Former Julius Berger FC of Lagos winger, Jide Oguntuase has called on ex-internationals from all across the country and abroad to link forces in order to take over the running of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Sports247 reports that, with the NFF elective general assembly fast approaching, Oguntuase is of view that the next president of the football governing body should be a former player, who must have featured for any of Nigeria’s national teams.
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Oguntuase asserted such while speaking during ‘Hot Seat’ segment on Inside Naija Sports, a programme from the studio of Sports247 Naija TV, which streams live every Friday from 2:15pm via YouTube.
The outspoken ex-player, who is now a grassroots football coach based in Ikorodu area of Lagos, noted reports about interest being expressed in the NFF leadership by Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and John Mikel Obi, but pointed out that none of them has come out to officially confirm their interest in the post.
He then cited the examples of Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed in Lagos State and General Chikelue Iloenyosi in Anambra State to emphasise how ex-players can do better as heads of football associations in Nigeria.
Oguntuase added, “Look at Lagos State and Anambra, then you will know that former players will do better if we control the NFF.
“We were the ones who spent our time and energy out there on the field to make football grow, while those who are running the game now were lazily enjoying the comfort of their homes or classrooms.
“The only point for me, though, is that whoever is coming to contest should declare it early, so that we can support him properly. Let him give us his manifesto so that we can see what he has for us and Nigerian football.”
He then turned his attention on the current reality of factions holding back Nigeria’s former players from speaking with a united voice but enthused that divisions among former footballers will soon be a thing of the past.
Oguntuase continued on a note of optimism, “The issue of a united body for ex-players is a big question. But I’ve spoken to Big Sheg … Segun Odegbami … about this, and we are all expecting a change to that situation soon.
“I’ve also talked to Abdul Sule, who is the president of one faction, as well as Tijjani Babangida, who leads the other faction.
“I’ve spoken to people on both sides, and they all promised me that they will come together to see how they can arrange things peacefully among themselves.”
The slender player-turned-gaffer, who grew up in Somolu area of Lagos, stressed further that only a former player would be able to tackle football matters effectively, considering that having played the game makes them know where the shoe pinches.
“We have to face issues the way they are. There are a lot of ex-internationals who are suffering, but we are not telling anybody that Nigeria owes us.
“What we are saying is that we are not lazy people and we want to work for the proper development of football in our country. We want to do it ourselves, but money bags always come on board to push us aside.
“For the NFF election that is coming up soon, it’s still all about money, and the highest bidder will want to take it. An ex-international who wants to contest cannot do so with an empty pocket.
“Segun Odegbami tried it twice, and they did not allow him. (Late Chief Taiwo) Ogunjobi tried it, but they didn’t allow him.”
He also raised an allegation that politicians and technocrats have a very strong clique that they use in keeping tight hold on their positions as administrators, while the main actors are forced to remain in the shadows.
“They don’t allow ex-players get there because the money bags have a strong caucus in Nigerian football. They are all people who did not play football and did not suffer for it, but they want to continue running it.
“That’s why we have to be united in order to force them out. Whoever among our former players wants to work, I will support him fully to become the NFF’s next president.
“Let’s send the money bags away. We want a change in the source or leadership and in the way things are done,” Oguntuase projected.
He concluded by emphasing that he does not have any preference about which ex-player to support for the NFF’s top seat but pointed out that the aspiring person must have a clear-cut mission to install many changes.
“We want to see several changes in the running of Nigeria’s football … don’t owe coaches, pay players their camp allowances, get sponsors for activities and do things in a different way.
“Be it Mikel Obi, Jay Jay Okocha, or Nwankwo Kanu … whoever steps forward boldly, I will support him fully. Let money bags stay away from football,” Oguntuase emphasised.
