₦airaland Forum

As Augustine "Jay-Jay" Okocha turns 51, it's time for Nigeria to reflect on the leadership of its football administration. Football in Nigeria is more than just a sport; it is a national passion, a unifying force, and a source of pride for millions. Yet, when we look at the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), there is a glaring disconnect. While key positions in other sectors are held by professionals with relevant experience, the NFF Chair remains open to anyone, regardless of their connection to the sport. This raises a crucial question: How do we expect our football to grow if we do not put the right people in charge?

The Argument for Expertise in Leadership

In Nigeria, the position of Attorney General is held by an experienced lawyer, ensuring that legal matters are handled by someone with deep knowledge of the field. The Ministry of Health is led by a renowned health professional, guaranteeing that healthcare policies and decisions are informed by medical expertise. Similarly, Religious body like : Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) & Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) are headed by elected clergy, ensuring that spiritual leadership comes from those who understand the faith. These examples show a consistent pattern: we entrust key positions to those with the relevant expertise.

Yet, when it comes to the leadership of the NFF, we deviate from this logic. The NFF Chair can be filled by virtually anyone, regardless of their experience or connection to football. This inconsistency is troubling and highlights why Nigerian football continues to struggle.

The Need to Put Square Pegs in Square Holes

It’s time to put square pegs in square holes. The leadership of Nigerian football should be entrusted to those who know the game inside out—our Ex-Super Eagles players. These individuals have not only represented Nigeria on the international stage but have also gained invaluable experience and insight into the challenges facing our football. They understand the intricacies of player development, international competition, and the need for a robust football infrastructure.

Consider the example of Cameroon, which appointed Samuel Eto'o, a football legend, as the President of their football federation. Since taking over, Eto'o has brought a fresh perspective, leveraging his global experience to elevate Cameroonian football. Similarly, France appointed Noël Le Graët, a former player and football executive, to lead their football federation, resulting in a stronger and more successful national team. In South Africa, Danny Jordaan, who played a pivotal role in bringing the World Cup to Africa, now leads the South African Football Association, using his extensive experience to drive progress.

These examples show the positive impact that ex-players can have when given leadership roles. They bring passion, experience, and a deep understanding of the game. So why not Nigeria? Why should our football legends be relegated to just coaching? This is not only unfair but also a waste of their potential.

Leveraging Global Acceptance and Influence

Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Sunday Oliseh, and Daniel Amokachi etc are not just national icons; they are globally recognized figures in the football world. Their acceptance and influence extend beyond Nigeria, making them ideal candidates to lead Nigerian football on the global stage. Their presence alone can boost Nigeria’s football profile, attract international partnerships, and inspire the next generation of footballers.

Who says they are not qualified for administration? These players have not only played the game at the highest level but have also acquired skills in leadership, management, and diplomacy throughout their careers. Their global network and understanding of modern football can bring much-needed reform to the NFF.

A Claron Call to the Senate President

I call on the Senate President, God's Will Akpabio who has consistently demonstrated a passion for sports, especially football, to take advantage of his office treat this as matter of urgency. The time has come to include Ex-Super Eagles stars in the mainstream of Nigeria’s national life, not just limiting them to coaching roles.

By enacting a law to reserve the NFF Chair position and other key roles around it for ex-football legends, we give them a sense of belonging and an opportunity to continue their service to the nation. This move will not only solidify their existing passion for Nigeria but will also ensure that the leadership of Nigerian football is driven by those who truly care about its development.

Time for Change

The reasons why Nigerian football continues to decline are clear.

Unknown individuals without any track record of football locally or globally control the helm of affairs, displaying little or no passion for the development of the sport. Their focus is often on monetary gains rather than the growth and success of Nigerian football.

It is time to change this huge injustice and underdevelopment that plagues our football. Let ex-football legends run that office. They have the experience, passion, and vision to take Nigerian football to new heights. Jay-Jay Okocha, at 51, represents a generation of footballers who have given their all for Nigeria. Let us now give them the opportunity to lead, reform, and rejuvenate Nigerian football for the better.

He is so good they name him twice "Jay Jay".

Make this man NFF Chairman. Simple.

Infact, the National Assembly should enact a law to reserve the NFF Chairman position to only Great super eagles stars with above 30 caps in the team.

This will develop Nigeria football tremendously.

A man cannot give what he doesn't have. Like Buhari, Like Tinubu.

They simply have nothing to offer sane society.

Their age old strategy is impoverishment and sharing palliative.

Nothing else.

APC is a disaster.

Short range or long range, mission is accomplished.

Shekena. Magana ya Kare.

Next Terrorist... on the run.. in the tunnel.

BBB on their head. (Bonker Boster Bomber)

"Structure of criminality" . H.E. Peter Obi

One wonders how a small Ooando PLC will buy a mega Agip oil suddenly.

Becoming clearer daily.

from Lagos landlord to Nigeria Landlord.


