The Nigeria Football Federation says it is ‘deeply saddened’ by the death on Saturday of another member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles squad, Charles Bassey. He was 71.

Bassey died after protracted illness in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, hours after it was confirmed that the captain of that team, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, had passed on in Enugu.

This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.

Forward Charles Bassey was in the 22-man squad that became Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations champions, after a 3-0 defeat of Algeria’s Fennecs at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980.

Sahel Sports

Kano, Nigeria / Salzburg, Austria – A groundbreaking partnership agreement has been signed between Nexus Soccer Academy, a premier football development institution in Kano State, Nigeria, and SK Bischofshofen, one of Austria’s most respected football clubs. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of grassroots and professional football development in Nigeria.

The strategic alliance was brokered by Oluwabunmi Moses Egbebi, CEO of OE Sports Management Limited, as part of the company’s Sustainable Legacy Program, which is dedicated to fostering long-term football growth in Nigeria. In recognition of his pivotal role, Mr. Egbebi has been appointed as the Project Director to oversee the successful implementation of this partnership.

The official signing was conducted by the Presidents of both clubs—Mr. Jamil Abdussalam for Nexus Soccer Academy and Mr. Patrick Reiter for SK Bischofshofen. Mr. Reiter, a renowned Olympic judo champion for Austria, has successfully transitioned into sports leadership, bringing his expertise to SK Bischofshofen, a club that has built a strong reputation in Austrian football.

A Vision for Football Excellence

This partnership is designed to:
• Develop young football talents in Nigeria through structured training programs, international exposure, and mentorship.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange between Nigerian and Austrian coaches, enhancing technical expertise and tactical development.
• Create pathways for Nigerian players to showcase their talent on European platforms, bridging the gap between African and European football markets.
• Promote grassroots football development in line with international best practices, ensuring that young players receive professional-level training from an early stage.

A New Era for Nigerian Football

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Jamil Abdussalam expressed his excitement:
“This is a historic moment for Nexus Soccer Academy and Nigerian football. Partnering with a prestigious European club like SK Bischofshofen provides a new dimension to our development programs. We are committed to producing world-class players, and this collaboration will play a key role in achieving that vision.”

Patrick Reiter, President of SK Bischofshofen, also emphasized the significance of this alliance:
“Football is a global language, and through this partnership, we aim to contribute to the growth of young African talents. Nigeria has always been a powerhouse in football, and we believe this project will strengthen the connection between our two footballing cultures.”

A Commitment to Long-Term Growth

Under the leadership of Oluwabunmi Moses Egbebi, the Sustainable Legacy Program will ensure that this partnership delivers lasting impact, not just in player development but also in the overall football ecosystem in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with global best practices in sports development and further cements Nigeria’s position as a key player in the international football community.

This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and both clubs are committed to making this collaboration a resounding success. Stay tuned as we embark on this transformative adventure in Nigerian and Austrian football!

#NexusAcademy #SKBischofshofen #FootballDevelopment #SustainableLegacy #OESports #NigeriaMeetsAustria #NextGenFootball

By Ahmad Hamisu Gwale

The management of Kano Pillars FC has remained silent regarding the suspension of its head coach, Usman Abdallah.

The Independent mirror reports in August 2024, Kano Pillars FC appointed Usman Abdallah as its new Technical Adviser.

Abdallah the experienced coach signed a two-year contract with an option for a third, bringing his wealth of expertise to Sai Masu Gida.

However, the club suspended Usman Abdallah for three weeks due to the team’s poor performance and his conduct towards fans immediately after the NPFL Matchday 22 goalless draw against Bayelsa United.

Following the draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Abdallah’s gesture towards the fans was deemed inappropriate by the management under the leadership of Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, leading to disciplinary action.

Subsequently, Abdallah publicly apologized to the supporters on a Kano local radio station for the regrettable incident involving him and the fans.

However, the management of Kano Pillars FC extended his suspension until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 28 fixture against Kwara United.

To date, the investigative committee, led by the Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, has yet to conclude and announce its findings on the allegations against him.

Unfortunately, recent developments have cast doubt on the club’s handling of Abdallah’s situation, raising concerns about the management’s decision-making process.

An anonymous source told Independent Mirror that a troubling reality exists within the club, some individuals, disguising themselves as die-hard fans, are allegedly oppressing players and coaches for financial and material benefits.

“These so-called supporters reportedly demand money, gifts, and other favors from players and coaches, threatening consequences if their demands are not met,” the source revealed.

“Failure to comply could result in a player losing his place in the squad or even his jersey, while coaches face relentless pressure and harassment,” the source added.

It’s surprising and irrational that a professional club like Kano Pillars FC cannot resolve the issue of the suspension of its Technical Adviser for over five weeks.

He was initially suspended for only two weeks, which may have legal implications regarding their agreed contract.

It is overdue, and it is high time for Kano Pillars management to make a decision on whether to terminate the contract by mutual consent and negotiate compensation, or to return the Technical Adviser to his position.

Despite the expiration of Usman Abdallah’s suspension, the Kano Pillars management has remained silent on their next decisions.

Efforts to reach the Kano Pillars media department for a response were unsuccessful, as the department failed to answer or respond to several request for comments on the matter.