An Open Letter To The New NFF President
Dear President,
Congratulations on your victory at the NFF elections in Benin. September 30 was one of the prominent dates of the year for Nigerian football and its followers, hence the attention in Benin and your emergence signaled a new dispensation
Apart from the attention Nigerians give to their national teams, they are also interested in who sits on the seat of power at the NFF and that is why the attention of football loving Nigerians moved to Benin
You came at the right time, at a time when Nigerian football needed a new trajectory and a leader who would take Nigerian football to where it should be
Many people have asked: “who is Ibrahim Gusau and what can he offer?” Mr President, you are in the best position to answer that important question. Your predecessor and his board did what they could–some were glorious while others could be better. Now, Nigerians at home and abroad would want to hear directly from you, and see what you can do. Like Nigerians say, “welcome to a new dispensation”.
You and your board bear a weighty responsibility; that of correcting what is defective and restoring the country’s pride in international football. It is a given that football is a national asset and now, its administration has been handed over to you and your board in trust.
The hopes and dreams of young boys and girls in the streets of Ajegunle, Potiskum, Aba, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna and other towns will be dependent on the choices that you and your board make. Granted, there are challenges but they are not insurmountable. When you said “I can,” Nigerians trusted you and they will hope to reap dividends from that decision for at least, four years
Nigerians have had enough pains already from rising economic crisis and instability. In all, football is what brings them relief, unites them and gives them hope. Nigerians would want to sleep, assured that their teams would do well. You should assure them that you will deliver
Mr President, the Flamingoes will be in India for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This is your first international tournament as NFF President and Nigerians would want the team to gloriously usher in your administration, one where the welfare of players is top priority
As expected too, there are broken walls around the football house, you are to lead a team of engineers to repair the walls. Our football has been divided along many lines and it is on your table to obliterate those dividers and bring calm after the storm. While doing so, you must be firm, yet tactful and flexible
Definitely, not everyone will agree with your vision and goals, including how you intend to achieve them. Still, people with different opinions should be respected, even though their opinions may not be feasible
Mr President, our league is in need of urgent help, including our Aiteo Cup which has not been completed. Public confidence in the league has been eroded by many factors. Hence, your arrival should signal a breath of life to the leagues in Nigeria, which is the bedrock of national teams
We have heard little about our national U15 team and our grassroots football development is dwindling, suffering an erosion of competence and justice. The grassroots would want to feel the impact of a new Federation which cares about raw talents in the lower cadre–the breeding ground for our future stars. Mr President, we want to see your administration pay attention to the grassroots and to age grade football which have been our pride for decades
Dear President, Nigerians would want to see an NFF that loves not just the Super Eagles, but a body that recognises that the Super Falcons, CHAN Eagles, U23 Eagles, Flying Eagles, Falconets, Flamingoes, Golden Eaglets and the Sand Eagles are children of the same mother and deserve attention
Nigerians want their national team players to be paid as and when due and for the referees in the leagues, coaches, journalists and other stakeholders be positioned for opportunities which benefit the Nigerian football system
It is time to remove whatever stands on the way of the nation’s progress in football, being cautious in the process, yet innocent
Nigerians want an NFF that is transparent and carries everyone along. An NFF that is ready to dialogue and also never afraid to challenge any status quo which is bent on drawing us back to the doldrums
We want an NFF where every member feels a sense of belonging, where everyone is given a chance to “soro soke.”
Mr President, just few of us can remember the last time there were CAF courses in Nigeria for our teeming coaches. We want an NFF that would stand as a father for Nigerian clubs on the continent and for Nigerian players anywhere in the world. An NFF that is interested in justice, equity and fairness and must come to equity’s table with clean hands as well
Football fans want to see an NFF body where national interest supercedes personal ambitions and ego
Mr President, some have said of you and your board: “are they not the same people?” For many people, the answer is that a new sheriff is in town. Nevertheless, your policies, decisions, actions and inactions will without words, answer those questions. The ball is your court to rebrand the image of the Federation before Nigerians and the international community
Finally, Mr President, you belong to us all. May your reign be peaceful and glorious and may it herald a healing for our football
Yours Faithfully
Bethel Kalu