Foremost broadcaster Dr Danladi Bako believes the First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi is best man to lead the beleaguered NFF fom the ‘present pathetic state of our football’ given his temperament , capacity and credibility .
With fresh NFF elections due in September, Bako who served as Senior Special Assistant to Minister of Youth & Sports Development between 1995 and 1998 , said it is about time the NFF is populated by people with ‘higher integrity quotient and untainted character’; adding there’s no other person than Akinwunmi to lead the NFF out of its current Augean stable.
“This is to notify the general public , stakeholders and footballers alike that after due interrogation and assessment of the state of Nigeria’s football , I have resolved to take a position on the future of the leadership question at the Nigerian Football Federation as the election of a new Executive Committee draws closer,” the former Sokoto FA Chairman noted in a statement.
He continued: “Realizing that in the last eight years the senior national team has not won a trophy; realizing that the progress at the age- grade national teams have been erratic ;realising that the NPFL and NNL Football matches are very poorly covered for television , indeed it’s a disgrace .
“Realizing the need for transparency in the marketing and sponsorship deals at the NFF ; it has become not only necessary but imperative to headhunt , unearth and propagate a new President, Secretary and Executive Committee of the Football Federation.”
Recalling the glorious years of Nigerian football when the likes of Air Commodore Omeruah , Air Commodore Ikazoboh and Col Abdulmumuni Aminu who were either past State Governors or Sports Minister held sway at the football house, Bako said the NFF must henceforth be led by someone with high moral standing in the public.
“In view of all issues raised above ,along with the present pathetic state of our football , I desire a new direction , new energy , higher integrity quotient , greater capacity and untainted character rating at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s football family,” Bako equally said.
“I believe the current 1st Vice President of the NFF and Chair Lagos State FA , Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi fits the bill nicely and should be elected as the next President of the Nigerian Football Federation in the forthcoming elections.”
