By Ali Elias
Sports Minister Senator John Enoh has hinted at taking drastic measures to revitalize Nigeria’s struggling football scene. Speaking on Chief Segun Odegbami’s Eagle7 radio program, Enoh expressed frustration with the current state of affairs and the fear of FIFA ban used to justify inaction.
“I cannot continue to keep quiet any longer over the affairs of the NFF because of fear of FIFA ban. I will continue to walk the fine line that protects the interest and emotions of Nigerians who expect nothing but good results and that our football be run properly, so that results posted by our teams add to their happiness and liveliness” the Sports Minister said
As a sovereign nation, Enoh emphasized that Nigeria spent N17bn to clear NFF debts, not FIFA. He stressed that qualifying for the World Cup may not be a priority for FIFA, but it is for Nigerians. Enoh believes football is too important to be left in the hands of a select few and has summoned NFF officials to address unacceptable outcomes in recent World Cup qualifiers.
The minister continued “Whether we qualify for the World Cup or not may not seem a problem to FIFA but it is a problem to Nigerians
“Football is too much for Nigerians for the minister or ministry of sports development to leave in the hands of some people. It cannot continue to proceed as the exclusive preserve of some people because they are NFF”
In retrospect he added, “the outcomes of the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic were not acceptable to the sports ministry, the federal government as well as Nigerians”.
While also criticizing players for lacking hunger and commitment, Enoh remains optimistic that Nigeria can still qualify with six matches remaining if everything is done right. “We can still qualify if everything is done right in the remaining six matches in the qualifiers” he said.
He vows to walk the fine line between protecting Nigerian interests and avoiding FIFA sanctions.
Superb layout and design, but most of all, concise and helpful information. Great job, site admin.