Suswam, Galadima shower plaudits on Maigari . North Central zone endorses him for second term

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rt. Hon Gabriel Suswam, CON at the weekend praised the impressive strides of the present NFF administration, and said the Aminu Maigari team should be allowed to continue in office for reasons of continuity and stability in the management of the Nigeria game.

Speaking through his deputy, Chief Steven Lawani, OFR during a courtesy call in his office by a large delegation of NFF Executive Committee, Management and Staff, members of the NFF Congress and other stakeholders, Suswam, through Lawani, enumerated the on-field accomplishments of the present NFF team and gave them kudos for off-field achievements as well.

“Your team has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, African Youth Championship, African Women Championship and other trophies, and easily qualified Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup finals.

“There are several off-field achievements that time may not permit us to mention here, but for me, the stability you have brought to Nigeria football administration and your wonderful leadership style easily recommend you for continuity in office.

“The people of Benue State are indeed happy with you and your team and also happy with the achievements of the League Management Company, which you midwifed and which has done so much to bring sanity and progress to the domestic League,” Lawani stated.

Speaking earlier, the NFF President praised the Suswam administration for impressive infrastructural development in Benue State and for the support and encouragement that the State government has always given to Nigeria Professional Football League side, Lobi Stars FC. He called for greater funding for the Benue State Football Association.

Meanwhile, the North Central zone of the country has endorsed NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari for a second term of office, according to a communiqué released at the end of the zone’s summit in Makurdi at the weekend.

“The forum congratulates the NFF President and Members of the Executive Committee for the wonderful job they have been doing in the past four years in bringing so many trophies to the country, and for the country’s brilliant performances in all FIFA and CAF competitions, and hereby passes a vote of confidence on the Alhaji Aminu Maigari-led Board and in full support of its second term bid.”

Show some patriotism – Igbokwe tackles Amiesimaka

The Acting Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and Secretary of the South-East Football Stakeholders Conference, Barrister Iyke Igbokwe has charged former international player, Adokiye Amiesimaka to henceforth learn to show some patriotism while speaking or writing about Nigerian sports, as the former player is neither a repository of knowledge nor a shining example of administrative acumen.

Speaking in Nnewi at the weekend, Igbokwe, nicknamed Torchlight, described a recent statement by Amiesimaka that the Super Eagles would not go beyond the group stage at this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, as unfortunate, misguided and unpatriotic. 

“It is clear that Amiesimaka is envious of these players who have been able to easily steer Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup finals – something that his generation failed to do. Since Amiesimaka and his group won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil (which is his only claim to fame in the game), two other generations have gone on to win the trophy for Nigeria on away soil.

“Instead of joining Nigerians and indeed the whole of Africa to wish the team well, he is spewing ill-will and showing despicable jealousy.”

Igbokwe recalled that the NFF did not receive any help from Amiesimaka and his ilk in employing Coach Stephen Keshi in the first place. “The NFF employed Keshi and has given him all the support, and there is no rift between the two parties, so our World Cup preparations are fully on course.

“Amiesimaka’s pomposity and all-knowing talk about administration is flat because in all the years that he administered Sharks FC, he won nothing with the team and eventually led the team to relegation. The Presidents of FIFA and CAF are not ex-internationals, yet they have continued to lead the two organizations very well.”

Igbokwe called on Coach Keshi and his squad not to entertain any distractions as they begin their final preparations for the FIFA World Cup finals.

“Keshi has named his provisional list of 30 players and all we can do is support him and the team. We have a bunch of talented and determined players who will fly this nation’s flag high in Brazil, and the NFF has made adequate arrangements for the team by sealing three quality friendly matches against Scotland, Greece and USA in the run-in to the finals.

“Our prayers, support and encouragement are crucial at this moment. Let all Nigerians begin to give support for the team and the NFF, and to know that only positive vibes will make us shine at the biggest showpiece of football in Brazil.”