Councilor votes Odegbami as NFA Chairman

Embattled NFA Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima's movement of the Nigeria/Angola World Cup qualifier to Kano, has not only continued to attract more criticisms, but also given him a permanent place in the Black Books of many Nigerians.

One of those who strongly feel that Galadima should not been allowed in the NFA offices for a second term, is the Councilor for Emolga Ward 13 in Rivers State, Friday Igwe.

"In Galadima's place, should be Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), who is an ex-international and Captain of the Super Eagles. " In casting his vote for Odegbami, Igwe asked football managers across the country to ensure that, right men such as, Odegbami are given their place of pride in the administration of the game in the country.

"That is the only way the game can grow and that too, is the only way, both present and past footballers can be relevant in the affairs of the game in Nigeria," he stressed.

The Rivers State Councilor representing Emolga Ward 13 also called for inclusion of sports writes in the much- desired new look Nigerian Football House.

"Technocrats like Segun Odegbami should be given the opportunity to serve. I wonder why those, who are technically inclined are not given the chance to perform," the Accountancy graduate of University of Port Harcourt queried.

Hon. Igwe stressed that past national team players and retired internationals would do. He emphasized that sports writers should be consulted in taking major decisions.

"At least we can see what is happening elsewhere in the world. Sports generally is a Media event and this explains why Sports Journalists should always be given their fair share of the business in sports," argued the one-time Financial Secretary of National Union of Banks, Insurance And Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, Rivers.

Honourable Igwe advised football administrators in the country to ensure that, they update their knowledge of the game by studying latest FIFA standards concerning the game.

"For instance, Alhaji Galadima did not know the implications of the FIFA head to head rule until we got hooked and our hope of making it to the World Cup a fourth time, was dashed.

If he could interpret the head to head rule, perhaps he would not have taken that very crucial encounter to Kano, where the weather favored our visitors than our boys, who were playing in Europe."

.By Gift Eguma, Port Harcourt