THE TWO-MAN NSC- AFTER UNSEATING GUSAU, IS SHEHU DIKKO'S NEXT PROJECT TO REMAIN IN THE SPOTLIGHT?*

 *THE TWO-MAN NSC- AFTER UNSEATING GUSAU, IS SHEHU DIKKO'S NEXT PROJECT TO REMAIN IN THE SPOTLIGHT?* 

The removal of the Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation administration has opened another chapter in the history of Nigerian football.

Significantly,the bigger question confronting the football community is whether the change in leadership has translated into meaningful development or merely created another platform for administrative power struggles and publicity.

For months, the two-man leadership circle of the National Sports Commission, under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, was at the centre of the controversy surrounding the leadership of Nigerian football.

The struggle to displace the Gusau-led NFF administration became one of the dominant conversations in Nigerian sports administration.

 Today, that administration is gone, but Nigerian football stakeholders must ask an important question👇👇 

What exactly has changed for the better?

There is a growing perception among stakeholders that the two-man NSC leadership has become more interested in occupying the centre stage of Nigerian football than demonstrating tangible achievements capable of transforming the game.

Being in the spotlight is not an achievement. Removing an existing football administration is not a football development programme. And having political influence over the country's football structure is not the same as building a sustainable football system.

The real test of leadership is what happens after the political battles are over.

The Gusau administration had embarked on programmes covering coaching education, refereeing development, women's football, grassroots development, infrastructure and international football relations.

With that administration removed, the responsibility now rests on the present leadership structure to demonstrate how Nigerian football will move forward.

The question is not whether Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade have succeeded in becoming central figures in Nigerian football administration. The question is whether Nigerian football is experiencing measurable progress under their watch.

Shehu Dikko previously presented an ambitious strategic blueprint for Nigerian football, including six proposed stadiums across the geopolitical zones, improvements to the NPFL and youth development programmes.

Those promises deserve serious scrutiny.

Nigerian football needs evidence of implementation, not another round of announcements, political engagements and media appearances.

The NSC must provide a clear scorecard showing what has been achieved, what is ongoing and what remains unfulfilled.

Football stakeholders cannot continue celebrating administrative visibility while the fundamental problems confronting the game remain unresolved.

The NSC is a public institution, not a personal football empire. Its responsibility is to create an environment where football can grow, not to make the control of football administration the defining measure of its success.

Nigeria has 36 state football associations, professional clubs, academies, coaches, referees, players and millions of supporters. 

Their interests cannot be reduced to the ambitions of two individuals.

Ultimately, the removal of Gusau should not become the biggest achievement associated with the current NSC leadership.

The real achievement would be a stronger NPFL, better youth development, improved infrastructure, financially stable clubs, better welfare for players and coaches, and a national football structure capable of competing consistently at the highest level.

@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi

FIVE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM THE FLAMINGOS' HISTORIC WORLD CUP TRIUMPH- BEYOND THE TROPHY*

 *FIVE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM THE FLAMINGOS' HISTORIC WORLD CUP TRIUMPH- BEYOND THE TROPHY* 

Nigeria's Flamingos have written their names into football history with a remarkable World Cup triumph, defeating Brazil in the semi-final before overcoming Japan in the final.

Beyond the celebrations, national pride and the historic significance of this achievement, there are five important lessons Nigerian football administrators, coaches and stakeholders must take away from this extraordinary accomplishment👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

✅THE FOUNDATION MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED CREDIT THE GUSAU-LED NFF ADMINISTRATION

The attempt by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to use this historic victory as a platform for institutional political messaging should not overshadow the importance of acknowledging the foundation upon which this success was built.

Credit must be given to the Gusau-led NFF administration for its role in developing and providing the structures, programmes and competitive opportunities that helped prepare this generation of young female footballers.

Football development is a continuous process. Success does not begin on the day a team wins a trophy, and no institution should claim ownership of an achievement without recognising the contributions of those who laid the groundwork.

