NFF Election: Who is who in Nigeria football gather in Abuja as Akinwunmi declares for presidency

Sports stakeholders on Tuesday gathered in Abuja as NFF vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi decleared to contest as the president of the federation in the September 30, 2022 election slated for Benin, Edo State.

From Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu, the governor, three NFF presidential aspirants; Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, Musa Ahmadu, Peterside Idah, Executive Committee Members of the NFF which include Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Felix Anyansi, Shehu Dikko and others.

Also present were all six FA Chairmen from the six Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria which include, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos State, former NFA Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, former General Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Tijani. All FA Chairmen from the North-central as well as North-east and West were in attendance to endorse the NFF First Vice-president for the top job.

The orgainsation of the event and highly-placed Nigerians who trooped to the venue for solidarity gave others who will contest the position with him a rethink.

The message was clear. The election is going to be politics without bitterness as all resolved to support the candidate that eventually emerges.

Speaking during the declaration ceremony Akinwunmi promised to make Nigeria’s football great again if given the opportunity to govern the country’s football.

Akinwunmi, who listed his plans for Nigeria football, if elected NFF president, said he is in the race to reset the country’s football and transform Nigeria into an epitome of football development using meritocracy, professionalism, technology, creativity, transparency and education.

“My administration will create an inclusive, vibrant and efficient football ecosystem beginning with the grassroots to develop a sustainable national football culture, provide pathways to success and exploit the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit.

“I intend to achieve my vision and action plans for Nigeria’s football upliftment through four key growth drivers – development, business of football , infrastructure and technology.”

 

Frowning at the gross mismanagement of public funds he promised to run a transparent administration accountable to people, adding that he will ensure funds are appropriated and channeled for the right use.

The renowned lawyer and sports administrator vowed to devolutionalise football administration in the country by empowering the state football associations (FA) and local government football councils to address the steady downfall of football at the grassroots level while the NFF will focus on national football politics.

Akinwunmi said he wants to be president because he believes the next president of NFF should be a person that will invest in grassroots football and ensure a viable football ecosystem for schools and private sector grassroots leagues in each state and zone to grow the game from bottom to up.

He added that he will use his experience as the vice president of the NFF in the last eight years to enthrone an all-inclusive administration that ushers a new era for the game.

“I am coming to restore those glorious days when Nigeria used to be respected in the comity of football playing nations in Africa and the world.

“I will give priority to grassroots development so as to find replacement for the aging players so that no gap will be left in the process of growing the sport again,” he said.

He also said he will focus on a good marketing drive to support the various national teams and club sides both for local and international competitions.