Revealed! NFF Election Campaign Divides Board Members in Russia

By Correspondent and Admin Some Nigerian ‘football politicians’ have turned Russia, the venue of the World Cup to a campaign ground for the next election into the board of the Nigeria Football Federation. According to the election timetable released before the World Cup, the polls will hold in September in Katsina. The Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung had told those seeking posts in the next dispensation to wait until after the World Cup so as not to distract the national team. Interestingly, so many aspirants have not heeded the advice as our correspondent observed that they were holding meetings with members of the electorate. Our correspondent learnt that the federation’s board is divided already; while some aggrieved members are with the opposition others are working with the NFF President Amaju Pinnick, his 1st and 2nd vice presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko. “Some people are here not for football but to campaign for the next board of the federation,” a top official told our correspondent who is covering the tournament. “Most of them wish the Eagles crash out even before the first match against Croatia. The politicians say negative things about the current board preaching better transparency and better Super Eagles while they taunt the current board over the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the last two editions of the Nations Cup.” When our correspondent contacted the NFF 1st Vice Akinwunmi he denied knowledge of those campaigning for the elections but warned that anyone doing that should stop. He said it had now become imperative that the election and World Cup year be separated as this could reduce distraction ahead of the Mundial. He said it was unfortunate some individuals had upgraded personal interest above that of the country saying it is important that all hands be on deck during critical period of the tournament. He said: “I don’t know them and they have not campaigned to me. We are here for serious business and what they are doing is distracting the team and the board. “We want the best for Eagles and election matters should be for Nigeria. Personally I will love the election year to be separated from the world cup year because it is a big factor “I have been in football long enough to understand all of these but it’s unfortunate that people are here talking about election while the board members are battling to put all logistics right for the team”. Source: newtelegraphonline.com