The pitch is getting higher and the pace, faster, as several Nigerian football stakeholders have thrown their hats into the ring, indicating their readiness to succeed incumbent NFF President Amaju Pinnick at the next NFF General Assembly tentatively slated to hold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, August 13, 2022.
Ahead of the NFF Congress, the Nigerian football atmosphere is heated with lots of politicking, innuendoes, and mudslinging happening. While some caucuses are not making their plans to nick the NFF President seat open, major stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, have openly showed their hands by calling a meeting for August 8, 2022, during the annual Sharif Ahlan Inuwa pre-season football tournament in Kano.
Several individuals have supposedly expressed their intentions to succeed the incumbent NFF President Amaju Pinnick at the next NFF General Assembly tentatively slated to hold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. And it is not for nothing.
Like the honey is attractive to a bee, the allure of the office of NFF presidency has equally thrown up football administrators and former Nigerian players like Idah Peterside, Jonathan Akpoborie, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Musa Amadu, Benedict Akwuegbu, Christian Emeruwa, Ibrahim Gusau, Mohammed Mouktar, Seyi Akinwunmi, Abba Yola and Daniel Amokachi.
In this special report, it is well to say this field of aspirants is interesting and attractive. However, the report here is focused on two of the most attractive aspirants with high chances of succeeding Amaju Pinnick. Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and Alhaji Abba Abdulahi Yola.
Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi is the current 1st Vice-President of NFF and the Chairman of Lagos State Football Association. He has a track record of being one of the brightest brains in Nigerian football, particularly, on the present NFF board. Akinwunmi is a great developer of grassroots football and is responsible for the achievements of Nigerian youth football teams in recent times.
His mien and dispositions at all times portray a classic gentleman with a focused mind on his set goals. Beyond everything else, he is a master strategist, who knows how to play the politics of the game and win favors. He is, indeed, a strong candidate to succeed Pinnick.
Alhaji Abba Abdulahi Yola is a former athlete and veteran sports administrator with several decades of impactful experience. Abba Yola, who is presently the Chief of Staff to Minister of sports, Sunday Dare, has been involved in activities and committees aimed at the development of Nigerian football. His desire to become the new NFF President is buoyed by his administrative experience, integrity, diligence and vast goodwill with a network of local and international brands garnered over several decades.
Many discerning Nigerian football stakeholders and aficionados believe he has the zeal and determination to change the narratives of Nigerian football and return to the glorious days of Nigeria, as one of the best football countries in the world. In the search for a credible, honest, patriotic, responsible, and experienced NFF President, Abba Yola, stands tall. Much more, his ability to create a synergy and harmonious relationship between government and Nigerian football, would be very instrumental to the desired goals for a better Nigerian football.
