Before going into the next election of the NFF Executive Committee scheduled for September 2022, the President of the Nigeria Players Union, Tijani Babangida (MON) has called for a restructuring of the NFF Executive Committee to be more inclusive representing all the key important stakeholders of football on equal representation for the promotion of justice, peace, equity and fair play
According to the president, ” the current Structure of the NFF board is deficient on so many fronts. The current Structure dominated by the Chairmen of the state Football Association to the detriment of other important stakeholders does not portray the game of Football as the most democratic game in the world.
The President of the players union said that the current dominance of the Exco by the Football Association Chairmen has its roots in the faulty nature of the composition and distribution of votes amongst the five distinct members of the NFF according to the Provisions of article 10:1 of the NFF Statutes in the Congress of the NFF where only the FA’s has 37 votes out of the 44 votes must be addressed if we must move forward and make progress
There is no doubt that the current structure of the Congress and the Board has continuously promoted and encouraged election malpractices such as vote-buying with its negative effects on the quality of members of the board which robs quality decisions making and good governance
Going forward the President is canvassing for a structure that is less cumbersome, less expensive, more democratic, transparent and more inclusive of all major stakeholders based on equality.
What I mean is that we should adopt a System and structure where the Board is composed of representatives of only duly and democratically elected persons of the various stakeholders such as the Football Association, the leagues, the Players Union, Coaches Association, Nigeria Referees Association, Sportswriters Association, etc, who will now be responsible to elect the president of NFF and other key Officials amongst themselves.
By this, the election will be less expensive and devoid of manipulation and guarantee quality and professionalism This is the angle the union is set to Project amongst other options that will guarantee fair play and justice amongst the major stakeholders of the game.
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) have set motions in readiness for its battle against debtor Nigerian football clubs.
Following unending complaints of non-payments of salaries and allowances by players and coaches to the players’union, the Tijani Babangida led body have quickly taken up arms to ensure the several debtor clubs in Nigerian football, fulfill their financial obligations.
Towards achieving that, it has set-up a 7-man welfare committee led by ex- Abiola Babes captain, Tajudeen Disu. Others include Ann Chiejine, Victor Ezeji, Jumbo Awala, Alhaji Muktar Zico, Nasir Jibril and Princewill Oviesan Gbogbodu.
According to a statement by Disu, the welfare committee have since commenced sittings in view to finding a solution to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian footballers and players turned coaches who are owed huge sums of money running into millions, spanning between 2015-2020.
” We have received series of complainants sent in by players and coaches detailing what they are owed by their clubs. It’s astonishing to note that a whopping N54.5 million is owed a section of players and coaches who have submitted certified documents to support their claims as requested by the welfare committee of PFAN as at 20 of Feb 2021,” Disu explained.
” Painfully, these debtor clubs have continued to do football business without a recourse to their indebtedness to these players and coaches. I will tell emphatically, that this committee established by the leadership of PFAN is battle ready to ensure the welfare and well-being of Nigerian footballers, past and present, are protected and promoted in line with the mission of PFAN, ” he stated emphatically.
Tajudeen Disu fondly called ‘Gaddafi’ in his playing days, went on to release the list of complainants and the debtor clubs as follows; Abubakar Baleria (Kano Pillars), Oke ogagotewo, ( Sunshine Stars), Gbadebo sheyi (Sunshine Queens), Freedom omoforma, Ichul Lordson, Lucky Emariojake (Warri Wolves), Coach lucky Akpokona, Coach Peter Nieketien, Prince Sunday Emeh, Gidado Toyeen Olakunle ( Stationery Stores), Others include, Edafe Omamuzo (Delta Queens), Chinedu Samuel ( Heartland FC), Mahmud Mutari ( Taraba FC) and 9 players from Abia Comets.
Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, (PFAN) has written the LMC and Adamawa state Government demanding full investigations into the allegations surrounding Adamawa United FC administration and the maltreatment of players.
News making the rounds suggest that players in this club earn between N50,000 and N80,000 as monthly salaries contrary to the N150,000 minimum wage stipulated by the LMC in the club Licensing agreement.
It is also alleged that the players are camped in hostels before their matches and made to travel very long hours on match days, a situation that has left the union saddened and very worried.
