National President of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) and former Super Eagles wing speed star, Tijani Babangida has revealed the unanimous decision by the Players Union to support any capable and qualified Ex- player that intends to contest as president of Nigeria Football Federation.
Babangida made this declaration on Tuesday, in Lagos, while speaking during a Press conference organised by PFAN to echo their position in the proposed reforms of Nigeria football following the resignation of the former NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi with their entire Executive Committee which has created a lacuna.
The former Ajax FC Amsterdam of Holland dazzling winger, noted that it is time to entrust those that played the game with the leadership position of the NFF rather than bequeath it to politicians which brought the country to where it is today.
The France ’98 FIFA World Cup and Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist, stated that every Nigerian footballer whether active or retired must be carried along in this season of reformation of Nigeria football if the country must get it right this time.
“PFAN cannot continue to play second fiddle in Nigeria football administration anymore. We have decided to throw our hat in the ring, Babangida said.
“We have stated our position clearly which we are happy that PFAN is behind this reform. I’m sure the National Sports Commission will solve the problem of the players union, and FIFA to be part of the congress.
He called for equal representation for all the stakeholders at the Elective Congress in the spirit of fair play which will ensure a level playing ground for all aspirants.
“We need equal representation in the Congress so that everybody can make their contributions both at the congress and in the election which is very important.
The congress should be expanded to address the lopsidedness and the players union issue should equally be resolved.
“PFAN will be happy if a former footballer decides to contest which is why we are pushing for players to identify with PFAN so that ex- players can be part of the Federation, he noted.
Babangida made it categorically clear that “if we have a capable member who can contest we will have to support our own. There is no doubt about that”, he concluded.
Nigerians are awaiting the inauguration of the Normalization Committee which will midwife the process of a fresh elections into various positions at the NFF executive committee.
