I’m always ready to conquer them --- Maigari

 

 

 Aminu Maigari, NFF president, says his administration is focused on bequeathing uncommon legacies to Nigerian football. That’s apart from winning notable trophies. And true, the Nigerian football has been having this winning streak over a period. In this interview with ESTHER EGBE, Maigari talks about his job, challenges and achievement so far.

 

How fulfiled are you since you became the president of the NFF?

Very well. I am in love with challenges because they make me a complete man. So I am always ready to conquer them. You know football is always challenging. One has to be prepared and that's all.

Tell us about your achievements?

We have been able to win six trophies for this country: three from international friendlies and many more achievements. They're too many to talk about. As of 2008 it organised three leagues: The Nigerian Premier League, the Amateur League and the Women's League, and five competitions, including the Federation Cup. The trophies are the African Cup of Nations which Nigeria won for the first time in 19 years earlier this year in South Africa and the African Youth Championship in 2011. Others are the African Women Championship won in 2010 and the trophies won in international friendlies against Argentina in June 2011, Catalonia in January 2013 and South Africa in August 2013.As a corporate body continued to attract top awards from far and near. 'Even our critics have come to accept that this is one administration that is highly focused on key areas and unique legacies and still determined to do more, added the new NFF building, the assemblage of a genuine U-17 team, sanctions against match fixers and the cordial relationship with the leadership of the National Sports Commission as part of NFF achievements.

He further stated that the main focus of the administration now was to qualify the country for the FIFA World cup scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2014. He also said that the administration was committed to achieving more results in the remaining one year of its first tenure.

"'FIFA has agreed with our proposal for the body to fund Regional Technical Centres across the federation. We are set to harmonise the activities of the various academies so that we can continue to present credible U-17 national teams as we have prove to the world that we can do it again.

"We will soon unfold a unique programme for the development of the women's game and we look forward to winning several more trophies, beginning with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

What are your challenges as a president of this association?

A bit of legal issues and also sourcing for young players. In the past three years and despite the first 18 months spent dealing with pointless litigations and distractions, this administration still has six trophies besides several major accomplishments to boast of.

When was your happiest moment as the president?

I've been happy all the way, but very excited about the upcoming world cup, the AFCON. And so far we have not been defeated, and it possible we are rated the best on the continent and that make me happy too and also bringing the cup home,Golden Eaglets has made us really  winning all the matches.

There is a rumour about bribery in the NFF. how true is this?

We have a case at hand, but we are trying to get to the truth of the matter.

What's your take on picking players from local teams, and is it true you are not in good terms with Keshi?

 I don't know how these speculations come up. We have a cordial relationship. This board brought him in, and we are a team.  If we don't agree how are things working out smoothly?

How do you rate Keshi?

We rate him really high, you know. Because his team is the Super Eagles, we give him a real high percentage.

It's said that you will soon round up your tenure but you want to run for another term. How true is this?

I don't know where this is coming from but I like to finish what is on my table before I begin to chew another. You don't own our lives so I'll like to finish what I am facing before anything else.

So what t he word for Nigerians out there?

 They should keep on supporting the Super Eagles with their prayers and love, and I'm sure they will come out victorious. We appreciate their efforts.