PFAN rather than seek the jugular, is more interested in the immediate upgrade ( should the allegations be true) of the players salaries and an improved all round welfare package . PFAN president Tijani Babangida MON has also directed the Adamawa PFAN leadership for due diligence on the matter and report back.
PFAN will explore all possible creative and diplomatic means towards improving the Lives and Livelihoods of our players.
Meanwhile, PFAN will be appointing 3 comrades to represent the union in a joint committee with the players Intermediary Association.
This committee will be saddled with the responsibility of fashioning out grounds and modalities for a possible synergy between both organizations. This partnership has become even more expedient considering the current situation of the Nigerian player and the need to provide lasting solution. The partnership will also aim to bring sanity and professionalism into the Nigerian football space.
Emmanuel Babayaro (MON), General Secretary PFAN.
Troubled by the slow pace of work by some PFAN committees, the president will be appointing an M & E ( monitoring and evaluation) committee.
This committee will monthly evaluate all committees and their assignments/projects and advice the leadership on regular basis. Under performing committees could be disbanded and or switched without notice.
The president Tijani Babangida (MON), has directed that the PFAN diaspora ambassadors immediately begin the registration of members worldwide. They were also encouraged to establish platforms for their regions and promote PFAN activities.
The PFAN ambassadors are, (a) Joshua Kator, PFAN ambassador to Europe. (b) Emeka Ezeugo, PFAN ambassador to the USA and Canada. (c) Comrade pastor Taribo West MON, PFAN ambassador to Africa.
The ambassadors are the only accredited personnels authorized to deal on behalf of PFAN in diaspora and within their jurisdictions. Further notices shall be relayed as they occur.
Signed: Emmanuel Babayaro (MON), General Secretary PFAN
Having consummated the merger of the two players unions in Nigeria the Professional footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) takes off in grand style after its Board made up of Ex-Internationals of repute led by Ex-International Tijani Babangida (MON) as President was formally Inaugurated on saturday the 21st of November in Lagos.
Tijani Babangida (MON), PFAN President
In his Inaugural speech the President of (PFAN) Tijani Babangida assured his colleagues, the media and Nigerians that he would steer the players Union to a greater height and therefore solicits the unflinching support of his colleagues and the media.
Deputy General Secretary, Edema Fuludu and 2nd Vice President, Victor Ikpeba
The Expanded Board of trustees was also Inaugurated and as soon as the President and his Board settles down an advisory Board made of up distinguish Elders of the game will be constituted and Inaugurated.
BOARD OF PFAN
President TIJANI BABAGINDA
1st Vice President Clement Temile
2nd Vice President Victor Ikpeba
Gen Secretary Emmanuel Babayaro
Deputy Gen Secretary Fuludu Edema
Treasurer Princewill Gbogbodu
Players Union rep. Golbe Elisha
Players Union rep. Joy Jerry.
Players Union Commissioners a). North West – Margaji Abdul Boss Deputy Danlami Helman b). North Central – Abdul Sule Deputy Musa Santos c). North East – Auwalu Jeda Deputy d). South East – Ikechukwu Enwezor Deputy e). South South- Kenneth Nwaomucha Deputy Samson Ozogula f). South West – Mutiu Adepoju Deputy. Waidi Akanni
Welfare Team Welfare 1. Taju Disu Welfare 2. Jumbo Awala
Players Union Ambassadors a). Europe – Joshua Kator Deputy Seyi Olofinjana b). Americas – Emeka Ezeugo c). Africa – Taribo West
Auditing Department
Auditor 1 Chikelue Iloenyosi
Auditor 2 Samuel Prone
Asst Gen Secretary
Technical Department a). Technical Peter Chukwuemeka b). Operations David Aigbovo c). Youth Devt. Stephen Cole d). Special Duties Tony Adiele e). Communication Danladi Musa
Legal Team
Legal team: a). Barr Lawal Audu Mohammed b). Barr Nixon Igwe c). Barr Felix Eshalomi d). Barr Chief Rumson Baribote
Media Team a). Akeem Busari b). Princewill Gbogbodu c). Niyi Busari d). Danladi Musa
Austin Popo, General Secretary PFAN Board of Trustees
The Community Football Foundation (CFF) has kick start plans to organise it first edition of the ” COMMUNITY CUP” beginning from the month of March 2021.
