Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee member Austel Elumelu has warned that the proposed normalisation committee will not automatically resolve the problems confronting Nigerian football unless those appointed demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform.
Elumelu said the success of the initiative would depend on the decisions taken by the committee and its willingness to address longstanding administrative challenges.
His comments come amid discussions over the proposed restructuring of Nigerian football administration, following reported FIFA approval for the establishment of a normalisation committee.
“Whether FIFA approves the normalisation or not, if we still don’t do the things that are right, you know, we’ll merely be begging the question,” Elumelu said.
The former NFF official maintained that appointing a new committee would achieve little if the underlying problems affecting football governance remain unresolved.
However, he expressed optimism that the calibre of individuals being considered could provide the leadership needed to move the game forward.
“With the calibre of people, I saw, if they do what is right, yes, we’ll get it right. Otherwise, it will be difficult,” he stated.
Elumelu believes Nigerian football can benefit from the proposed changes if the committee prioritises proper administration and takes decisions in the wider interest of the sport.
“I believe with all the ones that are appointed, the people that came, I think Nigeria will do well,” he added.
He urged stakeholders to remain patient while the appointment process is concluded, stressing that the proposed committee deserves support if it is to succeed.
“So, let’s just keep our fingers crossed and let the appointments be made,” Elumelu said.
The former technical committee member also pledged his willingness to contribute to the reform process.
“We from the sideline will do everything to support them,” he declared.
For Elumelu, the decisive test will not be the establishment of a normalisation committee itself, but whether its members take the right steps to deliver meaningful and lasting change in Nigerian football.
 Technical Committee member Austel Elumelu has warned that the proposed normalisation committee){kind=link}