Former Super Eagles forward Benedict Akwuegbu has welcomed the Nigerian delegation’s engagement with FIFA, calling it an important step toward resolving the crisis surrounding the country’s football administration.
The delegation, led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko, recently met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich to discuss the situation in Nigerian football and the ongoing reform process.
Akwuegbu believes taking the matter directly to the world football governing body will help FIFA understand the realities on the ground and prevent Nigeria from facing possible sanctions.
He said FIFA having “clarity on the matter” was crucial as Nigeria moves into a new phase of football administration following the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation leadership.
The former international stressed that the time had come for fundamental reforms and urged all stakeholders to put aside personal interests and work towards rebuilding Nigerian football.
“The move by the Nigerian delegation to FIFA is a welcome development,” Akwuegbu said, noting that the engagement would allow the world governing body to better understand the true situation in the country.
He added that with FIFA now involved in discussions over the reform roadmap, Nigeria has an opportunity to address its football challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Akwuegbu also called for unity among stakeholders, insisting that everyone involved in Nigerian football must contribute to the rebuilding process.
“The time for reforms in Nigerian football has come,” he said, urging stakeholders to put “all hands-on deck” to achieve meaningful progress.
The former Grazer AK forward’s comments come as FIFA has accepted the resignations of the NFF’s principal officers and pledged to continue engagements with the Nigerian government, the NFF administration and CAF on a comprehensive reform roadmap.
The reform process is expected to focus on governance, institutional structures and the overall development of football in Nigeria.
For Akwuegbu, ensuring FIFA understands Nigeria’s position is an important first step, but the success of the process will ultimately depend on how stakeholders handle the reforms that follow.
