Former Nigeria international and Anambra State Football Association Chairman, Chikelue Ileonyosi, popularly known as ‘The General’, has urged ex-footballers to become more involved in football administration as discussions intensify ahead of the next Nigeria Football Federation elections.
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Ileonyosi, who currently serves as chairman of the Anambra FA, believes former players can no longer afford to remain on the sidelines while key decisions affecting Nigerian football are made.
“Ex-internationals must have a voice in how football is run,” Ileonyosi said.
The former Super Eagles defender argued that players who have represented Nigeria at the highest level possess valuable experience that can help improve football administration in the country.
According to him, meaningful change can only happen when former professionals are willing to step into leadership positions.
“It is not enough to complain from outside. We have to get involved,” he added.
The General noted that his own journey into football administration has shown him the importance of having former players participate in decision-making processes.
He stressed that ex-footballers understand many of the challenges facing Nigerian football because they have experienced them firsthand during their playing careers.
“We know the problems because we lived through them,” he stated.
With the NFF elective congress approaching, Ileonyosi called on more former internationals to contest positions and contribute to shaping the future of the game.
The Anambra FA boss believes greater participation from former players could strengthen governance and help drive reforms across Nigerian football.
His comments add to the growing debate over the role ex-internationals should play in the administration and development of football in the country.
