The Nigeria Football Federation has come out to explain that the recent draw for the 2025 President Federation Cup competition was conducted in line with the best practice in the round-leather game across the universe.
A member of the NFF Executive Committee, Mr. George Aluo, on Saturday stated that criticisms over some venues for the quarter-final matches were ill-conceived and unfortunate.
Going by the fixtures released by the football-ruling body, Abakaliki FC will take on Nasarawa United in Benin City, as Wikki Tourists clash with Ikorodu City in Bwari, Abuja and Akwa United and Kwara United fight it out in Enugu. The Area 3 Stadium, Abuja will host the encounter between Rangers International and Plateau United. All matches are scheduled for 3rd May, when the semi-finalists are expected to emerge.
However, there have been some criticisms in the social media over venue of the match between the Ikorodu United and Wikki Tourists, billed for Bwari, Abuja with some persons claiming it is advantageous to the Bauchi-based team.
Aluo, also the Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) said: “Some of our media men need better education and newsmen should conduct themselves like fans out there on the streets. In the English FA Cup, it is always a one-off match that can see a club like Arsenal host Manchester United at home. Here in Nigeria, we have seen Abiola Babes host Ranchers Bees in Lagos with nobody talking about proximity of Abeokuta to Lagos. The Final match involving Enugu Rangers and Stationery Stores many years ago was played in Lagos and more recently, Enugu Rangers hosted Kano Pillars in Asaba despite the proximity of Asaba to Enugu, home of Rangers.
“We should promote things that will take our football to the next level and attract corporate support. Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau is one man who eschews sentiments in all that he does. He wants the best for Nigerian football. I don’t see how playing in Abuja bestows any advantage on Wikki Tourists. All we should be looking out for is fair officiating irrespective of the venue. Take the case of Akwa United playing in Enugu against Kwara United; nobody is talking about the closeness of Akwa Ibom State to Enugu.
“Again, the corporate world is watching. GTI, partners of the NPFL, are also supporting the NFF with the President Federation Cup. People should not bring unnecessary sentiments into a competition to which awe re trying to woo more corporate sponsors.”