From Harry Awurumibe, Lagos
Determined to ensure the immediate implementation of the 10-year Football Masterplan by the incoming Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare on Tuesday evening in Abuja, held a closed doors meeting with the 11 candidates jostling for the President of NFF in the forthcoming Elective Congress billed for September 30in Benin City, Edo state.
The meeting which took place at the Minister’s Conference Room at Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja was attended for the first time by all the contestants including the frontrunners, Dr. Christian Emeruwa; two out-going Vice Presidents of NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Others in attendance are Imo state Football Association Chairman, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam; Chairman FCT FA, Adam Mouktar; Alhaji Abba Yola; Pastor Peterside Idah and David Buhari Doherty.
Also present in the meeting are former NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, Chairman of Chairmen Ibrahim Gusua and Board Member, Hon. Sulieman Kwande.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dr. Emeruwa said: “Well, first and foremost is to thank the Honourable Minister for deeming it necessary for us to be invited to discuss. Of course, we all know what the situation is now.
“And he actually expressed his concern about the obvious things that we all know. And commended everybody for the maturity that they have displayed in the course of the campaign”.
“And also wished us the very best. And more importantly was that he handed over the 10-Year Masterplan, as you can see to each of the contestants and with the hope that whoever emerges as the president should be able to work with this Masterplan because this is also what the Federal Government wants to see in football in Nigeria”.
“So I think it was a good meeting and as you can see everybody is happy and smiling and coming out. And hopefully we are looking forward to the “show”.
Asked if looking forward to the show means that the NFF Elective Congress in Benin City will go on as scheduled inspite the court injunction hanging over the election, he said: “there is a day fixed for the election on the 30th September”.
