a letter dated Monday 13th July, 2020 exclusive to Platinum News, the Union is urging the the two Chambers and the Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Sunday Dare to use their offices in calling the NFF to order

“We wish to notify you that the Nigeria Players Union has written to draw the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation to the ongoing incessant sacking of Players and Coaches, plus the non payment of players and coaches wages by some clubs in our Leagues hinged on the impact of the Covid19 Pandemic”

The letter, signed by the Secretary General of the Union, Austin Popo on behalf of the President, Tijani Babangida (MON), also reiterate the Union stand on telling the Football Federation to follow the thread of other federations across the world by disclosing the total amount of monies the Federation has disbursed to the Clubs from the FIFA palliative fund to avoid any form of diversions of the monies by the clubs and also ensure accountability, integrity and transparency (NFF inclusive) amongst others in line with global best practices.

“We request you with all due respect to use your good office in ensuring that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) respond positively to our request, by doing the needful for the sake of accountability, integrity, transparency, Industrial peace and harmony”.

NANPF Drags NFF To Sunday Dare, National Assembly Over Players Status Committee

Posted on by Platinum News

In the wake of incessant sacking of Players and Coaches and the non payment of players and coaches wages by some clubs in Nigerian football leagues, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has dragged the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick to the House Committee on Sports of the two Chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria and Ministry of Sports in a bid to have them set up the Players Status Committee.

In a letter of notification dated Monday 13th July, 2020 exclusive to Platinum News, the Union is urging the the two Chambers and the Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Sunday Dare to use their offices in calling the NFF to taking the right steps.

“We wish to notify you that the Nigeria Players Union has written to draw the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation to the ongoing incessant sacking of Players and Coaches, plus the non payment of players and coaches wages by some clubs in our Leagues hinged on the impact of the Covid19 Pandemic”

The letter, signed by the Secretary General of the Union, Austin Popo on behalf of the President, Tijani Babangida (MON), also reiterate the Union stand on telling the Football Federation to follow the thread of other federations across the world by disclosing the total amount of monies the Federation has disbursed to the Clubs from the FIFA palliative fund to avoid any form of diversions of the monies by the clubs and also ensure accountability, integrity and transparency (NFF inclusive) amongst others in line with global best practices.

“We request you with all due respect to use your good office in ensuring that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) respond positively to our request, by doing the needful for the sake of accountability, integrity, transparency, Industrial peace and harmony”.