NFF Presidency: Peterside Idah Rolls out 8 Points Agenda

Joel Ajayi

Ex-international and sports analyst and commentator with Super Sports, Idah Peterside on Wednesday declared to run for the race to be next president of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper said that Nigeria has rich history as a strong football nation that needs someone who has all it takes to drive it globally.

He gave this assurance yesterday in Abuja, when he officially declared his intention to run for the position of President of the Nigeria football governing body.

While speaking, he said Nigeria football needs surgery in two ways: the national team and Nigeria league that must be fixed.

According to him, "I pledge to work with people at various levels of society, government, corporate world, to do my all in restoring the pride of Nigeria football.

He added, “If I become President of the Nigerian Football Federation, I will propose and undertake to establish a world-class football centre at the national level like Morocco’s Mohammed the 6th football centre that features world-class equipment, and accommodation designed to develop high-achieving football stars.

“Women’s football will be given the priority it deserves. I will work towards galvanising the women’s league by not only increasing the prize money for the eventual winners of the league but also actively seeking sponsorship for teams that are struggling to maintain their status in the league. 

“We will work towards increasing TV coverage as well as seek sponsorships for all the club sides in the country. No football club should have to be in a position where they are unable to pay their players or afford to travel to away match venues.

“Nigeria deserves to benefit from the experiences and know-how of ex-footballers like me who want to serve this beautiful country of ours”.

He, however, rolled out 8 points agenda to toward the full restoration of Nigeria football.

The agenda include; a more inclusive and democratic NFF, developing the standard of the local league including the pro league and second division, to focus on women’s football, establishing a world-class football centre at the national level.

Other agenda are; funds for state football and affiliated association; Registration scheme for ex-football international; introduction of TV rights and sponsorship packages as well as developing grassroots football.