The Community Cup which shall feature only Clubs that meets the Community Football Foundation (CFF) Ownership Structure Frame Work which amongst others includes that the participating Clubs must be community owned, run and funded, have names and philosophy that reflects the tradition and culture of the people.
Must also, create a fan data base that is purely team membership base, create a business model that can convert her fan base to wealth, must be strategically structured to engage the Community, attract people to the stadium and commercialize her operations.
In addition, create and develop a partnership frame work with government, traditional, private and grassroot institutions for the growth and development and advancement of the club.
The Community Football Foundation CFF is established to advocate and create a minimum of 774 Community Ownership Clubs in each of the local govt area across the nation.
The tournament will be played under the Southern and Northern Conference for clubs in the three South zones and Northern zones respectively, while champions from both Conference shall lock horns for the ” Super Community Cup”
The Cup for the Southern Conference shall be presented to CFF by the Cup donor Hon Tajudeen Ajide, a former Nigeria Player and the current Chairman of Surulere Local Govt Council on Saturday 21st November 2020 in Lagos.
The CFF has since commenced the establishment of Community owned Clubs in conjunction with host communities across the length and breadth of the country.
The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain, the national anthem posited, but reverse is the case of some of these heroes, footballers especially as the treatment they get from various clubs they have played for is nothing to write home about.
Aja on hospital bed after accident
Former Wikki Tourist of Bauchi left back, Raymond Onyenkachi Aja narrated is calling out to the management of the club to come to his rescue after been abandoned to his poor state of health in over two years.
Speaking to Ayoola Adeleke on Rhythm FM Benin City on ‘Naija Foot’ in an interview which lasted for fifteen minutes, the Aba born narrated how he rejected a contract from Genk of Belgium because of his love for the club he has been playing for since his secondary school days, and how the current management have turned deaf hear to him in over twenty three months since his salary was stopped.
“I Started playing in 1996 from secondary school days, I underwent trial and was signed by Wikki Tourist after my WAEC when Wikki was still in division 3.”
“Alongside other players, we Won FA for the team in 1998, I played as a left foot back and went to the African cup winners cup where he was invited to the U-17 Eaglets camp under Musa Abdullahi, but couldn’t make it to the camp due to club committment in Morrocco.”
“I had the opportunity of moving on with the Morroccan side Coach who picked interest in my playing style and ability and was ready to work him to Genk in Belgium.”
Aja in continental action for Wikki
“The week I was supposed to travel to sign for Genk in Belgium, Barnabas Imenga told me not to go and that was how it ended; I had an accident while travelling with the club to play against Katsina United (1999); then, everything went wrong from there after I came out of the accident with broken Spinal cord”
“His Excellency, Adamu Muazu (the then Governor) came to me and promised me that he will help us out; we were supposed to be flown into London for treatment, but I don’t know why they stopped.”
“Then they announced that they were going to place me on life salaries and build three bedroom flat for us in any location of our choice in Nigeria.”
“They started the payment (47,000 naira) salary from his Excellency, Adamu Muazu’s administration to Yisa Yuguda and the past Governor also paid us in his administration”
“I was telling the club’s Secretary to please add little to the money they were paying me because I just gave birth to my child then, but he replied me in a bitter way: “you that we are trying to stop his salary, you are saying we should add to it”
“I thought it was a joke when this was said to me, September 2018, but the bitter truth is that, it wasn’t a joke but what they eventually did.”
“When I saw that the salary wasn’t coming again, I had to call them in the office to ask what happened, why I wasn’t paid; I was told to go to the bank to check what the problem was, but when I got there, nothing like money transfer.”
“I called Sanni Toro (the Commissioner for Sports when the accident happened), he was sad over the development and said it was wrong of them; he gave me numbers to call persons which I did, but nothing possitive proceeded from it.”
“When I called the chairman, his response was “Onyenkachi, if you are in Europe, they will not be paying you by now, they will pay you off and settle all your entitlement.”
“If you are lucky, the management will discuss your issue, — but till today, nothing possitive has come from their end.”
“Sanni Toro asked me to write to the state Governor, I did this borrowing 6,000 naira and used DHL to have it sent to the Governor, but nothing came out of it. I have tried my best, I just underwent a surgery and I can’t be moving around like this anyhow.”