Nigeria, otilooo!!

Nigeria progress died in 2015. Under dullardino. And the Economy Collapsed in 2023, under the watch of Tinubulation.

APC brought sorrow, tears and blood.

A man can never give what it doesn't have.

Happy birthday to H. E. Peter Obi.

A Big Joke of a President.

The level of cluelessness dished out daily is epic.


"Na statistics we go chop??

Proof of someone's Integrity is by simply KEEPING A PROMISE.

Where is your integrity Soyinka?

Lack of statistical knowledge is costing Nigeria Trillions.

When you hear "NA STATISTICS WE GO CHOPPP

Omo.. run ohhh.

Misplaced priority government.

Mamman was accused of conspiring with staff of the ministry in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert about N22 billion.

Bulabaaaaaaaa blublubluuuu.

Nigeria we hail thee🙋

A DISASTER as Minister of Disaster and humanitarian affairs. Nigerian we hail thee..

The power given to a one "man" INEC Chairman on presidential Election is too much for 200 million people.

He can just wake up and decide whether election would be transmitted manually or electronically given where the odds favour his pay Master.

This is a major challenge and has proven to be unproductive, given the huge amount spent on INec reforms and conduct of elections. All to rest on arbitrary decision of one man. It's ill intentioned.

Am of the opinion that, there should be 6 board of INEC chairmen, to cut across the 6 geopolitical zones, with equal rights and privileges on the board affairs.

Secondly, Election should be electronic.

Meaning, the INEC card reader should be able to perform dual functions : Read a Voters Card and conduct electronic voting.

The current INEC IPad Card Reader has all this features, but it was frustrated by the Nigeria factor, corruption and INec chairman.

"The administration is being chafed at, for embarking on a Lagos-Calabar coastal highway construction of 700 kilometres at a tentative cost of N15 trillion, when scores of existing highways remain death traps. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) says 367 companies closed as of December 2023. Out of those still in business, 335 are in distress, while N350 billion worth of goods were not sold."

Premium Times : Tinubu's 1 Year Of Mismatch Between Performance & Realities

In any case, we now know from a retrospective reading of Tinubu’s 2019 speech that his grand plan is to economically disempower the people, depress the economy, and tax people and businesses to death.
Farooq Kperogi

Hear him :

"If we reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slow down the economy. “Let’s widen the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if it’s inclusive of Bola Tinubu, let the net get bigger and we take in more taxes. And that is what we must do in the country.”

At the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium on March 29, 2019, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

"In any case, we now know from a retrospective reading of Tinubu’s 2019 speech that his grand plan is to economically disempower the people, depress the economy, and tax people and businesses to death."
Farooq Kperogi

The grand speech :

" If we reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slow down the economy," he said to a mysterious ovation from the audience. “Let’s widen the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if it’s inclusive of Bola Tinubu, let the net get bigger and we take in more taxes. And that is what we must do in the country.”
At the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium on March 29, 2019, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

"In any case, we now know from a retrospective reading of Tinubu’s 2019 speech that his grand plan is to economically disempower the people, depress the economy, and tax people and businesses to death".
Farooq Kperogi

Here's Tinubu's speech in 2019:

"If we reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slow down the economy," he said to a mysterious ovation from the audience. “Let’s widen the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if it’s inclusive of Bola Tinubu, let the net get bigger and we take in more taxes. And that is what we must do in the country.”
At the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium on March 29, 2019, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

What a balabluuuu!!!!

" If we reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slow down the economy," .“Let’s widen the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if it’s inclusive of Bola Tinubu, let the net get bigger and we take in more taxes. And that is what we must do in the country.”
At the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium on March 29, 2019,
Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

What a balabluuuu!!!!!!!!

Statistics show that in the last six years, this country has spent about N7.8 trillion to import food."

Tinubu doesn't understand statistics. His words when addressing APC Miscreant in 2023 campaign :
" NA STATISTICS WE GO CHOP!!!"

Class "E" case that can't draw any water.

Sleeping Joe should try harder.

When Tinubu shouted " Na STATISTICS WE CHOP!!!!"

Now it is very clear how ingrained such mentality spread through APC goons.

Bayo Onanuga is disgrace.

H.E Peter OBI the Tsunami,
H.E Peter OBI the Tsunami
H.E Peter OBI the Tsunami.
"Oni of IFE"

Its very clear that APC and it's Associated Miscreant are having sleepless night about Peter Obi.

In the morning, Peter Obi,

In the Afternoon, Peter Obi,

In the Night, Peter Obi

In their sleep, Peter Obi.

In their Dream, Peter Obi.

And now, with their Resources Peter Obi.

Omo, Peter Obi is an Enigma. A man filled with grace.

See the kind free marketing Peter Obi is enjoying from Agbado and Associated Miscreant.

You want to demarket Peter Obi and repackage who exactly " TINUNPOOO...

