NFF Elections: Stakeholders want positive change, all-inclusive leadership

A cross-section of football stakeholders in Abuja have urged candidates in the upcoming Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elections to be more committed to positive change and an all-inclusive leadership.

The 2022 NFF Electoral Committee had on Monday cleared a total of 11 persons to contest for the position of NFF President at the Federation’s elections scheduled for Sept. 30.

Some football stakeholders who spoke on the sidelines of a Nigeria Football Progressive Forum noted that there was a dire need for all concerned to join hands.

They said this was necessary in order to turn the dwindling fortunes of the country’s football around.

Chidi Okonkwo, the Convener of the Forum and Chairman of Abuja-based City FC, said Nigerian football had suffered a lot of setback and was desperately yearning for a positive change.

“It is very easy for each of the presidential candidates to say what they want to do and what not, but for one to run the Federation, he needs God’s grace.

“This is why all hands must be on deck as nobody knows it all and that is the main aim of this gathering,” Okonkwo whose club plays in the Nigeria National League (NNL) said.

He explained that the forum was a bi-partisan body of patriotic stakeholders committed to positive change, anchored particularly on the recently-approved 10- year Football Masterplan.

“The forum has declared support for any NFF presidential candidate committed to the new Masterplan and the reconciliation of all football stakeholders.

“We are also in support of any candidate, who is ready to cooperate with government devoid of personal interest to find a lasting solution to issues bedeviling Nigerian football,” Okonkwo added.

Godfrey Gaiya, former Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Sports, lauded the Forum’s Convener for bringing all stakeholders together to rub minds and chart a new course for the country’s football.

“It’s a good thing that we are finally meeting and talking. For a long time, that silence in the footballing circle was disturbing. So, this is good and I commend the initiative of the Convener.

“This has allowed us to at least ventilate and air what we think should be the way out for Nigerian football.

“That this has started, I think, is indeed the right step to take and coming two weeks to the NFF Elective Congress is a good omen.

“At least, people can now listen to the candidates, see what they have and what promises they offer for Nigerian football and what they can do to make a difference,” he said.

The elections have been slated to hold in Benin City on September 30.

Courtesy: NAN