Former Nigeria international Friday Ekpo has praised Ibrahim Musa Gusau for stepping down as Nigeria Football Federation president, describing the decision as an honourable one and an opportunity to rebuild Nigerian football.
Gusau resigned from his position alongside the NFF’s principal officers and Executive Committee members, bringing an end to the current administration as Nigeria begins a fresh reform process.
Ekpo believes the resignation has created an important opportunity for stakeholders to address the problems affecting the country’s football system.
He, however, warned against rushing the rebuilding process, insisting that the reforms must be carefully planned and properly implemented if Nigerian football is to achieve lasting success.
Ekpo described Gusau’s decision to step aside as “an honourable one”, stressing that stakeholders should now concentrate on what is best for the future of the game.
According to the former Super Eagles midfielder, the priority should be to put in place a structure capable of restoring stability, development and confidence in Nigerian football.
He urged those involved in the process to avoid making decisions based on short-term interests, arguing that genuine change requires patience and collective commitment.
The development comes after FIFA accepted the resignations of the NFF leadership and agreed to continue discussions with the Nigerian government, the NFF administration and CAF on a comprehensive roadmap for reforms.
For Ekpo, the next stage is crucial.
He believes the rebuilding process must be handled properly to ensure that the changes introduced address the underlying problems in Nigerian football rather than simply replacing one administration with another.
The former international also stressed the importance of restoring joy among Nigerian football supporters, who have endured a difficult period following a series of disappointing results and qualification setbacks involving the national teams.
With FIFA now involved in the reform discussions, Ekpo’s message is for stakeholders to remain patient and focused on building a system that can deliver sustainable success.
The former Super Eagles star believes that if the process is properly executed, Nigerian football can emerge from the current crisis stronger and once again give its millions of supporters reasons to celebrate.
