Following his appointment as the new president of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has unveiled his strategic vision for the development of football in the region, asserting that his leadership will be defined by a commitment to grassroots development, an aggressive marketing strategy, and a strong emphasis on unity within the zone.
Gusau, who succeeds a notable line of Nigerian football leaders, highlighted the pivotal opportunity this role presents for Nigeria, which last saw a compatriot in this position over a decade ago with Dr Amos Adamu. He remarked, “It is important to make a positive impact with this fresh opportunity for the sake of our football and our country.”
The new president is placing youth competitions at the forefront of his agenda, aligning with the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) goals to enhance regional tournaments and encourage participation at the grassroots level. “The focus will be on more competitions, especially at youth level, to align with CAF’s objectives,” Gusau stated, reflecting a commitment to fostering a new generation of talent.
Recognising the financial challenges of expanding the game, Gusau emphasised the need for a comprehensive marketing strategy to engage corporate sponsors. “We must develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to raise funds from corporate bodies. By investing in young players, we will be strengthening the conveyor belt that will continue to produce talents for the West African, nay African game,” he asserted.
Noting the recent successes of West African teams, including four of the eight quarter-finalists in the recently concluded U20 AFCON, Gusau is determined to elevate the performance of teams in major competitions—seeking to bolster the region’s pride on the international stage. “We must find a way to maintain and even raise the level of our performances in major competitions,” he said.
As WAFU B continues to be a crucial player in African football—with Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire at the forefront—Gusau’s leadership promises a renewed focus on the region’s rich footballing heritage and potential for future achievement.
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