Former Julius Berger FC of Lagos winger, Jide Oguntuase has referred to as on ex-internationals from all throughout the nation and overseas to hyperlink forces with the intention to take over the working of Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF).
Sports247 studies that, with the NFF elective common meeting quick approaching, Oguntuase is of view that the following president of the soccer governing physique must be a former participant, who should have featured for any of Nigeria’s nationwide groups.
Oguntuase asserted such whereas talking throughout ‘Sizzling Seat’ section on Inside Naija Sports activities, a programme from the studio of Sports247 Naija TV, which streams stay each Friday from 2:15pm by way of YouTube.
The outspoken ex-player, who’s now a grassroots soccer coach based mostly in Ikorodu space of Lagos, famous studies about curiosity being expressed within the NFF management by Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and John Mikel Obi, however identified that none of them has come out to formally affirm their curiosity within the submit.
He then cited the examples of Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed in Lagos State and Normal Chikelue Iloenyosi in Anambra State to emphasize how ex-players can do higher as heads of soccer associations in Nigeria.
Oguntuase added, “Have a look at Lagos State and Anambra, then you’ll know that former gamers will do higher if we management the NFF.
“We have been those who spent our time and vitality on the market on the sector to make soccer develop, whereas those that are working the sport now have been lazily having fun with the consolation of their properties or lecture rooms.
“The one level for me, although, is that whoever is coming to contest ought to declare it early, in order that we will assist him correctly. Let him give us his manifesto in order that we will see what he has for us and Nigerian soccer.”
He then turned his consideration on the present actuality of factions holding again Nigeria’s former gamers from talking with a united voice however enthused that divisions amongst former footballers will quickly be a factor of the previous.
Oguntuase continued on a observe of optimism, “The difficulty of a united physique for ex-players is a giant query. However I’ve spoken to Huge Sheg … Segun Odegbami … about this, and we’re all anticipating a change to that scenario quickly.
“I’ve additionally talked to Abdul Sule, who’s the president of 1 faction, in addition to Tijjani Babangida, who leads the opposite faction.
“I’ve spoken to folks on either side, and so they all promised me that they may come collectively to see how they’ll organize issues peacefully amongst themselves.”
The slender player-turned-gaffer, who grew up in Somolu space of Lagos, harassed additional that solely a former participant would be capable of deal with soccer issues successfully, contemplating that having performed the sport makes them know the place the shoe pinches.
“We have now to face points the best way they’re. There are a number of ex-internationals who’re struggling, however we aren’t telling anyone that Nigeria owes us.
“What we’re saying is that we aren’t lazy folks and we wish to work for the correct growth of soccer in our nation. We wish to do it ourselves, however cash baggage all the time come on board to push us apart.
“For the NFF election that’s arising quickly, it’s nonetheless all about cash, and the best bidder will wish to take it. An ex-international who needs to contest can’t achieve this with an empty pocket.
“Segun Odegbami tried it twice, and they didn’t permit him. (Late Chief Taiwo) Ogunjobi tried it, however they didn’t permit him.”
He additionally raised an allegation that politicians and technocrats have a really robust clique that they use in preserving tight maintain on their positions as directors, whereas the principle actors are pressured to stay within the shadows.
“They don’t permit ex-players get there as a result of the cash baggage have a robust caucus in Nigerian soccer. They’re all individuals who didn’t play soccer and didn’t undergo for it, however they wish to proceed working it.
“That’s why we’ve to be united with the intention to drive them out. Whoever amongst our former gamers needs to work, I’ll assist him totally to change into the NFF’s subsequent president.
“Let’s ship the cash baggage away. We would like a change within the supply or management and in the best way issues are finished,” Oguntuase projected.
He concluded by emphasing that he doesn’t have any choice about which ex-player to assist for the NFF’s prime seat however identified that the aspiring particular person should have a clear-cut mission to put in many modifications.
“We wish to see a number of modifications within the working of Nigeria’s soccer … don’t owe coaches, pay gamers their camp allowances, get sponsors for actions and do issues otherwise.
