The Lagos State Football Association chairman, Barr Seyi Akinwunmi has vowed to resolve the lingering crisis within the football fraternity in six months if elected Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president.
“The first thing I will do is to pledge to everybody that every decision that I will take as NFF president will be in the interest of football and I will ensure we start the processes of inclusion, healing, cohesion of every facet of football. Within 6 months, I will resolve everything that has been dividing us.
“I am not satisfied with where our football is. For example, in women’s football, we have moved very far in the league and part of it is the referring. Few years ago, I encouraged the referees by giving them awards and it changed the referring in the league. In the men’s league, there are lot of things we take for granted like hooliganism.
“Our football is not growing because there is no responsibility taken for each individual action. People get away with things because they believe their governors will support them.
“We have not institutionalized our laws which says we should have a court of arbitration. When people know there will be called to action, they will adjust. From there, foreign investors will come in and I guarantee you that under my presidency, NPFL will be on television,” he said.
The current NFF 1st vice president further said his action plan is structured across four key growth drivers which are development, the business of football, infrastructure and technology.
“My mission is to create an inclusive, vibrant and efficient football ecosystem beginning at the grassroots to develop a sustainable national football culture, provide pathways to success and fully exploit the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit.
“My vision is to transform Nigeria into an epitome of football development using meritocracy, professionalism, technology, creativity, transparency and education,” he said.
The NFF elections is slated to hold Friday, 30th September in Benin City, Edo State where Amaju Pinnick successor will be elected.
The electoral process began on Monday, 29th August with the sales of nomination forms, endorsements and return of forms. It is expected to span till Thursday, 8th September 2022.
The screening of the candidates is fixed for Friday, 9th and Saturday, 10th September with the shortlist of successful candidates to be announced on the 12th by the electoral committee.
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