Lukman Haruna joins Russian club on loan

Russian Premier League newcomers FC Anzhi Makhachkala have secured the signature of Nigerian midfielder Lukman Haruna on loan from Dynamo Kiev.

The former Golden Eaglets star, who represented Nigeria at the FIFA U17 World cup in 2007, has put pen to paper on a six-month contract which will see him remain at Anzhi Arena until December 31, 2015.

This is a reunion of sorts for Haruna and manager Semin, who tutored him at Dynamo Kiev from 2011 - 2012.

In his first words after the deal was completed, the superlative midfielder expressed delight at joining the Russian side.

“I am very grateful to Yuri because he invited me to Anzhi, I really like to work with him.

“Glad to be here, and intend to do everything in my power to make the team finish the season in the top five. I will also want to thank my family for staying put with me and my fans back home in Nigeria, and am sure i won’t let anyone down.

Haruna is tied to Dynamo Kiev until June 30, 2016.

Musa Amadu confirms receipt of FIFA’s letter

The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Musa Amadu, has confirmed receipt of a letter from world football governing body.

Amodu shot down a report being circulated online by some persons that he denied receiving the letter from FIFA, which firmly supported the majority decision of the NFF 2014 Electoral Appeals Committee.

“How can I deny receiving a letter that was addressed directly to me? I don’t know where that report is coming from.

NFF 

“I duly received the letter and my position is that we now have peace of mind to focus on our plans and programmes for the development of Nigeria football.”

FIFA on Tuesday upheld the majority decision of the NFF 2014 Electoral Appeals Committee that upheld, in its entirety, the NFF 2104 Elective Congress of 30th September, 2014 in Warri. That Elective Congress brought into office Amaju Melvin Pinnick as NFF President, with other persons also into the NFF Executive Committee for a four –year term.

FIFA’s letter, signed by the Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, also disclosed that arrangements are being concluded for a meeting between FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and Pinnick.

Adebayor back to Togo for personal reasons

Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor has returned home to Togo for personal reasons, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 30-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester City player has been given permission to take time off, Spurs said on their website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com)

Emmanuel Adebayor

"This is a private matter and so we will not be providing any further comment," the club added.

Adebayor has made 12 appearances for Tottenham this season and has not played since the November international break when Togo failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Spurs visit Turkish side Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, needing at least a point to top their group having already sealed a place in the round of 32.