✅AFRICAN AND NIGERIAN COACHES CAN CONQUER GLOBAL FOOTBALL

Coach Busari Ishola Akeem has demonstrated that Nigerian and African coaches possess the knowledge, tactical understanding and technical capacity to compete successfully at the highest level of world football.

His journey is particularly significant because it challenges the perception that only foreign coaches can deliver exceptional results on the international stage.

His continuous investment in coaching education, professional development and technical improvement reflects the importance of preparation.

This victory should encourage the NFF and other football stakeholders to invest more confidently in indigenous coaching talents.

✅ OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPARATION: THE BUSARI ISHOLA AKEEM EXAMPLE

One of the biggest lessons from this triumph is that opportunity becomes meaningful when it meets preparation.

Appointed to lead the Flamingos just seven months ago, Coach Busari Ishola Akeem has delivered a historic achievement.

His previous experience with Pacesetter Queens Ibadan and the technical structure of Shooting Stars formed part of his football journey.

His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is a reminder that coaching is a lifelong educational process.

The message to upcoming Nigerian coaches is simple: keep learning, keep improving and remain prepared for the opportunity that may come tomorrow.

✅GRASSROOTS WOMEN'S FOOTBALL HAS ENORMOUS UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

The Flamingos' achievement is further evidence that Nigeria possesses tremendous footballing talent among young girls across the country.

The grassroots women's football system deserves greater attention, investment and institutional support.

There are talented girls in schools, academies, community competitions and local leagues who only need proper identification, coaching, facilities and competitive exposure.

This victory should inspire a more deliberate national strategy for discovering and developing young female footballers.

 ✅REWARD THE ACHIEVEMENT IMMEDIATELY AND PROMPTLY

A historic achievement deserves a historic response.

The players, coaches, technical crew and every member of the delegation who contributed to this success deserve immediate recognition and appropriate rewards.

Promises should translate into action. Bonuses, allowances and other incentives must be honoured without unnecessary delays.

A credible reward system motivates athletes, strengthens confidence in sports administration and encourages future generations to give their best.

@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi

NFF APPOINTS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL EXPERT AHMED LAWAL DANKOLI AS OLYMPIC EAGLES CHIEF SCOUT- A REWARD FOR EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENCE IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT*

 *NFF APPOINTS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL EXPERT AHMED LAWAL DANKOLI AS OLYMPIC EAGLES CHIEF SCOUT- A REWARD FOR EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENCE IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT* 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made a commendable decision with the appointment of experienced football coach, scout and talent developer Ahmed Lawal Dankoli as Chief Scout of the Nigeria U-23 national team, popularly known as the Olympic Eagles.

This appointment is a recognition of experience, dedication and years of investment in grassroots football development and talent discovery.

Dankoli is not a newcomer to Nigerian football. He has spent several years identifying, nurturing and developing young footballers, with an impressive track record that cuts across grassroots football, academy development and various national youth teams.

Since 2012, he has served as Head Coach of Abuja Football College, an institution affiliated with HNB Rijeka of Croatia. Through the academy, he has reportedly discovered and developed more than 100 players who have progressed to feature in the NPFL and European leagues, with over 40 currently playing in Europe.

His coaching credentials are equally impressive. He has handled Ranchers Bees FC, Sokoto Football Academy and the NPFL U-17 All-Stars, while also serving in different capacities with Nigeria's U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 national teams.

His international exposure, including annual European football tours and tournaments since 2014, further strengthens his understanding of modern football development and international talent identification.

What makes Dankoli's appointment particularly significant is his practical understanding of the Nigerian grassroots football environment. He understands where talents are hidden, how young players can be developed and the importance of creating pathways from academies to professional football.

As the Olympic Eagles begin preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, his responsibility will go beyond identifying talented players. He will be expected to discover footballers with the technical quality, tactical intelligence, physical attributes and mentality required to compete at the highest international level.

The NFF deserves commendation for recognising the importance of experienced grassroots football developers in strengthening the national team structure.

