Pinnick Charges Committee To Fashion Robust Recommendations In game’s Interest

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick on Tuesday inaugurated the ad-hoc committee set up by the football–governing body to investigate the death of Nasarawa United player Chineme Martins, charging the panel to come up with robust and sincere recommendations that will constitute the standard protocols for football organisation in the country going forward.

“I am happy at the calibre of the people who make up the membership of this committee and I have no doubt you will come up with the right protocols that must be adhered to before any football match takes place anywhere in Nigeria. This is the time to make difficult decisions and I trust you to make them for us.

“Your job is a very serious one. You are free to tinker with the terms of reference and avail us the steps that will safeguard the future of our players in the areas of medical, safety and security. We pray that the soul of Chineme Martins rest in peace but we are pained by his death and we must use it as a wake-up call to enforce compliance with the provisions of Club Licensing as well as the fresh medical and security protocols that this committee will draw up.”

Pinnick and members of the committee, as well as NFF Executive Committee member Aisha Falode who was present at the inauguration observed a one-minute silence in honour of the departed Chineme Martins, who slumped and died during a Nigeria Professional Football League match between his club Nasarawa United and Katsina United at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, 8th March 2020.

Chairman of the committee, Dr. Peter Singabele, who is a member of the CAF committee on sports medicine, thanked the NFF President for the opportunity given the committee to take a very critical look at organisation of football matches in Nigeria, pledging that with the experience, energy, assiduity and sincerity of members, the committee will draw up recommendations that will ensure that such lapses as led to the unfortunate death of Chineme Martins never recur in the country’s football.

After the inauguration, committee members paid a visit to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of this year’s National Sports Festival (postponed on Tuesday), to conduct checks on safety, security and medical facilities and equipment, and provided advice on areas in need of uplift and upgrade. Specifically, it advised that three more exit gates being constructed at the arena be finished quickly, ambulance’s cylinder must always be filled with oxygen, the clinic should have a steriliser and that examination tables and showers are non-negotiable in the doping control room.

NFF President Pinnick with the members of the investigation committee at the inauguration in Benin City on Tuesday.

The committee will also visit Lafia City Stadium for similar checks, before concluding its work and submitting its report to the NFF President.

Other members are Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam (Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, former 1st Vice President of the NFF and former Vice President of the CAF Appeal Board); respected technocrat and retired senior civil servant, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola; Dr. Paul Onyeudo, head of sports medicine of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports; Otunba Tade Azeez, President of the Nigeria Referees Association; Mr. Tijani Babangida, President of National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers and; Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, chief operating officer of the League Management Company.

Commissioner of Police Umar Baba, Mr. Oladunni Oyekale, Mr. Francis Adejoh, Dr. Ibrahim Gyaran and Miss Kisu Remi Sulola are the other members, with Mr. China Acheru as secretary. Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF’s Director of Communications Ademola Olajire and NFF’s Head of Legal/CAF Safety and Security Officer Barr. Okey Obi are co-opted members.

NFF President Pinnick with the members of the investigation committee at the inauguration in Benin City on Tuesday.

IGBINOBA TARGETS CONTINENTAL TICKET WITH NASARAWA UNITED By Akeem Busari

Red hot striker of Nasarawa United, Esosa Igbinoba has stated the desire of his team to secure a continental ticket at the end of the on going season.

According to the Edo state born player, the players and management of the team want to play continental football next season and therefore, are working seriously to achieve the target.

“We want to play on the continent next season, “declares the fast paced striker, who currently has nine goals for the coal miners this season.

“And the management of the team are trying their best to encourage us and boost our morale in bid to achieve the target, “the 22 years old forward said. Nasarawa United who are placed 14th position on the NPFL log, were not in action last weekend as their opponents in the week 22 game, Giwa FC of Jos has been expelled from the league.

Nasarawa United
photo cedit: @Nasarawaunited

Esosa who promised to utilize the rest period to sharpen his goal scoring touch, was also quick to attribute the modest successes in his blossoming career to God.

“l want to thank God Almighty for His love and kindness over my life. He is the secret of my success so far and l believe that He will lead me and my team to greater heights, “the Super Eagles striker who adores Spaniard Xavi Alonso enthused.

Fed Cup: Go Round FC Stay Focused On Nasarawa United

Go Round FC will stay focused on their Federation Cup Round of 32 tie against Nasarawa United in Enugu on Wednesday. In the previous round, Go Round FC beat Yobe Stars 3-1 in Makurdi and they have since won twice and lost once in the League.

Coach of the side, Ngozi Elechi says he and his wards have their eyes on the encounter in Enugu.

“Just like I said earlier, the team has all what it takes to beat any side. The people know that they must put behind the away loss to Abia Comets and focus on this game in Enugu.

“The game I lost at Umuahia was because the players were not at their best but this is the Federation Cup and we need to come out with a good result before taking on Delta Force in the League in Asaba,” Elechi said.

Captain of the side, Nyima Nwangwa who has two goals in all competitions this season is in the team to take on Nasarawa United in Enugu.

Stanley Worlu who opened scores in Omoku against Unicem Rovers is also set to start.

Nyima Nwangwa says the players are ready and rearing to go.

“We believe we will come out good. It’s the Cup and no one can say for sure where it will go because of the status of the sides playing, but we are confident that we can do enough to win the game in Enugu on Wednesday,” Nwangwa said.