Sports ministry pledges neutrality as NFF holds general assembly Aug 18

The ministry of youth and sports development has promised to ensure neutrality during the annual general assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) scheduled to hold in Lagos on Thursday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said it expects transparency and fairness to guide the assembly.

The ministry also enjoined the NFF congress to act in the interest of Nigeria.

“Let the members show maturity and consider all issues with a view to resolving all the differences to avoid bitterness or rancour during the election,” it reads.

“As a ministry, we have no stake in who eventually emerges as president and all ministry staff have been told to steer clear of the politics.”

There have been speculations that the sports ministry has endorsed a certain candidate for the NFF presidency.

In its reaction, the ministry dismissed the claims as unfounded.

The sports ministry also said it is interested only in the leadership that would drive positive reforms for Nigeria football as well as lay a solid foundation for the future.

The event was originally scheduled for December 2021 but was postponed due to an interim court order which has now been vacated.