Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)1st Vice President has explained why the nation’s football is doldrums, pointing out that for a long, there has been a disconnect from the grassroots haven of talents, promising to revive the conveyor belt if elected as President of the federation.
Addressing members of the football family on his ambition to succeed Amaju Pinnick at an event in Abuja, the Lagos State FA Chairman declare to the amazement of his audience that Nigeria football has suffered mismanagement, as he tried to distance himself from the shipwreck left by outgoing Presidency where he claimed to be a passenger.
“Our Football also suffered from the downturn of the economy and we have not moved rapidly enough with the reality of the times which demands and has demanded for a long time, that Football be run as a business. We have lagged behind in the development of football infrastructure and we are far behind in the race for digital supremacy in the administration of football”, he said.
Failing short of saying Pinnick ran a one-man show, Barrister Akinwunmi promised to do things differently with a focus on grassroots development, infrastructure revival and a strong marketing drive
“My administration will create an inclusive, vibrant and efficient football ecosystem beginning with the grassroots to develop a sustainable national football culture, provide pathways to success and exploit the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit.
“I intend to achieve my vision and action plans for Nigeria’s football upliftment through four key growth drivers – development, the business of football, infrastructure and technology.
“I am coming to restore those glorious days when Nigeria used to be respected in the comity of football playing nations in Africa and the world.
