The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has denied reports circulating on social media that it owes former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000.

Chukwu, popularly known as “Chairman,” passed away on Saturday.
NFF, reacting to the claims, on Monday, in a statement by its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi described the allegations as baseless, stating that there is no record of any outstanding debt to Chukwu within the federation’s financial records.

“During the first term of the Amaju Pinnick-led Board, a committee was established to thoroughly review claims of unpaid wages to coaches, including debts inherited from previous administrations.”

That committee had a clear mandate to verify and ensure the immediate settlement of all legitimate debts. To the best of our knowledge, there is no record of indebtedness to Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said

Chukwu served as head coach of the Super Eagles from 2002 until 2005, when he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw against Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Kano.

Sanusi further challenged anyone with credible and verifiable evidence of any outstanding payments owed to Chukwu or any other national team coach over the past 20 years to present such documents.

“As a responsible and credible organization, the NFF remains committed to meeting its obligations. If anyone can provide authentic documentation proving that we owe a coach, we will honor the debt without hesitation,” he stated.

The NFF expressed its condolences to the family and the Nigerian football community over the loss of Chukwu, a respected figure in the country’s football history and captain of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.

Sunshine Stars head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin has called for improvement from his players after their victory over Enyimba in a matchday 33 encounter.

Sunshine Stars beat Enyimba 2-1 In a keenly contested this at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

Akinfolarin believes the players still need to improve on their physical strength.

He, however, admitted that the team is on the right path.

“We needed this. It gives us a push,” Akinfolarin told Sunshine Stars media.

“We still have work to do, especially on the players’ physical strength, but I believe we are heading in the right direction.”

Sunshine Stars will next travel to Port Harcourt for a matchday 34 clash against Rivers United.

A record-equalling 20th English top-flight title could come as early as next Sunday if Liverpool win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich.

Virgil van Dijk spared Liverpool’s blushes with a late winner to beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday and edge to within six points of the Premier League title.

Andy Robertson’s own goal four minutes from time had given the lowly Hammers a deserved equaliser after Luis Diaz put Liverpool in front early on.

Van Dijk, though, swiftly restored the lead to show Liverpool retain the mentality of champions, even if they are running out of steam in the closing stages of the season.

“That was a relief because to me it felt after West Ham scored and the way the second half went, it was maybe more that you could expect them scoring,” said Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

“But our fans and our players thought differently because from the moment they scored the 1-1, we started playing again, we started pressing again. The fans were really loud at that moment of time.”

Liverpool’s lead stretches to 13 points with six games remaining.

A record-equalling 20th English top-flight title could come as early as next Sunday if Liverpool win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich.

The stage was set before kick-off for Mohamed Salah to be the hero as the Egyptian was given a huge ovation just days after ending speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract.

Salah started with the intention of making sure he was the focus of attention as young left-back Ollie Scarles struggled to cope with the Premier League’s top scorer.

The 32-year-old has failed to score in seven of his last eight Liverpool games as his sensational early season form has failed off.

But he still managed to set a new Premier League record by registering his 45th goal or assist of the campaign, the most ever in a 38-game season.

Salah outmuscled Scarles on the touchline and sprinted clear before an inch-perfect cross for Diaz allowed the Colombian to tap in for his 15th goal of the season on 18 minutes.

Defeat sees West Ham slip to 17th in the table, but they had a series of chances to take at least a point.

The fatigue that has seen Liverpool struggle in recent times was in evidence again as they had goalkeeper Alisson Becker to thank for moving another three points closer to the title.

Alisson brilliantly tipped Mohammed Kudus’ attempted chip onto the bar with the visitors first serious attack.

Jarrod Bowen had West Ham’s best chance to level when he failed to beat Alisson when one-on-one with the Brazilian before he turned away another powerful drive by Kudus.

When West Ham did finally find the net, it was thanks to two of Liverpool’s most experienced defenders.

Robertson and Van Dijk both went for the same ball and the Scotland captain diverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into his own net.

The goal suddenly sparked Liverpool into life after a listless second half as Diaz’s deflected effort went over the bar.

Van Dijk took just three minutes to make amends for the equaliser as he powered in Alexis Mac Allister’s corner.

The Dutchman kissed the badge in celebration in a potential nod to him reportedly being close to following Salah in signing a new contract.

There was still more drama to come as Niclas Fullkrug hit the bar for West Ham in stoppage time.

But Liverpool held out to take another step towards the title in Slot’s first season in charge.