The football club Owners Association of Nigeria have given reasons why it rejected the proposed Abridged League format put forward by the Interim Management committee of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, #Desertsports has gathered.

In a Christmas message to the Football stakeholders in Nigeria, club Owners in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman Chief Barr Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka described the proposed Abridged League format as a caricature of the NPFL, a League once rated as the best League in Africa.

The Association said , the only time Abridged League was played was in a special circumstances when there was leadership crisis in the Federation which affected the smooth running of football thus Abridged League was taken as an option.

But for a League that has stabilized over the years to revert back to Abridged League is like taking the system ten years backward.

Club Owners said that it was a majority decision by 16+1 clubs against only 3 clubs that supported the Abridged League hence it was surprised to see the IMC adopting Abridged League against popular decisions, thereby deceiving the NFF on the true outcome of the joint meeting.

The Association argued that the ongoing CAF Competitions will end in June 2023 and next edition to commence in September/October 2023 coupled with the fifa World Cup break which will alter many Confederations programmes, hence it asked why the hurry, It queried .

Associating Nigeria Football with an bridged League in this century is a big slap on the country as a great soccer nation of the world, because both Enyimba and other clubs who made Nigeria proud were not champions of Abridged League, it said.

The Association however insisted that Clubs would resist the Abridged League format by shunning the draws slated for 28th December 2022 in Abuja, just as a meeting of the Club Owners has been slated for the same day at Toprank Hotel in Asaba Delta State.

The entire football followers await NFF intervention as the NPFL is expected to kick off in January 8th 2023.

Source: Desert Sports.

.. Caution against unguarded utterances.

The end has not been heard on the imbroglio surrounding the commencement of 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season as the participating clubs are set for another round of protest.

The latest em passe is about the format to be employed for the new season which has drawn mixed feelings among the stakeholders of the league, notably the Interim Management Committee and the club managers.

In a statement issued on Sunday which was purposely meant to wish Christian faithful on Christmas by the Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners), the umbrella body of Proprietors, Chairmen and Managers of top Professional Domestic football League Clubs in Nigeria, it specifically disclosed that member-clubs had in a joint meeting with the IMC unanimously voted for a full league with 16+1 votes, to 3 votes, and against a proposal for an abridged league.

The release jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, Bar. Isaac Danladi and Executive Secretary, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, alleged that some group of persons went behind to push for an abridged league which is a caricature of the NPFL, a league once adjudged as the number league in Africa.

The Club Owners stated that the decision of the clubs on a full league format remain unchanged and reject the proposed abridged league in its entirety.

The statement assured that a full league format can still be completed within the normal time frame, with submissions of the CAF Competitions representatives and aligns the NPFL with the International Football calendar.

The Association however used the occasion to warn mischief makers and blackmailers who were hired by some toxic interests within the system to cause disaffection between the Association and other Football stakeholders, stressing that Football can only strive in an atmosphere of an enabling environment where negotiations and round table discussions are cherished.

The Football Club Owners Association Of Nigeria (Club Owners) have sent a congratulatory message to one of its member-Clubs Akwa United FC of Uyo as they emerged as Champions of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League. 

The Association said the historic achievement by the Elder Paul Bassey led Management of the south south club is an indication of total commitment, hardworking and determination by the players, coaches and management as well as huge executive backing by the government and good people of Akwaibom state.

According to a statement by the Association jointly signed by the Chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka , club owners saluted the Akwa United FC for being a well deserved champions losing only 4 matches throughout the season as well as lifting the trophy before the final league games.

It enjoined the club to maintain the tempo and winning spirit even as they represent the country at the continental level with an assurance that the Association will give them the needed support to succeed. 

Club Owners praised the LMC and the Management of Akwa United FC for hosting a colourful presentation ceremony which has boosted the image of the NPFL globally via the NPFL.tv platform. 

For the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Club Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Aloysius Chukwuemeka Chinekezi Ebonugwo, popularly referred to as ACC, it was a story of a prophet honoured in his community, as he was on Friday April 9th, 2021, conferred with a traditional title of NWACHIGOZIRI 1, of Umualumaku Community in Ehime Mbano in Imo state.

Football enthusiasts from all around the nation, sports journalists, friends and well wishers converged in the ancient community of Umualumaku, in Ehime Mbano in Imo state to honour the man of many parts, class and cadre.

