Odegbami: State FA Status Holds Key to Resolving NFF Crisis
Nigeria football legend Segun Odegbami believes the status and representation of State Football Associations in the Nigeria Football Federation Congress could hold the key to resolving the country’s lingering football administration crisis.
Odegbami made the observation following the recent visit of a FIFA/CAF delegation to Nigeria, which held meetings with selected stakeholders over the crisis surrounding the administration and electoral process of the NFF.
According to the former Nigeria international, the discussions during the visit appear to have produced a convergence of opinion on the need for a fundamental restructuring of Nigerian football administration.
He, however, identified the composition of the NFF Congress as the critical issue that must first be settled, particularly the place of the State Football Associations in the Congress.
‘The most fundamental challenge to be addressed is that of determining the proper Congress of the NFA,’ Odegbami wrote in an article published on Saturday.
He questioned which organisations should constitute the full membership of the federation, which bodies are affiliated to it and which should have voting rights in the electoral process.
‘Which amongst the bodies should be a voting member of the ‘Electoral College’ that elects the leadership?’ he asked.
Odegbami then turned specifically to the State FAs, saying their role and status must be properly established.
‘Understanding the State Football Associations, their role and status, is critical in this whole matter. Is their representation in the present Congress justified?’ he wrote.
He argued that resolving the issue would provide the foundation for restructuring the country’s football governing body and clearly defining the various constituencies entitled to representation.
‘The underlying unwritten consensus after FIFA’s visit is that the matter of the representation of State FAs in the NFA congress is the key to resolving the major problem in the organisation and development of football in the country,’ Odegbami stated.
His position comes amid the wider dispute over the NFF electoral process, following FIFA and CAF’s recent intervention and their meetings with Nigerian football stakeholders.
Odegbami believes the intervention could eventually lead to fresh elections conducted under FIFA/CAF monitoring, after the fundamental issues surrounding the federation’s structure have been addressed.
‘At the end of FIFA intervention, fresh elections will be held under FIFA/CAF monitoring, and the newly elected Executives Board will carry on with dealing with the other less contentious issues, and consolidate the reforms,’ he said.
He also said the National Sports Commission appears to be working with FIFA and CAF towards a permanent resolution of the crisis.
Odegbami expressed optimism that the process could result in a simpler and more transparent structure for Nigerian football administration.
‘Once that matter is sorted out, the structure of Nigeria’s football organising body would become more reflective of proper membership with identified constituencies, affiliated and honourary bodies, and so on,’ he added.
He predicted that the reform process could mark a major turning point for Nigerian football administration.
‘Nigerian football administration is about to be truly reformed. I feel it in my bones,’ Odegbami wrote.
He said the new system should eliminate what he described as convoluted, expensive, political and manipulative processes that have hampered the development of Nigerian football.
