BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has urged football administrators in Nigeria to put the interest of the country first before any other consideration while making decisions concerning the game.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, made the call yesterday in Asaba while declaring open, the 80th annual general assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He thanked the NFF for choosing Delta as the venue for the meeting, noting that the state is peaceful and Deltans are receptive to visitors.
“We know the role the round leather game plays in Nigeria. Nigeria is a football-loving country, so, you are aware of the enormous burden on you all as the decision-makers for millions of Nigerians who are lovers of the game of football.
“Yes! Football is beyond the everyday sporting event, it has become a strong unifying game for Nigeria and Nigerians. Football has no age, religious, political, ethnic, social or geographical barrier in our country.
‘’This is why I call on you today to put the interest of the country first in making decisions concerning the game of football, look beyond the ball, and see the joy or sadness that will be on the faces of Nigerians because of your decisions or indecision concerning the game” the governor said.
“As a government, we are not only developing our sports facilities across the state, we are also committed to encouraging our youths, in particular, to engage in sporting activities.
‘’Representative of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr Amaju Pinnick urged members of the NFF to be united and love one another for the overall development of football in the country.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would qualify for the World Cup as well as the Nation’s Cup.
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh said that President Bola Tinubu has remained committed to the development of sports and most especially the development of football in the country.
He observed that the NFF was the biggest platform where matters concerning football were discussed as well as appraisal of previous performance and ways forward.
The Minister appreciated the enormous task in the development of football in the country, and tasked members of the NFF to be serious with the business of qualifying the national team for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau said the annual general assembly was the forum through which issues and activities of football were discussed to promote the game of football.
