SPORT
‘Desperate’ Giwa Forces Way Into NFF Abuja Office, Arrested
The crises rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), took a dramatic turn yesterday, as ‘factional’ leader, Chris Giwa, allegedly forced his way into the secretariat of the football house in Abuja. He was said to be arrested by security operatives shortly after.
The crisis had began last month shortly after the Super Eagles lost to Egypt to crash out of the 2017 AFCON, when a federal high court in Jos, Plateau State sacked the Executive Committee of the NFF led by Amaju Pinnick and ordered Giwa to take over the leadership of Nigerian football.
Justice Musa Haruna Kurya had granted the prayers of Yahaya Adama and Obinna Ogba to not only relist the suit in the tussle of the leadership of the NFF, but also upheld all the previous orders of the court, making Giwa the head of the federation until the final determination of the suit. The NFF immediately appealed against the ruling.
It was learnt that a ‘desperate’ Giwa, who arrived at the football secretariat at about 4 p.m., in company of some of his board members, exchanged pleasantries with some secretariat staff while inspecting the offices.
He, however, did not have access to the offices of the NFF President, the General Secretary and the Accountant as they were locked.
Giwa told newsmen after the inspection that he was at the football secretariat to assert the order of the court, which installed him as the president of NFF.
“My coming here is to confirm the ruling of the court that we got on April 8, 2016. It has been in the news, getting to one month today, that we got a ruling from the High Court in Jos restoring all the orders granted to us sometimes in 2014 after we relisted the case.
“The ruling gave me the permit and the right to be here today. I didn’t come in here with police; as you are aware, policemen have been here to do their duty of guarding the premises.“By the grace of God, by Monday I am going to address the press here (NFF secretariat)”, Giwa said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that security men at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 7, locked the gate to the NFF and FRSC.
The action prevented movement of people in and out of the premises for about 20 minutes before the arrival of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), of Wuse Zone 3 police station, Sunday Irek.
Irek, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), who arrived with detachment from his unit, entered Giwa’s Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), which took off.
The DPO had earlier deployed men to guard the NFF shortly after the court ruling on April 8. He said then that he was acting on orders from above.
It would be recalled that two years ago, Giwa claimed he had been elected president of the NFF, but world football governing body (FIFA) did not endorse the vote. His appeal was also thrown out by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
Lawyer to the NFF, Festus Keyamo, had earlier asked the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to arrest and prosecute Chris Giwa for claiming to be the duly elected president of the NFF.
Keyamo said then that there was no court order anywhere mandating the said Chris Giwa to take over any office or duties of the NFF.
BIG STORY
As WAFCON Kicks Off Today, The Falcons Of Nigeria Will Win Their 10th Title — By Seun Oloketuyi
The energy in Morocco is electric. From the bustling streets of Rabat to the buzzing stadium corridors in Casablanca, a continental celebration of football has begun. The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, delayed until 2025, kicks off today — and as the anthem rings out to open the tournament, one team walks into the spotlight with more than just ambition. The Super Falcons of Nigeria are here to reclaim what they’ve long considered theirs: the WAFCON crown.
Nine-time champions, decorated with decades of dominance, Nigeria’s women’s team has been the pride of African football. But this time, there’s something different. It’s not just about titles or rankings. It’s about redemption. Two years ago, the Falcons fell short, narrowly edged out of the final by host nation Morocco and forced to watch South Africa take the throne. That sting hasn’t faded — it’s fuel.
The players know what’s at stake. Asisat Oshoala, now playing for Bay FC in the U.S. after an illustrious run with Barcelona, returns with fire in her eyes and form in her boots. Alongside her, a younger generation is rising — bold, unshaken, hungry. In training, the tempo has been sharp. In their voices, confidence. In their hearts, belief,She is expected to inspire the younger generation lead by the team Captain Rasheedat and the new blood of Alozie,Ashley,Esther and Toni Payne plus Ayinde a lot is expected.
Now led by new head coach Justine Madugu, following the departure of Randy Waldrum, the Falcons are embracing a refreshed style of play — blending tactical discipline with expressive, fearless attacking football. Madugu has not only brought structure but also instilled belief, trust, and a renewed fighting spirit,Many including me are still stunned Monday Gift is not in this team but yet we are behind them.
The road won’t be easy. Morocco is loud and proud on home soil. South Africa still glows from their 2022 triumph. Zambia arrives with momentum. But even in the shadows of rising stars, Nigeria still stands tallest. When the Super Falcons walk out tomorrow against Tunisia for their opening match, they’ll carry more than just jerseys on their backs. They’ll carry history. Legacy. And expectation.
This is a team that has shaped the narrative of African women’s football for decades. Their dominance isn’t luck. It’s culture. Discipline. Passion. Every touch of the ball, every sprint, every tackle will be driven by the memory of past glories — and the desire to write a new chapter.
As the tournament kicks off today, the message from Nigeria is clear: the Falcons are flying again. Not with arrogance, but with assurance. And by the time the final whistle blows in Rabat on July 26, they believe they’ll be right where they belong — lifting the trophy for a record 10th time.
Africa is watching. Nigeria is ready.
I Totally believe Falcons will come home with the 10th Wafcon
- Seun Oloketuyi the producer of Flying with the Falcons
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