He is the man of many parts because, as an Igbo man, he speaks other Nigerian languages like Yoruba and Hausa.

He is a man of all classes because he finds it easy to relate with the all-mighty and the lowest class in the society, and his mixture with people of all classes in the society brings out the selflessness, tolerance and the sacrificial attributes in him.

That also makes him fit into any cadre of life at any point in time, and adjusts to any situation that comes his way, with not only his body language, but his words, breaking all barriers and obstacles because of the influential intelligence that God has endowed him with.

He is absolutely an embodiment of humility, transparency, a peace maker.

He is all in all in the round leather game. He was a player. He is a Retired Grade One Referee, a Journalist, a Commentator and Analyst, Administrator of repute, and the ‘Network’ himself.

Back then, he started cutting his administrative teeth when he was the Secretary of the Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA), a football controlling organization under the auspices of the Igbo Community Association in Kwara state.

Chief Aloysius Chukwuemeka Chinekezi Ebonugwo (ACC) was born in February 2nd, 1976, to the family of late Mr. Casmier Ebonugwo and Ezinne Felicia Adamma Ebonugwo of Umuonyia Umualumaku Ehime Mbano, Imo State.

He attended the Hill top Primary School, Umualumaku and early Secondary School at Boys Secondary School Umualumaku.

He proceeded to complete his Junior Secondary School (JSS) classes at Government Day Secondary School, Nyanya, Abuja, before completing his Senior Secondary School (SSS) at Government Day Secondary School, Agbabiaka, Ilorin, Kwara state.

Chief Chukwuemeka graduated with First Degree Bsc (Geography) Certificate from the ‘Better by Far’ University, University of Ilorin, before obtaining his Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).

He returned to the University of Ilorin to bag his Masters Degree in Public Administration.

ACC, as he is fondly called, played active football in his early years when he was nicknamed after the legend Cameroonian Roger Miller before injury knocked him out of playing active football.

For his passion and love for football, he joined the Nigeria football Referees Association (NFRA), Kwara State Council and rose to become a Grade One Referee.

He was the longest serving Secretary General of the Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA) Ilorin, where he served meritoriously and was named the ‘’ITFA Ambassador’’.

As a seasoned sports journalist, ACC rose from PRO of Kwara State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to become the Vice Chairman and progressed to a 3rd term National Executive Officer of the Association for nine years.

He was Media Officer of Yobe Desert Stars Damaturu and a classroom teacher in Babura Jigawa State during his NYSC programme.

Chukwuemeka has traveled to several countries of the world notably Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Angola, Spain, Russia, UAE, South Africa etc.

He was amongst the Nigerian delegation to the NPFL-LALIGA tour to Spain as well 2018 world cup in Russia.

He also has a FIFA Certificate on Football Administration/Management, as well as a FIFA accredited TMS manager.

Presently, he is the Executive Secretary of NPFL Club Owners Association of Nigeria, the Director of Football, Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC Ilorin and member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Strategic Studies Committee.

And because of his numerous contributions to the uplift of his community, the community, led by His Royal Highness, Eze C.U Okoro Aku 1, rolled out the drums to celebrate the true son of

Umualumaku Community, in Ehime Mbano, and also conferred on him, the NWACHIGOZIRI 1, alongside his wife, Mrs Helen Nkechi Chukwuemeka. This is an honour even the reverred in the society do not get or deserve in their communities. And this has to do with many factors, underscored by huge sacrifice.

He was honoured for his contributions to unity and peace, sports development, support to community development and humanity.

Chief Chukwuemeka is the donor and sponsor of the yearly Umualumaku Unity Cup, donor to Ehime Mbano United FC, donor to Mbano Unity Cup competition and several community services to his people.

He is a member and pillar of Catholic Men Organization and a Man of the People with high level of integrity.

The honour to Chief Chukwuemeka coincided with the birthday of his mother, Ezinne Felicia Adamma Ebonugwo, who was 87th.

His wife, Mrs Helen Nkechi Chukwuemeka is a banker, and a Master Degree holder (Business Administration) from LAUTECH University Ogbomoso.

Chief Aloysius Chukwuemeka Chinekezi Ebonugwo is blessed with five Children, Chichi, Chidozie, chiamaka, Chisara and Chijioke.

