The visiting President of world football governing body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, on Monday, said he was not aware of any crisis rocking the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The FIFA president said this when State House correspondents asked him to make a statement on the leadership crisis rocking the NFF, shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“I don’t think there is any crisis in football management in Nigeria. There is an elected president in place and he is functioning.
“In a big country like Nigeria, you are bound to see opposition; that’s what you see,” Infantino said.
He said in his meeting with Buhari, he discussed about football development in Nigeria.
“I have had some intense discussion on football in Nigeria and Africa. We discussed how we can best develop football in Africa because there are talents, potential and passion to do great things in football in Nigeria and Africa,” he added.
The FIFA President said he had the mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the organisation as well as develop football.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the FIFA boss had during the meeting with Buhari asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.
‘‘I foresee Nigeria as bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen,” he was quoted as saying.
Buhari was said to have promised at the meeting that his administration will pay keen interest to accountability and transparency to fast-track football development in the country. He welcomed Infantino’s programme to reform the world game through transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.
The President pledged Nigeria’s support to the FIFA president’s reform agenda, noting that they were similar to those his Presidency had outlined to resuscitate Nigeria.
“Majority of Nigerians are married to football. In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’ to watch the game.
“We will take the development of football very seriously and I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation to behave itself and organise effective competitions for the good of the game.
“Accountability is serious business and I welcome you (Infantino) into the club of accountable Chief Executive Officers,” the President said.
Infantino was accompanied on the visit by FIFA Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura; the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung; President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick; and the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mr. Habu Gumel. – Punch.
