Who will emerge as NFF next President?

Following months of tussle that has rocked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the coast is now clear with regards to the 20th September elections into the NFF Executive Committee for the tenure of 2018-2022, following the official release of the list of candidates for the polls by the NFF Electoral Committee on Friday.

Four top big guns are battling for the presidency, including incumbent Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who is also the 1st Vice President of CAF, Member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions and President of AFCON.

Here, we profile the candidates jostling for the most power seats in Nigerian football.

Amaju Melvin Pinnick

Pinnick, a former Chairman of Delta State Football Association and Executive Chairman of the Delta State Commission, is the highest –placed Nigerian ever in football’s boardroom globally, and has a very useful cordial relationship with world football’s top hierarchy. His Board also holds the ace of a blossoming positive appreciation by Corporate Nigeria that has galvanized considerable private sector funding of NFF’s activities.

 Aminu Maigari

Maigari was the immediate past President of NFF from 2010–2014.

Maigari was sacked on allegations of “financial misappropriation, misapplication and maladministration” leveled against him.

Maigari was removed from office after a vote of no confidence was passed on him by members of the executive committee of the NFF at a meeting Maigari called to review Nigeria’s performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Maigari was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association and also headed the Bauchi sub –seat for the FIFA U17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.

Taiwo Ogunjobi

Ogunjobi, a former Nigeria international defender, also has his hat in the ring. Ogunjobi captained and administered one of Nigeria’s traditional powerhouse clubs, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, served as Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association (2002-2005) and was Member of the NFF Executive Committee 2006-2010. He is presently Chairman of the Osun State Football Association.

Chinedu Okoye

Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC.

 For the 1st Vice President’s position, there are two candidates, the incumbent, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, whose stock has risen steeply as a result of his passion, commitment and investment in youth football development and charity, slugs it out with another South West chieftain, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi.

Incumbent Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will battle club proprietor, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for the slot of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.

For other positions on the Executive Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a Member of the present Board, is the only candidate from the North West.

The battle in the North Central has been narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle. However, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ and Honourable Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, ranking Members of the Board, have to contend with Alhaji Busari Ishola, chairman of Kwara State FA.

Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North East have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.

In the South East, Hon. Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will vie with Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board); Barrister Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA); Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and; High Chief Emeka Inyama (former Chairman of the NNL and former Chairman of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship, and also Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors).

From the South West, only Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, chairman of Ogun State FA, is seeking an Executive Committee member position. From the South-South, Oswald Atuake from Cross River State is up against Emmanuel Ibah, chairman of the Akwa Ibom State FA.

Elections into the NFF Executive Committee 2018-2022 board will hold as scheduled on Thursday, 20th September 2018 in the city of Katsina.

World football governing body, FIFA, has concluded plans to send a top ranking officials as observers to the elections.

Anthony Nlebem