At the end of the visit by a FIFA/CAF delegation on the recent challenges in Nigerian football, and the conversations that were held with various selected stakeholders, it appears to me as if there is a general convergence in thought and direction on the way forward.
Nigerian Football Needs A Sweeping Reset
To start with, there is unanimity in the call for a sweeping change, for a reset, and for reforms in the organizational structure of the country’s football house. There appears also to be agreement that the process of resolving the present challenge shall not be easy, and will require Nigerian football stakeholders to face hard and harsh realities, and be willing to accept and implement FIFA’s verdict.
At the end of FIFA intervention, fresh elections will be held under FIFA/CAF monitoring, and the newly elected Executives Board will carry on with dealing with the other less contentious issues, and consolidate the reforms.
The National Sports Commission appears to be working in tandem with FIFA/CAF on resolving this matter, this time, permanently!
Also Read: Demystifying And Humanising FIFA! — Odegbami
There is something different in what I see emerging this time around. In the past, solutions proffered were always long and more difficult to implement than the problems themselves. They never offered an easy passage for practical implementation.
Nigerian Football’s Root Cause Identified
This time around, with the fallout from the visit by the FIFA delegation, it appears to me that there is a convergence of agreement on the one critical issue that, when fixed, would create a pathway for resolving other smaller issues (into the future) without disrupting the equilibrium of the whole system again.
This FIFA delegation seemed to have identified and nailed the root cause during their conversations this week.
Also Read: Change Is Coming To Nigerian Sports, Finally!! — Odegbami
There was a general agreement that the most fundamental challenge to be addressed is that of determining the proper Congress of the NFA. That is, which bodies constitute the full membership of the NFA organisation. Who are those constituent-bodies that are registered as private organisations and registered with the NFA? Which are the bodies affiliated to the NFA? Which are those that are not members but whose role in Nigerian football adds value to enhancing the game in the country? Which amongst the bodies should be a voting member of the ‘Electoral College’ that elects the leadership?
Understanding the State Football Associations, their role and status, is critical in this whole matter. Is their representation in the present Congress justified?
The underlying unwritten consensus after FIFA’s visit is that the matter of the representation of State FAs in the NFA congress is the key to resolving the major problem in the organisation and development of football in the country.
I can see it even clearer now!
Reforming The Structure Of Organising Body
Once that matter is sorted out, the structure of Nigeria’s football organising body would become more reflective of proper membership with identified constituencies, affiliated and honourary bodies, and so on. Everyone will be clearly identified and offered their rightful seat at the table of Nigerian football.
I believe that FIFA will come back with a solution that will lead to better understanding of the issues and problems with the present system, and also lead to a transparent and honest solution that can be implemented quickly.
Nigerian football administration is about to be truly reformed. I feel it in my bones.
The best administrators and stakeholders shall emerge through a simple and clear process that will eliminate all the convoluted, complicated, expensive, political, manipulative, and corruption-laden processes that had been the bane of our football development, and had slowed down Nigeria’s rise to the top of world football.
Truly, a new dawn for Nigerian football beckons in the horizon.