“I’m pleading the Wikki Tourist management to please come to my rescue and let’s sit together and have my case settled”
“I suffered for this club, rejecting a move to Genk in Belgium, everybody in Bauchi knows what I did for the club and my contribution even after the unfortunate accident.”
I’m pleading that they please consider my state, I can’t even walk for long, I can’t sit for long; this condition I’m in is not what I wished for. Since I carried out my surgery, I haven’t gone for medical check-up because I don’t have the money, the management should please come to my rescue”
Meanwhile, the National Union of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) as headed by Tijani Babangida (MON) after been contacted by the player responded by writing officially to the Club to address the issue and copied the NFF and the LMC.
The Union through the Secretary General, Austin Popo in the addressed letter to the club management maintains that, failure to act will prompt the need to write the Governor to address the player issue.
The National Association of Nigeria in Professional Footballers (NANPF) has call on the hierarchy of the Nigeria Football Federation to disburse money meant for the players as been seen in other part of the world
Speaking to Ayoola Adeleke of Rhythm FM Benin, in a phone interview on Tuesday September 1st, 2020, the President of the Union, ex-international, Tijani Babangida (MON) made the call for a quick implementation of sharing the FIFA palliative money which is said to have been with the FA for over seven weeks to the clubs who are eligible to it
According to him, players are on their neck to have their share of the largesse due to the manner at which their various clubs have been treating them.
“This is the time and the moment they need their money so we are calling on NFF to do all what they can and try to see that they give money to clubs so that all clubs can pay their players which is what all other countries have done.”
“Off course we commend them for puttings things out so that everybody can see, but the implementation is what we need now because a lot of players and clubs are in need of it knowing that the season is about to start.”
Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation released the sharing format of the monies received from FIFA, CAF and their sponsors last month, the President of the Players Union acting on item 7 of the Communique released after their last virtual conference called out to the NFF for immediate implementation of sharing the funds to clubs.
“You see, we have been geting a lot of calls from teams complaining of their salaries been held by clubs they have not been paid, I believe that FIFA palliative money was already in Nigeria for over two months and I think it’s time NFF releases this money at least.”
“Players are being owed, and we hope that NFF as soon possible will release these monies for to the people that are deserved to be paid”, he added.
The National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has in its recent visual annual general meeting called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to set up the Players Status Committee in line with relevant provisions of FIFA and NFF in order to enable players get justice and avoid unnecessary industrial crises.
At the end of the 2nd Annual General Assembly Meeting held virtually on Saturday, 29th August 2020, the NEC came up with series of way forward decisions for the development of the players union and the betterment of its members.
Commendeding the National Administrative Council (NAC) led by the its President, ex-international Tijani Babangida (MON) for their doggedness, commitment, and sacrifice in pushing and repositioning the players union to a new level through its various players welfare initiatives and demands for players rights within the industry.
Executive Council in its communique, tasked the NAC to immediately set up a Monitoring and Compliance Committee in ensuring that players are professionally guided in terms of Contract signing and termination, including the decisions of Arbitration Committee are complied with, and other related matters regarding players Career.
The NEC in session however calls on the NFF and the Leagues to put in place appropriate rules and regulations that will compel all Professional Football Players, especially those in NPFL to engage FIFA/NFF Football intermediaries, or Lawyers in signing of Contracts and other related services, beginning from the 2020/2021 League season.
In the same vein, the NEC calls for immediate establishment of the Players Status Committee and National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) in line with relevant provisions of FIFA and NFF Statutes without further delay to enable players get justice and avoid unnessary industrial crises in seeking for alternative means by the players and their union .
In view of the ongoing reconciliation move for merger of the two players associations , the NEC approved the suspension of the union State Administrative Councils (SAC) elections earlier scheduled for the month of September 2020 to create the enabling environment moving into the new phase of the promotion of one united players union in Nigeria.
Other resolutions made at the AGM includes:
Requesting the NAC to develop and Strategies appropriate plans with the NFF and the Leagues for the speedy implementation of the Customized Nigeria Professional Footbllers Pension Scheme (NPFPS) beginning from the 2020/2021 Football season.
