From Everest EZIHE, Owerri
The ongoing proposal to elongate the tenure of Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, as the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has received stiff opposition from a group under the auspices of the Coalition of Nigeria Football Lovers
The group in a press statement endorsed by Adegboyega Olaitan, her National Secretary, pointed out that, “this move is unacceptable, considering Sanusi’s 10-year tenure so far has been marred by significant decline and under achievement in Nigeria’s football.
“Despite Nigeria’s abundance of talented footballers, globally recognized and celebrated, Sanusi’s leadership has failed to translate these potentials into tangible success. Instead, Nigeria’s football has suffered alot of backwardness.
“Decline in international rankings, failure to qualify for major tournaments, poor performance in regional competitions, lack of infrastructure development and inefficient management of football resources” they insisted.
They further accused Sanusi’s tenure as been characterized with discriminatory staffing practices, contractual employment of unqualified individuals, illegal entry points for staff and lack of transparency and accountability.
They also noted that football plays a critical role in harmonizing Nigerians, transcending ethnic, religious, and geographical divides, while insisting that It is imperative that the NFF leadership should prioritized the development of the sport, rather than allegedly perpetuating mediocrity.
To demonstrate their seriousness the group demands for an immediate termination of Sanusi’s tenure, investigation into NFF’s administrative practices, implementation of merit-based recruitment and management as well as transparency and accountability in NFF’s operations
The Coalition passionately enjoined the Federal Government, Sports Ministry, and NFF stakeholders to reject the proposed tenure elongation.
They insisted that It’s time for a new era of leadership, focused on revitalizing Nigeria’s football and harnessing its potential for national unity and pride.