Nigeria has never lacked football talent. What the country needs is a consistent and effective system of identifying, nurturing and integrating those talents into the national teams.

With Dankoli's experience, the Olympic Eagles have gained a valuable addition to their technical structure.

@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi

FLAMINGOS' HISTORIC 3–1 VICTORY OVER BRAZIL-CREDIT TO THE GUSAU-LED NFF – NSC MUST NOT REAP WHERE IT DID NOT SOW!*

 *FLAMINGOS' HISTORIC 3–1 VICTORY OVER BRAZIL-CREDIT TO THE GUSAU-LED NFF – NSC MUST NOT REAP WHERE IT DID NOT SOW!* 

Nigeria's Flamingos have made history by defeating Brazil 3–1 to reach their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final. 

This remarkable achievement is not just a victory for Nigerian football; it is also an opportunity to recognise the foundations that made this success possible.

Credit must be given where it is due. The Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation deserves recognition for building the administrative and developmental foundation upon which these young Nigerian talents have continued to flourish.

Football development does not begin on the day a team wins a match or qualifies for a final. It is the product of years of grassroots development, scouting, youth competitions, coaching structures, technical programmes, player identification and institutional investment.

The Flamingos' journey to this historic final did not happen overnight.

 Their development is connected to the football structures and programmes established under the NFF, including the responsibility of identifying, nurturing and preparing young talents for international competitions.

Queen Joseph opened the scoring against Brazil in the 55th minute, while Awawu Bashiru demonstrated her remarkable quality with two goals in the 71st and 80th minutes. It was a commanding performance that secured Nigeria's place in Saturday's final against Japan.

The two-man-led National Sports Commission (NSC), under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, must understand that football development is a continuous process. 

They cannot simply arrive at the point of celebration and claim ownership of the labour of others.

If the NSC wants genuine recognition, it must demonstrate its own contributions through measurable investments, transparent funding, improved sporting infrastructure and sustainable development programmes rather than attempting to take political ownership of achievements built through existing football structures.

The Flamingos deserve every applause. Coach Akeem Busari and his technical crew deserve enormous recognition, while the players deserve to be celebrated for their courage, discipline and determination.

But the Gusau-led NFF must not be written out of the history of this achievement. 

Nigeria is now one victory away from becoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup champions. Whatever happens in Saturday's final against Japan, this generation has already made history.

@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi

LESS THAN 70 DAYS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION- WILL TINUBU RESTRUCTURE THE NSC AMID GROWING DISCONTENT IN NIGERIAN SPORTS*

 *LESS THAN 70 DAYS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION- WILL TINUBU RESTRUCTURE THE NSC AMID GROWING DISCONTENT IN NIGERIAN SPORTS* ?

With less than 70 days to the presidential election, questions are mounting over the future direction of Nigeria’s sports administration, amid complaints from sports stakeholders, individuals, groups and observers about the management of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing growing calls for a review of the commission’s leadership structure, administrative approach and decision-making processes. 

Reports of disagreements across sports federations, controversies over selections and concerns about representation have intensified the debate over whether the current structure is delivering the inclusive and transparent sports administration Nigerians expect.

Under the two-man leadership structure of the NSC, critics have alleged instances of perceived witch-hunting, ethnic favouritism and political manoeuvring in the selection of athletes, coaches and officials for international competitions. 

The growing friction surrounding sports federations also raises important questions about relationships, the autonomy of federations and the role of government in promoting stability within Nigerian sports.

President Tinubu understands the strategic importance of sports as a tool for youth empowerment, national unity, economic opportunity and international recognition.

 As the country approaches another major electoral season, sports administration will inevitably attract public scrutiny.

The priority should be to build an open, accountable and broadly representative system in which decisions are explained, appointments are based on clearly defined qualifications, and athletes receive equal opportunities regardless of their state, ethnic background or political affiliations.

A restructured NSC should also establish stronger consultation with sports federations, state governments, athletes, coaches, former international players and grassroots developers. 

Nigeria’s sporting future cannot depend on a narrow circle of decision-makers. It requires institutions that are trusted, professional and committed to the development of talent across the country.

