Legendary Nigerian ex-international Segun Odegbami would prefer to see a former Super Eagles player in the helm of Nigerian Football Federation affairs.
But according Odegbami who won the African Cup of Nations with the ‘Green Eagles’ in 1980, Nigerian football is in the hands of individuals who have made it difficult for ex-internationals to contest and win elections. In 2014 Odegbami was disqualified from contesting the elections that brought in Chris Giwa whose tenure was short-lived following litigations, which later paved way for Amaju Pinnick to emerge president of the NFF.
Odegbami who was speaking against the background of the Thursday’s Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the NFF in Lagos, a prelude to the elective congress in September, said nothing has change and it would probably be the same old song.
“We are waiting to see how things will go.
“Unless the rules of the games have change. I don’t see any change… you can’t plant an apple and expected to reap coco-yam. People who are controlling the strings are not footballer friendly.
“The rules are very anomalous, too many things are wrong and they would have to been put right. If everything is put right and there’s a level player field, of course ex-international can come and contest and win perhaps we would see a change in our football administration. Miracles do happen so may things would change for the better,” said Odegbami in chat.
Meanwhile one of the NFF presidential hopefuls Abba Yola has called on congress members to focus on how to develop football in the country rather than pursue personal gains. Alhaji Yola who contested twice against the out going Pinnick sue for free and fair elections.