Is it the #8,000 monthly palliative that is motivating this APC Miscreant or worth exactly?

Chaiii....

A creative mind adopts best ideas and strategies that yield optimal results.

H. E. Peter Obi's strategies and policies towards education in Anambra State resulted in First position in WAEC 2013 & 2014 respectively (do a simple Google search 🔎 to verify).

A docile minded charlatant like Reno is concern on how many schools Peter Obi built from scratch.

It's like comparing the achievements of Chelsea FC with Tottenham Hotspur fc in the last 2 decades. While Chelsea FC have won over 10 competitive trophies including 2 champions Leagues in its old stadium. Tottenham Hotspur only major achievements is building a new big stadium and no traceable major trophy.

Those States that built new schools are still struggling to attain 10th position in the last decade in WAEC rating. Quality over quantity.

Infact H.E Peter Obi's strategy in attaining First In WAEC In 2013 & 2014 respectively ahead of 37 states including Lagos and Abuja, needs to be understudied.

Reno misfired.

kettykin:
I now see why some villages are chronically poor and helpless, someone donated a cow to your village, he has to come and feed it and milk it too, tufiakwa. Height of indolence

Great point.
I can still remember GEJ Good Jonathan Modern Almajiri Schools projects , built and refurbished over 100 schools in Northern states. Guess what happened to them... They were completely abandoned. To what end. Talk Less of a Borehole project.

In trying to help the core north develop is like pouring water in the sea. Them no send development.

When the Yorubas become courageous enough to call a spade a spade given the negative energy from the North towards Nigeria growth, then and only then the dooms day will be faster.

The Sensitive security Report that made the Nigerian Senate to Reject Hell Rufai Ministerial Appointment must be made public.

The man is an extremist. Destroyed the peaceful coexistence of Kaduna State.

Not fit for National level.

At the moment, Nigeria terrain is Not suitable for a lot businesses.

Note this..

before you venture into any business, learn the skills for 3 to 6 months, then invest knowledgeably

Currently, The only productive business is food sales. Humans most eat food. Buy in bulk and sell in either in bulk or in measures.

Success.

naijapips02:
Joshua should leave politics and Cuppy and focus on boxing. He has so much potential.

One of the greatest Heavyweight champions of all times.

You're so on point.

I observed he didn't mention Nigeria in his comment anymore. All I hear is London and Cameroon.

A big lesson for all Athletes.

Bababluuuu..... Always putting the cat before the Horse.

Recall, at some point in history Nigeria was unanimously categories as equals to BRICKS Nations.

I can't remember Nigeria applying for that status. It was earned through improved economy and increase in GDP per capital during the ObJ - era 2003 - 2008.

The world came to Nigeria. Nations cup, under 17 world cup..host of global committee meetings

But, in bababluuuu world..we can buy recognition, even if Nigeria has been reduced to looting warehouses and trailers with food stuff daily to Survive the Hardship.

Now you're blaming the dollar, you depreciated without foresight of statistics.

When PO gave analysis on the GDP per capital of Nigerians during campaign. You said " NA STATISTICS WE GO CHOP"

Now look at the Nigeria your APC has created : Hardship, hunger, insecurity..name it..

OGA, I Suggest you start CHOPPING THAT STATISTICS....

And now, you are applying to join bricks so you can play global politics even with your bad economy.

Small yansh de shake

77up:
The most foolish ignorant in Nigeria today is Obidi.ents. How they many to fall flat to whatever rubbish that nigga say is misery, even the educated ones among them.

A typical APC Miscreant and slave spotted. Suffering and smiling.

I am very sure Reno must be LAUGHING LOUD behind the Scene with all this TINUBUlations Nigerians passes through, while dishing out opium to APC Miscreant to comfort themselves.

The Fact remains that, Ukraine is a War-torn country supplying Nigeria with Food.

A big disgrace indeed.

In addition,

LP should push for a bill to allow Inec staff, adhoc staff and security personal to cast their votes during elections.

It can be 2 weeks before election or same day of election.

In the last election 2023, this set of Nigerians amount to 4 million that conducted the election. It could have made a difference.

LP look into this

The reality of this matter is, NAIRA HAS LOST VALUE in multiple of 8x times.

Cost of goods and services campared to year 2013 has shown astronomical increase by 8 times in some cases 10 times.

#40k in 2013 is stronger than 200k now

Let's Do the math :
1 bag of Rice in 2013 is #8,000
In 2024 1 bag of Rice is #70,000

70,000 ÷ 8,000 = 8. 6 times difference

I liter of Fuel in 2013 =#87
I liter of Fuel in 2024 = # 670

#670 ÷ #87 = 7.7 times difference.

We can go on and on....

Here's is, the same man, in the same country, earning the same salary, But, Buying goods and services 8 times it's formal price.


And many people wonder why he complained.

I earned 2x of the op, I found myself asking almost similar question 2 weeks ago.