As the presidential election approaches, the question is no longer simply whether the NSC should be restructured, but what kind of sports administration Nigeria needs to secure lasting progress.

EMMANUEL ARIBOGHA-AT JUST 16, WARRI WOLVES HAVE A POTENTIAL NPFL SUPERSTAR IN THEIR HANDS*

 *EMMANUEL ARIBOGHA-AT JUST 16, WARRI WOLVES HAVE A POTENTIAL NPFL SUPERSTAR IN THEIR HANDS* 

At just 16 years old, Emmanuel Aribogha is fast becoming one of the most exciting young attacking prospects in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). 

The Warri Wolves forward is attracting attention with his goalscoring instincts, attacking confidence and remarkable maturity for a player of his age.

Born on December 27, 2009, Aribogha represents a new generation of Nigerian football talents who are beginning to make their presence felt at the highest level of domestic football.

What makes his emergence particularly remarkable is his ability to compete against experienced defenders who are considerably older and physically stronger.

Aribogha has already demonstrated that age is not necessarily a limitation when talent, confidence and technical ability are properly developed.

His performance against Plateau United in the Matchday 11 encounter in Jos was another important statement. 

The teenager gave Warri Wolves the lead in the 24th minute with an excellent finish, demonstrating the composure and attacking awareness expected of a mature centre-forward.

His movement around the penalty area, understanding of attacking spaces and willingness to attack goal scoring opportunities are qualities that make him an interesting prospect.

He is also showing promising goalscoring productivity, with three league goals recorded in the 2026/27 season

From a technical perspective, Aribogha is a player whose development deserves serious attention. 

His ability to position himself for scoring opportunities, make intelligent attacking runs and execute finishes under competitive pressure provides a foundation upon which his game can be developed further.

At 16, he still has considerable room for improvement in physical conditioning, tactical awareness, decision-making and consistency.

@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi

CHINEDU NWOSU SETS ILORIN ABLAZE! 19-YEAR-OLD BENDEL INSURANCE STAR FIRES WINNER — NPFL DEFENCES, BEWARE!*

 *CHINEDU NWOSU SETS ILORIN ABLAZE! 19-YEAR-OLD BENDEL INSURANCE STAR FIRES WINNER — NPFL DEFENCES, BEWARE!* 

Chinedu Nwosu continued his impressive run of form, scoring the decisive goal as Bendel Insurance came from behind to defeat Kwara United 2–1 in Ilorin in their Matchday 11 encounter of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Kwara United took the lead through Stephen Gideon in the 49th minute, but Bendel Insurance responded almost immediately, with Kayode Oke equalising in the 52nd minute before Nwosu completed the comeback three minutes later.

The winning goal further underlines Nwosu's growing importance to Bendel Insurance and strengthens his growing reputation as arguably one of the most consistent attacking players in the NPFL at the moment.

At just 19, Nwosu is beginning to emerge as one of the exciting young attacking prospects in Nigerian football. 

He possesses several qualities expected of a modern winger: pace, direct running, confidence in one-on-one situations and the ability to attack the final third.

His willingness to take on defenders, stretch defensive lines and create opportunities makes him a valuable attacking outlet. 

More importantly, he is demonstrating the confidence and attacking mentality required to influence important matches.

His earlier return of 4 goals and 2 assist was already encouraging, and his match-winning contribution against Kwara United adds another important chapter to his developing story.

Nwosu is represented by Charles Obieke of Fokeus Sports Agency. 

His emergence is another reminder of the NPFL's importance as a platform for discovering and developing Nigeria's next generation of football talent.

For international scouts, recruitment agencies and clubs searching for emerging African attacking talent, Chinedu Nwosu is certainly a player worth monitoring.

**PLAYER REPRESENTATION*

Charles Obieke

Fokeus Sports Agency

Phone: +234-8028357992 / +44-7459023151

Email: obiekecharles@yahoo.com

@, Coach Uni Dan Kakwi