To the ‘Man of the people’, it’s no doubt, great honour to whom it’s due.

It was indeed a funfair on Friday in Ehime Mbano, Imo State as the Director of Football, Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka bagged chieftaincy as the Nwachigozir I of Umualumaku kingdom.

The chieftaincy conferment which took place at the palace of His Royal Highest, Christopher Okoro, the Aku I of Umualumaku was attended by the crème dela crème in the Nigerian sporting fraternity.

The astute administrator and seasoned sports journalist, who is also a member of the Strategic Studies Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was honoured by his community for his contributions to unity and peace, sports development, support to community development and humanity.

Speaking at the event, the Royal father of the Imualumaku kingdom, Christopher Okoro lauded the selfless service of Alloy Chukwuemeka to the growth and development of the kingdom on which merit he bestowed him with the title Nwachigoziri I.

“Alloy Chukwuemeka has really made us pride in this community and has proved himself to be a good ambassador of Umualumaku kingdom in the diaspora.

” He has uphold the sanctity of this community and has foster the unity of this kingdom the more from his annual football competition among youths of this kingdom.

“On this and many more, I deemed it worthy enough to bestowed on Bashie honorary traditional title as Nwachigori I. We hope he will plough his wealth of experience to the development of this kingdom, ” the royal father said.

In the same vein, the executive chairman of the club owners of Nigeria, Barrister Isaac Danladi eulogized Alloy Chukwuemeka as a man of virtues and integrity.

” Alloy Chukwuemeka is a man of integrity as whatever he promised he wouldn’t renege. He is a man of his word. I was earlier envisaged how he will sail in the midst of these aged chiefs. But I was averse by the adage that says a child that knows how well to wash hand will dine and wine with the aged.

“The honour is well deserved, considering the notable contributions of Alloy Chukwuemeka to his community, and what he stands for in Nigeria as a whole.

“What I have seen today shows he is indeed a proud son of the soil. And we wish him the best in his new callings,” Danladi added.

In his goodwill message Alloy Chukwuemeka expressed his appreciation to the royal father and the chiefs of the community for the honour and said the new title will afford him to do more to Umualumaku kingdom.

“The purpose for this chieftaincy title started about four years ago having been raised by his Royal highest, Christopher Okoro.

“With this honour, I shall strive hard to double my humanitarian services to the community. I hoped to raised indigene of this kingdom to stardom in the field of football,” Alloy promised.

Notable football stakeholders, the sporting media practitioners across the country, friends, well wishers and associates witnessed the ceremony.

The Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria ( Club Owners) have sent a strong Delegation to Ehime Mbano in Imo state as the Executive Secretary of the Association Alloy Chukwuemeka is to be honoured with a Chieftaincy title by his community.

The ceremony is billed to hold on Friday 9th April 2021 by 11 am at the palace of His Royal Highness Eze C.U Okoro Aku 1 of Umualumaku community.

The club Owners Delegation is to be led by the chairman of the Association and Nasarawa United FC boss Barr. Isaac Danladi, others include Enyimba boss Felix Anyansi Agwu, Pastor Emeka Inyama, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwudi, Prince Davidson Owumi, Chukwuma Ubah, Chief Okey Kpalukwu, Elder Paul Bassey, Kumbi Titiloye, and other NPFL and NNL club chairmen. 

LMC boss and 2nd vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Malam Shehu Dikko will lead other NFF chieftains, Congress members and LMC directors to the event. 

Other Dignitaries include the Nigeria Pillar of Sports Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, ABS FC boss Mr Seni Saraki and a host of others.

Meanwhile, an advance team of the planning committee led by the National Coordinator of the club Owners Association of Nigeria and sporting Director of Enyimba FC Jude Anyadufu, alongside Former commissioner for Youths Gombe state Malam Farouk Yarma, former chairman of Heartland FC Goodfaith Etuemena and General Manager of Kwara United Malam Bashir Badawiy are set to be on ground in Owerri. 

Notable Football stakeholders and the Sporting Media practitioners across the country will on April 9th 2021 converge at the Palace of His Royal Highness Eze C.U Okoro (Aku 1) of Umualumaku Ehime Mbano in Imo state as he confers an honorary traditional Chieftaincy title on Mr &Mrs Alloy Chukwuemeka ACC , the Executive Secretary of the NPFL club Owners Association of Nigeria. 

