SPORT

Siasia’s Claim Of Being Abandoned Untrue and Deceitful; FG, Governors Raised Money For Him To Fight FIFA Ban — Sunday Dare

Published

3 years ago

June 30, 2021

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Tuesday, insisted that his ministry did not abandon former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia as being claimed by the former striker.

Siasia had claimed that he was abandoned by Dare and the ministry after his FIFA ban for alleged match-fixing.

John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser (Media) to the minister said in a statement in Abuja that contrary to insinuations by Siasia that he was abandoned, the minister actually raised money for him.

He added that the Minister responded positively by taking the matter of his plight to the attention of individuals and organizations to intervene.

“The ministry, through the Minister, was able to raise the money which Siasia personally collected while he was also connected to persons and entities who raised money to assist him in appealing his case at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

“In response to a concerted appeal launched by the Minister, the Governors of Lagos, Edo and Delta made available money which was handed over to Siasia at different times.

“A couple of individuals, at the instance of the Minister, also raised money which was handed to him in cash,” Joshua-Akanji said.

He said the minister also rallied around to ensure Siasia was given a fair hearing.

“The Minister stayed on top of the case by pulling all strings to assist Siasia.

“In addition to the governors of Edo, Delta, and Lagos, he (Dare) made an appeal to Gov. Kayode Fayemi who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor.

“In another instance, the Minister took Siasia on a visit to the then Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson, to appeal for support for him.

“Siasia’s claim that government did nothing to assist him is untrue, deceitful, and misleading.

“While there are no budgetary provisions for such incidents, the Ministry and the Office of the Minister gave Siasia all the support that led to the mitigation of his life ban from football-related activities,” Joshua-Akanji added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Siasia had recently claimed that he did not get the necessary support from certain groups, except a few friends and governors.

He listed these groups as the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other stakeholders.

CAS recently upturned Siasia’s life ban by FIFA to five years, after he filed an appeal at the global sports court.

(NAN)

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Super Eagles Qualify For 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations

Published

3 weeks ago

November 14, 2024

PorscheClassy News

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two games remaining in the qualification series.

With 10 points, the Super Eagles have secured a top-two finish in their group, especially after Libya’s unexpected 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali.

The team will next face Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday, before concluding their campaign against Rwanda at home.

Neither Rwanda (5 points) nor Libya (4 points) can surpass Nigeria in the standings, ensuring their qualification.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, reached the final in the last edition hosted in Côte d’Ivoire.

Post Views: 330

BIG STORY

SPORT: Madrid Eye Ademola Lookman As Vinicius’ Replacement

Published

4 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

PorscheClassy News

Spanish giants Real Madrid have entered the race for in-form Ademola Lookman, with the UEFA Champions League holders keen to bring the Nigerian to Santiago Bernabéu as a potential replacement for “Vinicius Junior.”

Lookman has been in scintillating form since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35m plus bonuses, netting 39 goals and providing 23 assists in 90 competitive appearances for the Italian side, and has attracted the interest of several top European clubs.

The 27-year-old came close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in August, with “Sports Zone” reporting that he had reached a personal agreement with the French giants.

Last season, Lookman played 45 matches, scoring 17 goals and recording 10 assists. His standout moment came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he netted a brilliant hat-trick to secure the trophy for Atalanta.

He has shown no signs of slowing down this season, contributing seven goals and five assists from 12 appearances.

Though Atalanta managed to retain the Nigerian during the summer transfer window, they could soon be forced to cash in on him, with several top clubs competing for his signature following another stellar season.

Madrid are preparing for the possible departure of their star forward “Vinicius,” with Al-Hilal reportedly planning a record-breaking €300m bid for the Brazilian, a transfer fee that could surpass Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017.

According to Spanish outlet “Fichajes” via “El Futbolero,” the Saudi Pro League club are eyeing “Vinicius” as a marquee signing and potential replacement for Neymar, who could depart Al-Hilal by season’s end.

Los Blancos have turned their attention to Lookman as a strong candidate to fill the void should the deal for the Brazilian go through.

“Faced with uncertainty over ‘Vinícius Jr.’s’ contract renewal, the Merengues have set their sights on a promising Serie A talent. Ademola Lookman, a winger for Atalanta, has emerged as one of the main options to take the Brazilian’s place should he decide to leave the Santiago Bernabéu,” the website wrote.

“Lookman’s qualities make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Real Madrid’s attack. His versatility to play on both wings, his speed, and his dribbling ability make him an extremely dangerous player in one-on-one situations. In addition, his ability to link up with his teammates and create dangerous plays makes him a perfect complement to Carlo Ancelotti’s style of play.”

According to Transfermarkt, the Nigerian is valued at €60m, a fee Madrid will have no problem paying.

At the recent Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris, Lookman was ranked 14th best player in the world and is also considered the favourite for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

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BIG STORY

BREAKING: CAF Slams Libya $50,000 Fine, Awards Super Eagles 3 Points

Published

1 month ago

October 26, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya over the “inhumane treatment” inflicted on the Nigerian national team, while awarding the Super Eagles three points and three goals.

This was revealed by Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, in a post on his X handle on Saturday.

The decision follows CAF’s investigation into Libya’s maltreatment of the Super Eagles upon their arrival in the North African nation for the return leg of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

“Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

“One step closer to our target AFCON 2025,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

More to come…

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