Current board members may not return
New board to be expanded
We can authoritatively report this morning that if the planned Thursday Congress of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must be successful, it must first of all change the nomenclature of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) back to the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), as well as, amend the constitution of the Electoral Committee that is expected to conduct the August 26 Elective Congress, otherwise there will be more illegal issues ahead of the new leadership of the body.
Though, authoritative sources close to the Federal Government say that there is a secured approval to make the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) change back to the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). That means by extension that the July 31 Congress will have to do it as there may not be any other Congress before the election.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is not recognised by the law of the land. Moreso, two Federal High Courts presided by Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowa respectively of the Lagos and Abuja jurisdictions in various issues before them declared the body as illegal. Coupled with the letter of the attorney-general of the federation dated June 2, 2011.
Independent sources told www.gongnews.net that the impeachment of Alhaji Aminu Maigari was seen as an opportunity to effect some fundamental changes that will be in the best interest of the game. Government is also considering a situation where the entire board headed by Alhaji Maigari is not allowed to return to office under whatever guise.
As it is, a massively successful business icon is being sourced to enter the board as head. Three names have been sent to the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to consider. The current statutes may also be amended to democratise the space and engender more robust and well qualified persons to come on board.
Some institutions in the game like the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), coaches, referees, a players’ representative are likely to find their way back to the board, while the six zones will still have a representative each on board. There are possibilities that the board may be a little bigger than the last one as the leagues will retain their slots.
There are some thinking to amend the content of the NFA Act (2004 as amended) to be in tandem with some of the recommendations of the General Dominic Oneya committee.
Government is thinking of applying through the NFF for the normalisation committee but it felt it is better to do whatever can be done speedily and remain within the current calendar for transition.