The event which kicks off by 11am will attract members of the Football and sports fraternity from across Nigeria including friends, family and well wishers of the ABS FC Director of Football. 

Highlights of the double events celebrations  include the 87th birthday ceremony of his beloved mother EZINNE Felicia ADAMMA. 

Chukwuemeka is being honoured by his community for his contribution to unity and peace, sports development,  support to community development and humanity .

An astute Administrator and seasoned sports journalist, Alloy Chukwuemeka is also a member of the Strategic studies committee of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF. 

He holds a bachelors  degree (BSC) in Geography from the ‘better by far’ University of Ilorin, a post graduate Diploma in Journalism (IIJ) and Masters Degree in Public Administration (Unilorin). 

Chukwuemeka is also a trained grade one football Referee , a devoted Catholic and a public affairs analyst. 

He is married to Mrs Helen Nkechi Chukwuemeka, a banker and a Master Degree holder in Business Administration and blessed with 5 children Chichi, chidozie, Chiamaka, Chisara and Chijioke.

The late Emma Ibah was until his death the chairman of the Akwaibom state Football Association where he showcased diligence, responsible and responsiveness in the discharge of his duties.

Club Owners said such a humble, easy going and committed Football chieftain would be missed by all the Football stakeholders especially for his support to the growth of grassroot Football in his domain.

The Association further said that his death was more painful considering that he was planning for his wedding ceremony this weekend which was to be attended by Chieftains of the NFF and some notable Football stakeholders

Club Owners in sympathy message jointly signed by the chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka commiserate with the entire board, Management and staff of the NFF, his state FA , Akwa united football club , his immediate family and friends over his untimely death.

Club Owners prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to give the family and friends of the late chairman Protocol and ceremonial committee of the NFF the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners) have sent a goodwill message to the Chairman of Enyimba international FC chief Felix Anyansi Agwu as he bags THE SUN SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD.

The Association said the award was timely coming exactly 17 years after Anyansi Agwu who is proudly the best Football Administrator in Nigeria led Enyimba to win the first CAF champions League trophy for Nigeria.

Club Owners in a statement jointly signed by its chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka described the award as well deserved and meritorious.

The Association charged Anyansi Agwu to see the recognition as a propeller to continue to use his wealth of experience to add more value to Football development in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The Enyimba boss who is an Executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF is also a frontline member of the club Owners Association of Nigeria.

Meanwhile the Association have also extended a congratulatory message to one of its members and proprietor of Goround Football club Bro. Felix Obuah who won the The Sun Hospitality personality of the Year.

Club Owners praised him for his commitment to the development of the Nigeria tourism and hospitality industry which he extended to Football and sports in general .

Ahead of the November 3rd kick off date  of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL 2019/2020 season, the Football club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners) have enjoined its members to imbibe the spirit of fair-play throughout the season. 

The Association  said the sacrifices made in the last season’s abridged league as well as the achievements recorded can only be consolidated upon if all the member- clubs exhibit high level of sportsmanship as the league returns to the 20 team full league format.

According to a statement by the Association jointly signed by the chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka, club Owners commended all the Football stakeholders for their patience and understanding in the face  of the avoidable litigation challenges faced by the entire Nigeria Football fraternity recently which affected the system. 

It congratulated the new Minister of youths and sports Mr Sunday Dare on his appointment as well as his positive drives towards ensuring that Football is given the right direction to progress devoid of undue sentiments and unnecessary interference. 

Club Owners reaffirmed its confidence on the leadership of the NFF and the LMC in their concerted efforts at giving  the League a new direction to excel .

Meanwhile the Association have named a 6-man Delegation to attend the burial ceremony of the mother of its BOT chairman and ex Lobi stars boss Mr Dominic Iorfa at Gboko Benue state on 9th November 2019.

The Delegation is to be led by the chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi, others are Mr Mike Idoko of Lobi stars, Prince Davidson Owumi of Rangers FC, Mallam Ibrahim Osanga of Nasarawa United FC, Mr Pius Henwan of Plateau United  and Alloy Chukwuemeka Executive Secretary.