Priscilla Maakuna
Peterside Idah, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper who is an aspirants seeking to succeed Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has told Congress members of the NFF that he would love to be held accountable for his agenda, manifesto and they can impeach him if he fail to fulfill his promises.
The National Football Federation election is scheduled to hold on the September 30 by the Elective Congress of the NFF billed for Benin City, Edo State.
While formally declaring interest in the NFF plum job at the Nicon Noga Hotel, Abuja, Idah said that if elected, he would ensure the provision of funds to the various State Football Associations in Nigeria to help them enhance grassroots football development.
“Grassroots is the basic rock on which our football development stands. My administration will lay emphasis on that and provide funds to get it back on stream,” Idah stated.
Idah reiterated that if elected, his tenure as the NFF President, will bring to an end the era of state FAs’ Chairmen running, cap-in-hand, to Abuja to solicit money.
“You cannot come to Abuja to look for money. I will bring the money to you down there in your various states,” the ex-BCC Lions of Gboko and Iwuanyanwu Nationale goaltender vowed.
Eagles Media Officer added: “My agenda for Nigerian Football will include a more inclusive and democratic NFF – developing the standard of the local leagues including the pro league and the third-tier league, NLO, as well as robust attention and focus on women’s football.
“My administration will also work towards establishing a world-class football centre at the national level.
“With the abundance of talents in Nigeria, all that is needed is a leader who will leverage it to make the world feel the impact of the country globally”.
Idah says he’s conversant with the football administrative system and is well positioned if elected to fix the country’s football problems.
He pledged to work with people at various football stakeholders, the government, corporate world, to restore the pride of Nigeria football.
“If I become the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, I will propose and undertake to establish a world-class football centre at the national level like Morocco’s Mohammed the 6th football centre that features world-class equipment and accommodation designed to develop high-achieving football stars.”
“Women’s football will be given the priority it deserves. I will work towards galvanising the women’s league by not only increasing the prize money for the eventual winners of the league but also actively seeking sponsorship for teams that are struggling to maintain their status in the league.
“We will work towards increasing TV coverage as well and seek sponsorships for all the clubs in the country.”
“No football club deserves to be in a position where they are unable to pay their players or afford to travel to away match venues”
“Nigeria deserves to benefit from the experiences and know-how of ex-footballers like myself.”
Idaho frowned at the situation where professionals from other fields of endeavours appear to take the centre stage in football matters while claiming to be more stakeholders in football than the former footballers.
“There will be funds for state football and affiliated associations; Registration scheme for ex-football internationals; introduction of TV rights and sponsorship packages, as well as developing grassroots football”.
“I mean every single word I’ve spoken. If I’m entrusted with the headship of Nigerian football, it will mean a new positive era for Nigerian Football.”