Kidnappers Releases former NFF officials, Sani Toro and Garba Yila

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

Kidnappers have released a former Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Sani Toro, former Assistant Coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles, Garba Yila, and one of their friends, Alhaji Isa Jah, from captivity.

According to reports, Toro, Yila and their friend were kidnapped at a village around Akwanga in Nasarawa State.

They left Abuja at about 5.00pm on Saturday after attending the wedding of the son of a former NFF President, Aminu Maigari, and were kidnapped at about 7.30pm.

A family source had told our correspondent on Sunday that the kidnappers had contacted their host, Maigari, and demanded the sum of N150 million before releasing them.

It was unclear as of the time of filing this report if any ransom was paid before their release or not.

A family source confirmed their release to our Correspondent simply saying, “Yes, it’s true. They were released this morning after the morning prayers at about 5.00 am. And they are all in good health condition.”

The Bauchi State Police Command also confirmed their release.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Ahmed Wakil, a Superintendent of Police said, “They were released this morning.”

When asked to give further details, he simply said, “That’s all I can confirm to you.”

Eunisell Boot: Mbaoma, Abdulazeez Intensify Goal Race As Five Players Hit Double Digits

With ten more games before the season ends, five top players in the Nigeria Professional Football league (NPFL) have hit double digits with goals, as Victor Mbaoma of Enyimba and Gombe United star Yusuf Abdulazeez mount pressure on leading scorer, Ishaq Kayode.

The NPFL Goal king will at the end of season receive the Eunisell Boot award which carries a cash prize of 200,000-naira premium per goal.

With 28 games gone, NPFL’s rave of the moment, Ishaq has netted 14 goals. Interestingly, Mbaoma who had just 6 goals a few matches ago now chases closely with 12 goals. Abdulazeez who had also scored only 6 goals as at match day 21 now boast of 11 to his credit, with both trailing the Rivers United striker closely.

In a media chat on Wednesday, an excited Mbaoma said, “I believe I can win the Eunisell Boot. My priority is to concentrate on scoring goals to help my team and I hope at the end it counts for me to win the Eunisell Boot.”

He however added that he was not under any pressure whatsoever. “I only want to do my best and be better than I was yesterday. I want to score as many goals as possible because that’s what complete my joy and basically help my team, ” the 25-year-old former Remo Star and Akwa United striker insisted.

Mbaoma, who has been Enyimba’s top scorer for two seasons has been the shinning light in the eight-time champion’s squad with a total of 47 NPFL goals since he started his professional career with Remo Stars.

For Gombe United winger, Yussuf Abdulazeez, fans should expect more goals as he hopes to through that push his team to the top of the log.

“Of course, any striker will want to win the Eunisell Boot. Thank God I am still in the race for it so I will try and work harder if I can win it. I am not on any pressure presently I am just enjoying the games as they come, “ the 20-year-old stated.

Rivers United forward Chijoke Akuneto has also netted 11 goals, with a double against MFM and a hat-trick against Akwa United, the first in the current season.

Meanwhile, Remo Star’s Andy Okpe has also hit the double-digit bar with 10 goals while Ossy Martins of Enugu Rangers chases the pack with 9 goals with a few others on the 7 and 8 goals bars.

Eunisell Limited, sponsors of the Eunisell Boot award said the company was thrilled at the healthy competition and enthusiasm the award has ignited among Nigeria’s top-flight league players.
‘We are thrilled to see players in the local league double up their games in a bid to win the Eunisell Boot award. The determination, energy and drive among players to win the award bring out grit and resilience and raises the quality of play, goals and overall performance. Fans, players, supporters and all stakeholders will be happier for it,” Chika Ikenga, Eunisell Managing Director stated.

“The initiative is a confirmation of Eunisell’s commitment to the development of Nigerian football. The prestigious trophy and value will spur players into performing better. We believe in and are indeed proud to be associated with our home-grown stars,” Ikenga added.

Previous winners of the prestigious Eunisell Boot have included Junior Lokosa, Ibrahim Sunusi, Mfon Udoh, Charles Atshimene and Silas Nwankwo.

Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau remains the best choice to lead NFF, Pinnick arrogance made him fail – Primate Ayodele

By Samson Olajide

It’s no longer news that the Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup as Ghana knocked them out through the away goal rule.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-afa Ejigbo, Primate Elijah Ayodele has dropped another prophetic bombshell and this time, it has to do with the next president of the Nigeria Football Federation.

He revealed that Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau is the right choice to lead the NFF as the present President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has decided not to seek reelection citing family issues.

Primate Elijah Ayodele encouraged Nigerians to consult the Almighty God to provide the best person to lead the NFF, stating that God told him only Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau is the right person to preside over the affairs of the NFF.

The religious leader also said the likes of the League Management Company chairman, Shehu Dikko, 1st vice chairman of NFF and Chairman Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi are not fit to lead the Glass House reinstating that only Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau fits the role because of his wide acceptability all over the country and humility.

Primary Ayodele further added that, Amaju Melvin Pinnick failed as NFF president because he is arrogant, greedy and berates God.

Furthermore, He revealed that he does not know Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau from anywhere and never met him before but he is just revealing what God told him.