NFF deepens partnership with Biochemistry bodies to boost science-driven football growth

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday hosted senior representatives of the National and International Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB/ISBMB) at its headquarters in Abuja, strengthening cooperation between sports administration and scientific research.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (MON), expressed appreciation for the visit, describing the engagement with the scientific bodies as both timely and significant, highlightinh the notable support of Professor Dario Alessi, International President of the ISBMB, who—despite not being Nigerian—remains an avid supporter of the Super Eagles.

Dr. Sanusi also acknowledged the delegation’s message of empathy regarding Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Professor Alessi reaffirmed his long-standing admiration for Nigeria’s national teams, describing the Super Eagles as his preferred side in world football. He noted that he regularly attends Nigeria’s matches and, although disappointed by the World Cup miss, remains committed to supporting the team as it works toward future success.

The NSBMB, which is currently hosting the ISBMB’s global scientific initiative in Abuja, emphasized the value of integrating scientific principles into modern football development.

NSBMB President, Professor Matthew O. Wegwu, noted that sports performance is deeply rooted in biochemical and physiological processes, making scientific collaboration essential to advancing athletic excellence.

He stated that the Society aims to reinforce its partnership with the NFF, adding that sustained scientific input can significantly enhance player performance and help position Nigeria’s teams for greater competitiveness on the world stage.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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