Why NFF will continually face FIFA hammer

By: Tonebsky Nesta

The recent banning of Nigeria from participating in all International soccer competitions by the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, and its suspension barely 5 days later may have come as a shock to many soccer loving Nigerians, but events in the Glass House in the last decade, particularly in the past few months have indicated that it is only a matter of time that FIFA hammer hits Nigeria. No doubt the suspension few days later came as reprieve, but if a proper restructuring of Nigeria football administration to align with FIFA statutes is not done, the temporary reprieve could lead to eventual perennial hammer by FIFA, which will finally put an end to the much loved game in Nigeria.

Until our football is run from the grassroots, state and federal levels by individuals and corporate bodies as done in most European countries, government interference can never stop in the Nigeria FA. While we are gladdened by the planned withdrawal of the suit filed by the National Association of Nigeria Footballers, NANF, we should be mindful of report credited to NANF National Chairman, Harrison Jalla that it withdrew the suit to enable the Super Eagles VS Syli National match in Conakry go on, with a clause that the reason behind the suit be addressed. The reason which according to him is in line with FIFA statutes is that rather than state governors appointing state representatives in the football house, elections into the NFF should be conducted from the grassroots level to the state and ultimately the Glass House. Even though NANF is insisting on this condition which no doubt is in line with FIFA statutes, it is yet to proffer solution to funding of the game which many corporate bodies and wealthy individuals appear disinterested in. Until all these vexing issues are addressed through corporate and individual sponsorship of the game, government at both the local, state and federal levels will never stop interfering in the running of Nigeria football, meaning it’s only a matter of time before FIFA’s sledge hammer will permanently fall on our soccer crazy nation.