Despite the proposed 30 September 2022, Nigeria Football Federation Elective Congress meant, to elect a new NFF president and executives hanging on the balance due to a court order allegedly obtained by Harrison Jalla, the task force chairman for the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) the sports writers association of Nigeria (SWAN) Abuja chapter has gone ahead to organize the Nigeria Football Federation presidential debate for aspiring candidates.
Expected to appear for the debate are the outgoing 1st Vice President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, the present Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development and former chairman of Kano Pillars, Abba Yola.
Others are the FCT Football Association Chairman, Adam Mouktar Mohammed, a former General Secretary of the NFF, Barrister Musa Amadu and the current CAF and FIFA Security Chief, Dr. Christian Emeruwa but only two candidates in Adams Mohammed FCT Football Association chairman and Christian Omeruah CAF security chieftain were present at the NFF presidential debate.
Before the kick off the debate the sports writers association of Nigeria SWAN FCT chairman, Bunmi Blair urged the candidate to us the opportunity to educate Nigerians what they had in store for the football family while expressing regret that other invited candidates missed a golden opportunity to proof their mettle.
The Minister of sports and youths development represented by his media aide Kola Daniel urged the aspirants to tell Nigerians what they will do to change the poor fortunes of Nigeria’s football industry.
In their respective opening remarks on what they will be bringing to the table to change the dwindling fortunes of Nigerian football Adams Mohammed said his history of developing players from grass to grace ,from the academies to the golden eaglets, flying Eagles and to the super eagles makes him a game changer and because he is on ground at the federal capital makes him the ideal candidate for the job.
While Christian Omeruah said his experience at the level of CAF wherever over sees daily operations of football matters of over 40 African countries ,with reports on developmental policies and his work experience in the Nigeria Football Federation for years gives him an edge to lead the Nigeria football association.
The presidential candidates spoke firmly on areas they intend to change with Christian Omeruah insisting there was need more partnerships between the Nigeria Football Federation and other relevant bodies to strengthen the development of the football family and also called for regular trainings for state football association secretaries.
On his part Adam Mohammed said the attitude of going cap in hand for peanut from government and FIFA must be stopped rather the business opportunities should be exploited. He also lamented the bad impression Nigeria football administrators have painted on the continent despite the country’s rich potentials and feats.
They both harped on dire need to stamp out the different forms corruption experienced across the national teams from biased invitations to camp to bribery of coaches by football agents and players and NFF officials. They also insist the need for implementation of new policies to stop NFF officials from interfering with the national teams.
The FCT FA chairman Adam Mohammed said that players and administrators who get to positions they do not deserve do not perform well, respect their positions or even commit their all because they lack the capacity, passion and zeal to deliver more than their weaknesses.
The Nigeria Football Federation presidential debate for aspiring candidates is no doubt an opportunity for football stakeholders to scrutinize those gunning for the top job in order to vote the right candidate that will save the nations football fortunes.
