Ex-player begs Galadima for the game's sake
In the wake-up of this stalemate, which some Nigerian ball disciples strongly feel could lead to FIFA hammering its sledge on the nation, a former junior international, Ahmed Jumare, has called for a truce between the sports minister, who represents the government and Ibrahim Galadima, the man who won the 'annulled' elections. In a chat with nigeriasports.com in Lagos, Jumare stated that, it is difficult if not impossible, to "pull strings" with the power that be. "If I were in the shoes of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, there are two options for me. "First, I would as a duly elected chairman of the Nigerian FA, tender all the reports of the electoral procedure in Kano to the Minister for him to see how open, free and fair the exercise was. "Secondly, I would as one, who had been on the nation's soccer terrian for quite sometime, let him know the global implications of his decision to disregard the results of the elections and set up another counter merchinery... then I would tender my resignation," Jumare submitted. Jumare, who is presently the Manager of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos stressed further - "You can not fight or go against the decision of the government, no matter what you have at stake. "Besides the fact that, the government finances sports in the country, the fact also remains that, no matter the volume of sponsorship being enjoyed by a particular sport, government's presence and recognition, can not be over-emphasized. "Again," continued Jumare, "the world football governing body, FIFA do not say that, an individual can decide to pitch tent against the government of his country...in as much as they do not want government in the operations of the game. "Do not forget that, no matter what, FIFA seeks governments' approval for holding or hosting of their competitions in various countries. The earlier this imbroglio is settled, the better for the fortunes of our team at the Nations Cup. "Now, the team is in Portugal preparing for the Nations Cup. Does the FA have the clout to attract sponsorships without government's nod or recognition? As far as I am concerned, no corportate body would want to do business with an FA that is not in good terms with government. And that is why I would have given ground to their wish, if I were Galadima...by then people would know that I did it in the interest of the game and the country. If Nigeria's qualification for the World Cup Finals is not a birth right, then with apologies, heading the nation's FA is equally not the birth right of an individual," the ex-junior international concluded on a sarcastic note. 1
|
FootballSport Vote |
