Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has thrown his full support behind the candidacy of Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, for the South-East seat on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee.
The governor described Iloenyosi as a credible and experienced candidate capable of giving the South-East a stronger voice in the administration of Nigerian football.
Soludo said Iloenyosi’s background as a former Super Eagles defender, combined with his experience in football administration, puts him in a strong position to represent the interests of the region at the highest level.
“Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi has demonstrated commitment, competence and passion for the development of football in Anambra State. We are proud of what he has achieved, and I want to assure him that the government and people of Anambra State will give him our full support,” Soludo said.
The governor stressed that the contest is bigger than an individual ambition, arguing that the South-East needs effective representation within the country’s football governing structure.
“The South-East deserves a strong and effective voice in the administration of Nigerian football. Iloenyosi understands the game, he understands our people, and I believe he has what it takes to provide the kind of representation our region deserves,” he added.
Iloenyosi, popularly known as “D’General,” formally declared his intention to contest the position earlier this year, with his campaign focused on improving regional representation, strengthening grassroots football and creating better opportunities for players, clubs, administrators and other stakeholders across the South-East.
His football background gives the campaign additional weight. The former Super Eagles defender played at the highest level before transitioning into football administration, where he has continued to work on the development of the game.
He was also recently returned unopposed as Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, further strengthening his position within the state’s football community.
Soludo believes that combination of playing experience and administrative knowledge could make Iloenyosi an effective voice on the NFF Executive Committee.
“He is not coming into this race as a stranger to football. He has played at the highest level and has also gained valuable experience in football administration. That combination gives him the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the NFF,” the governor stated.
The endorsement also reflects the Anambra State Government’s broader interest in strengthening the state’s influence and participation in national football administration.
Soludo maintained that supporting Iloenyosi is about ensuring that football talents, clubs and grassroots structures across the South-East receive greater attention.
“This is not just about one individual; it is about giving the South-East a stronger voice and ensuring that our football talents, clubs and grassroots structures receive the attention they deserve,” he said.
The governor further assured Iloenyosi that he would have the full backing of the Anambra State Government throughout the legitimate pursuit of his ambition.
“Wherever an Anambra son or daughter is pursuing a legitimate ambition that will advance the interest of our people, we will support such a person. On this particular journey, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi has our full support,” Soludo declared.
The endorsement represents a significant boost for Iloenyosi as he seeks to secure the South-East position on the NFF Executive Committee.
For the Anambra FA chairman, the challenge ahead will be to translate the growing support around his candidacy into a successful campaign and ultimately provide the kind of regional representation his supporters believe the South-East deserves.
Soludo concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the former Super Eagles defender.
“Iloenyosi is carrying the aspiration of Anambra and the wider South-East, and he should know that he is not walking this road alone. He has the full backing of the government of Anambra State.”
With the backing of the Anambra State Government now firmly behind him, Chikelue Iloenyosi’s bid for the NFF Executive Committee is set for an increasingly significant contest as he seeks to give the South-East a stronger voice in Nigerian football administration.
