With debate continuing over the next leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the country’s football administration must approach its coming transition with maturity, fairness, experience and a firm commitment to unity.
The northern part of Nigeria has played a major role in the growth and management of the sport. As the change in leadership develops, suitably qualified administrators from the region should therefore receive proper consideration.
That position is not an argument for choosing regional identity over ability. It is instead a case for balance, inclusion and acknowledging the considerable expertise within northern football.
After Amaju Pinnick’s eight-year tenure, during which Seyi Akinwunmi served as his vice-president, and the four-year administration headed by Ibrahim Gusau that followed, attention should now turn to candidates who can offer stability, continuity and competent direction under the NFF Statutes and the relevant electoral rules.
The North is fortunate to have a strong group of seasoned football figures whose backgrounds demonstrate their suitability.
Those who merit consideration include:
A former NFF secretary-general with extensive knowledge of the federation’s institutions, as well as a detailed understanding of football management and governance in Nigeria. He also possesses a master’s degree in football management.
Another candidate is a former NFF board member and former member of the NPFL board who previously chaired Mighty Jets FC. He has also served in the House of Representatives and is now chairman of the Plateau State Football Association.
His career encompasses football administration, running a professional club, grassroots development, public service and governance at national level, giving him a wide-ranging view of the problems facing Nigerian football.
A former chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, he has also worked as general manager of Gombe United, special adviser on sports development and an NFF consultant.
His years in football administration have given him substantial exposure to both grassroots operations and the professional game.
A former Nigeria international and ex-general manager of Kaduna United, he combines experience gained on the professional football side with knowledge of administrative work.
Another former Super Eagles player has served as general manager of Lobi Stars, sat on both the NFF and NPFL boards, and currently occupies the general manager’s role at Barau FC. His record includes extensive work in professional club management and national football governance.
A further former Nigerian international previously managed Lobi Stars FC and worked as technical adviser to Nasarawa United FC. His accomplished playing career, followed by continued involvement in the sport, gives him an important viewpoint on Nigerian football’s development.
There is also a highly respected lawyer with an interest in and experience of sports administration. His legal career provides a different perspective on football governance; he has chaired the NFF Electoral Committee and serves as president of the CAF Appeal Committee.
The chairman of the FCT Football Association is another experienced figure. He is an international football marketer, owns a grassroots side, previously contested the NFF presidential election and currently serves as chairman of Chairmen Candidates.
These individuals account for only a small part of the experience found across the northern football community.
The question is not North against South
Nigeria’s football future must not be reduced to a rivalry between geographical regions.
The central question should be which candidate has the experience, ability, integrity, vision and national perspective required to advance the game.
Nigerian football needs administrators capable of uniting all stakeholders and putting the sport’s interests ahead of personal ambition, politics, ethnicity or regional loyalties.
As discussions over the NFF’s next era continue, stakeholders should participate responsibly, assess the records of those seeking office and back candidates on the basis of experience, competence, character, vision and the ability to produce results.
