Urgent Call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Public: Halt the Forthcoming NFF Polls, Says Segun Odegbami

On March 22, 1998, I was formally bestowed with the esteemed title of 'Sports Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria' in Abuja by the then Minister of Sports, an honour that complemented my previous national recognition as a 'Member of the Order of the Niger', MON.

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These distinguished honours, earned through unwavering dedication, unrelenting hard work, and unshakeable patriotism, are a constant reminder of the immense responsibility that accompanies them, and I strive to uphold the trust placed in me by living a life of exemplary conduct.

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Nigerian football currently stands at a critical juncture, and as someone who has been deeply invested in the sport, I feel an overwhelming sense of duty to speak out and share my insights, even if it means shouldering the burden of criticism.

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My voice is not one of selfish interest, but rather a call to action, driven by a desire to see Nigerian football thrive and reach its full potential, and to prevent the sport from being undermined by internal conflicts and poor administration.

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My involvement in Nigerian sports, particularly football, spans over four decades, dating back to 1973 when I was first invited to join the national football team, the Green Eagles, as an undergraduate student, marking the beginning of an unbroken relationship with the sport.

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Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving as Captain of the national team, administering the game as a member of the Nigerian Football Association's board, and even managing athletes to win Olympic medals, among other achievements.

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Despite the wealth of talented footballers in Nigeria, the country's international performances have stagnated, and in some cases, declined, a trend that can be attributed to poor administration and a lack of effective leadership within the sport.

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The upcoming election into the board of the Nigerian Football Association is a crucial moment for the sport, but it is already marred by controversy, with the outcome seemingly predetermined and the process shrouded in secrecy.

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The use of the term 'association' is deliberate, as it highlights the anomalies in the current administrative architecture, which has been perpetuated by faulty decisions made over the years, ultimately stunting the growth of Nigerian football.

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In the eyes of the law, the Nigerian Football Federation does not exist, and this glaring discrepancy will be brought to light when the matter is presented before a civil court for scrutiny.

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The elections, as they currently stand, are little more than a formality, with the results already decided and the winners predetermined, leaving little room for transparency or accountability.

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The National Sports Commission, tasked with overseeing the election, is hamstrung by empty threats from FIFA, which have no basis in statute, and as a result, the commission is powerless to intervene and ensure a fair process.

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It is imperative that the supervising ministry steps in to address the myriad issues plaguing Nigerian football, and to shed light on the clouded areas of the sport's structures, using history, documents, facts, and figures to guide the way forward.

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As someone who has dedicated their life to the development of Nigerian sports, my experiences and suggestions should be given due consideration, and I am compelled to speak out publicly, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and sincerity.

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The elections into the board of the NFF have become a recurring ritual of crisis, with each cycle marked by controversy, perceived irregularities, and manipulation, ultimately hindering the growth of the sport and denying the country the opportunity to reap its full benefits.

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In the coming days, I will be taking documents related to the administration of Nigerian football to the civil courts for examination and interpretation, in order to shed light on the true role of FIFA in the country's internal football affairs and other critical issues.

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The next few weeks promise to be eventful, and I hope that all Nigerians, including members of the Nigerian Football Association, will come to understand the need for a temporary halt to the elections, in order for Nigerian football to rediscover its footing and forge a path towards a brighter future.