Nigeria must play key role in development of African football, says CAF

Ahmad Ahmad, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, says Nigeria is a strong player in international football politics and therefore has a key role in driving the new vision of the body.

Ahmad said this while receiving members of the Nigerian delegation, led by NFF president Amaju Pinnick, to the CAF symposium in Morocco.

The CAF president expressed appreciation for the support of Nigerians during his campaign and also lauded the courage and spirit of Pinnick during the elections.

“I appreciate the role of Nigeria, and this is time for the hard work, Nigeria must also play a key role,” he said.

“The CAF is for you and for me. We have to do the work that is necessary to propel the long –term development of African football.

“The work will not be easy, and will demand energy and commitment, but I count on the support of Nigeria.”

Speaking in the same vein, FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura, who spent several years working for the United Nations in Nigeria, said “before and since the coming of the new executive committee of CAF, Nigeria has played an important role”.

She added: “You must continue to play that same role and give support for the administration to overcome whatever challenges there might be along the way.”

The CAF symposium was attended by presidents, general secretaries of CAF’s member associations, chairmen of leagues, marketing, media and legal experts, as well as legends of the game.