Charging the NFF/LMC to demonstrate good faith and commitment in the Facilitation and the implementation of the union membership check off dues and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) without further delay
The NEC in requests that the NFF fast track the payment of the FIFA covid19 palliative monies to clubs to enable them pay the players and coaches, including other club Officials without further delay.
In another resolution, the NEC calls on the NFF to declare professional football Clubs who are unable to meet their financial obligations to players and coaches in terms of non payment of salaries and allowance for several months Bankrupt, to enable the affected players and coaches qualify to draw benefits from the FIFA/FIFPRO Relieve Fund designated for such purpose
In a bid of expansion of its congress, the NEC also approves the addition of 21 female Captains and Zonal representatives of NNL Captains.
To facilitate the Union’s membership Drives of current and Ex Players, including the proposed Semi-Professional Footbllers Data Base program, the NEC approves the appointment of Country Representatives across the globe.
In appreciation, the NEC commends NAC, and ex-footballers, and Chairman of Surulere Local Government Council, Hon Tajudeen Ajide, Covener and Sponsor of the ongoing reconciliation move to reconcile the NANPF and NANF towards one strong and indivisible Players Union in Nigeria with the capacity to reposition the development and gowth of players welfare in Nigeria.
The Communique drafting Committee comprises of ex-Internationals, with Edema Fuludu as its chairman, and Danladi Musa the secretary; members include Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Okoh and barrister Audu Lawal.
The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) is set to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) via online platform ZOOM, due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the 29th of August, 2020.
In a communique signed by the Secretary of the Union, Austin Popo and released on Wednesday 15th of July, 2020, the AGM which is expected to be attended by all members of the National Adminstrative Council (NAC), NANPF States Chairmen and Secretaries, Clubs Captains of the NPFL, NNL and NWPFL and invited associates and partners of NANPF who would be serving as observers is expected to witness making lot of key decisions for the way forward of the Union.
Amongst other agenda for the AGM will be suspension or expulsion of members (if applicable), activity Report ( containing the activities of the Union since the last General Assembly, presentation of the consolidated Balance Sheet and Profit and loss Statement.
Also, the approval of the financial Statement, approval of the Budget and admission of Members (if applicable) would also be looked into.
Meanwhile, the votes on proposals for the amendment of the Statutes, the regulations governing the application of the Statutes and the standing orders of the General Assembly (if applicable), discussion of Proposals submitted by the members and the National Adminstrative Council (NAC), dismissal of a Person or Body (if applicable) will also be on the agenda for the day.
NANPF is at this stage in one of the most crucial stage if its history are they are focused on maintaining orderliness and adamant on the NFF putting the welfare of members into full consideration and implementation.
The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) on Tuesday, July 8th 2020 written the management of OSUN UNITED FC over the sacking of the entire team players of Osun United and Osun Babes without without a legal procedure.
In a letter signed by the secretary of the association, Austin Popo, exclusively available to Platinum News, the association enquiry into the sacking revealed that the club had not taking the right step in relieving the players of their jobs.
“I bring you the unreserved compliments of the President of the Nigeria Players Union, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, Tijani Babangida (Mon); Information available to the union, suggest that the management of your Football Clubs, Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs have sacked the entire players and officials of both teams without following due process as contained in the relevant provisions of the rules of the NNL and the Nigeria Women professional Football league.”
“Our enquiry further suggest that there was no pre – notification meeting between the Club’s management and the players and coaches to discuss your actions contrary to the basic principles guiding the protection of workers rights It is equally important to draw your attention to the fact that every professional player either in the NNL or in the Women professional Football league is under a contract of minimum one year in accordance with the Leagues regulations.”
“We are just in the seventh month of the year. In other words, our understanding is that the players still have a subsisting contract with your club.”
The Union however call for meeting with all necessary stakeholders to bring about solution to the issue on ground in order to foster industrial peace and harmony.
“Finally we all understand the challenging times, the world is going through, sports not excluded, due the impact caused by the Covid19 pandemic. In spite of this development, taking unilateral decisions to sack players without following laid down procedures is not a good idea, and therefore totally uncceptable by the players union.”
“We therefore advice for the sake of Industrial peace and harmony to call a meeting of all relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue amicable without compromising the rights of the players and officials We await your immediate response”
Platinum News 