It is widely known that Nigeria operates a topsy-turvy system. But this derided attitude concerns domestic matters mostly. Once it is on the global scene, Nigerian functionaries get forced to toe the line. The federal government in Abuja has announced its recognition of the Executive committee led by Amaju Pinnick as the authentic leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. A report said that Mr. Laolu Akande, Special Assistant to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, announce this last Monday.
The announcement which was made a few minutes before the 12 p.m. deadline given by the World football governing body, FIFA, for the resolution of the leadership tussle in the NFF, said the government had already informed FIFA of the decision. The report said the government assured that it would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders involved to resolve dispute in a timely manner.
The federal government also declared that it would uphold all NFF treaty obligations to FIFA.
It will be recalled that FIFA had warned last week that it would suspend Nigeria from global football activities if it failed to comply with its instructions by noon on Monday. In a statement by its Media Office, FIFA said it had been notified about the tussle in the NFF and it described the development as “undue interference in the affairs of the football federation’’.
It warned Nigeria to ensure that the NFF offices in Abuja are occupied by the Amaju Pinnick faction of the federation’s Congress by Monday. The offices had been occupied at different times by both the Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa factions.
Now that there are sighs of relief among Nigerian football fans and well-meaning officials of the Sports Ministry, it is hoped that the real process of reconciliation will begin. It is then that quiet can return to the Glass House.
