An official at Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Christian Emeruwa has been appointed head of safety and security at the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Sports247.ng gathered that Emeruwa, who has served over the years as special assistant to three successive NFF general secretaries, is on a two year leave of absence from The Glasshouse in Abuja to CAF.
He has now commenced duties in his office at the continental soccer body’s headquarters in 6th October City, near Cairo, Egypt.
The holder of a doctorate degree in health education and human kinetics from University of Ibadan is also a FIFA Security Officer.
Emeruwa took up NFF appointment in 2007 and has coordinated security matters at venues of international and domestic games.
Before his latest appointment, Emeruwa had also coordinated security for matches and competitions for CAF and world footballing governing body, FIFA.
He becomes the second Nigerian to take up appointment at CAF since the election of NFF president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick into the executive committee of the continental body less than 22 months ago.
The first was Samson Adamu, who is CAF’s Director of Competitions, while Barrister A. U Mustapha is the body’s Appeal Board president, and many other Nigerians are in several committees of the continental body.
While Pinnick has been elevated to first vice-president of CAF and heads the AFCON Organizing Committee, other positions are held by NFF first vice-president, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and second vice-president, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Similarly, executive committee members Ibrahim Gusau and Yusuf Ahmed, as well as Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Mrs Chisom Ezeoke, Dr. Peter Singabele and Senator Obinna Ogba are also on various panels.
In reaction to Emeruwa’s appointment, Pinnick said: “The work is ongoing to ensure more Nigerians come to the fore at global and continental levels.
“I am delighted with the number of Nigerians we have been able to get into key positions and committees, but we are just starting.
“I have always been saying that Nigeria is a big country globally and we can no longer remain a silent voice in international football politics.”
