TheCable

Minister of Sports, Minister Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, has backed the new board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take Nigerian football to the top.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the new board members, Danagogo urged them not to alienate aggrieved institutions and individuals, but to open lines of communication with them with a view to reconciling all parties and achieving lasting peace.

“I congratulate you on your election and have confidence in you to take our football to where it should be. I have known some members of this board for several decades now, and some others for quite some time now. You are all people I can easily relate with,” he said.

“But the challenges ahead are huge. I want you to start reaching out to all persons who have issues and discuss with them, and find amicable solution to all matters. You must be ready to reconcile with all institutions and individuals of interest, such as government, FIFA, Members of NFF and stakeholders.”

Danagogo emphasised the importance of peace and tranquility in Nigerian football so that progress can be achieved.

“For a long time now, the news that have been coming out of NFF have been unsavoury. We are not enjoying all these negative news. I want you to seek avenues to reconcile all institutions and individuals who must be reconciled.

“Personally, I will also meet with all persons who have issues and discuss with them and ensure that we all have a united front to confront the challenges facing Nigeria football.”

Chris Giwa, the elected president of NFF, thanked the minister for his support for the NFF, the national teams and Nigeria football generally, and assured that his board would work towards taking the nation’s game to pasture new.

“The truth is that the NFF has been beset by crises for a long time, for more than a decade,” he said.

“This new team is determined to bring these crises to an end. We will work hard towards bringing everyone together and reconciling in the interest of the Nigeria game.”

Present at the meeting with the minister were Giwa, NFF 1st vice president, Chief Obinna Ogba; executive committee members, Chief Effiong Johnson (chairman of chairmen); Hon. Sani Fema; Chief Felix Amaechi Obuah; and Mr. Adams Yahaya.

Former Nigeria Premier League chairman, Chief Rumson Baribote; former NFF board member, Mr. Ben Agarry; NFF assistant director (communications), Mr. Ademola Olajire; head of international competitions, Mr. Bola Oyeyode; chief legal officer, Barrister Okey Obi; and special assistant to general secretary, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, were also present.

Other members of the new NFF executive committee who sent apologies for their absence at the meeting were Mr. Ayodeji Tinubu, Alhaji Muazu Suleyman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Alhaji Sharif Inuwa, Otunba Dele Ajayi and Mallam Farouk Garba.