An aspirant for the post of president during the forthcoming election process of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Segun Solanke says he has made the bold step of contesting for the exalted seat because of the strong passion he has for sports.
Solanke, who is the chief executive of Olumo Unuted FC of Abeokuta and Provazios Sports Academy, added that he has a vision to see Nigeria’s football sector become vibrant and an example for others to emulate.
Solanke declared this while speaking during ‘Hot Seat’ segment of Sports247’s television programme, Inside Naija Sports, in which he further explained that his interest is not limited to one sector.
He reasoned further that his versatile interests and abilities in various aspects of sports will help him bring various fresh angles and innovations into running Nigerian football better than anyone before him.
“Provasios Sport is an organisation that has a hand in many events. Unlike what most people think, I am not just in football alone.
“We are into football, basketball, lawn tennis, table tennis, name it. We are involved in all sports that anyone can ever think of.
“We also engage in youth development efforts. We nurture children from age two all the way up to 25 years old. These are areas that are mostly overlooked by other people.” Solanke stated.
He also admitted that poor funding is a big problem affecting the administration and organisation of football in Nigeria, but posited that passion for the game and zeal to instil changes into the system will help him to overcome all obstacles as NFF President.
“One of the major challenges of football in Nigeria always is funding. But, when you have passion for sports, especially for football, you will get things done.
“It’s just like when you have zeal to nurture children. You want to see them grow and become something in the future. You love to see them achieve what they want, and you also love to see them become great.
“It is your passion to grow and succeed that makes the job worthwhile. For you to succeed, you need all the passion you can get; because you will definitely come to face challenges.
“Once challenges come up and you don’t have passion for what you are doing, you will definitely fall by the wayside,” Solanke concluded philosophically.
