Sports development minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, yesterday met with the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in his office at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja as part of his engagements with all sports federations in the country.
He said the interaction was basically to enable him gain deeper insight into the present state of Nigeria’s football, assuring that he is prepared to show the leadership needed to take the round leather game, and indeed other sports, to greater heights.
Senator Enoh declared that his ministry will not run football or any other sports on the behalf of the federations, but insisted it has a responsibility to play oversight functions and ensure the best interest of the nation is represented in the operations and activities of federations.
According to him, the followership, interest, popularity and excitement that football generates around the country, necessitates why careful and intentional actions must be taken for the growth of the game.
“We must be open to dissecting some of the burning issues in our football,” Senator Enoh said. “This is what this meeting is about. Where are we as a footballing nation? What are our prospects? What are the plans? This sector is one where everyone is interested and wants to know what is going on.
“We should address topical and trending issues such as the 10 year football master plan implementation, membership of the executive board of the NFF, the image of our league, amongst other issues. We must look at global best practices obtainable in thriving nations.”
While urging for all hands to be on deck for development to be fostered, Enoh sued for all facets of NFF’s operations to thrive, including but not limited to coaches and players’ education, referees’ development, league management, national teams’ success governance statutes, etc.
The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, who was present at the meeting, called for sporting resolutions to conflict. He noted that development can only occur where there is peace and stability, with all hands united towards progress.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, while thanking the minister, noted that the immediate challenge of the football body is how to ensure that the Super Eagles begin the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign on a strong note come the month of November.
He also said everything would be done to see the Super Falcons qualify for the Women Olympic Football Tournament in Paris next year.
