Looking ahead to next 12 months (1)

On Wednesday, at a short but interesting interactive session with members of the FCT SWAN, the question was raised as to what a ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket would mean to the present NFF administration.The atmosphere became enlivened. Seated with me were two members of the Executive Committee – Chief Emeka Inyama […]

On Wednesday, at a short but interesting interactive session with members of the FCT SWAN, the question was raised as to what a ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket would mean to the present NFF administration.
The atmosphere became enlivened. Seated with me were two members of the Executive Committee – Chief Emeka Inyama and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu. There was also the General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu. Each one of them smiled at the question.
Indeed, there is absolutely no doubt that the biggest thing to chase for the Nigeria Football Federation in the next one year is the FIFA World Cup ticket, plus an impressive performance by the Super Eagles, champions of Africa, at the finals in Brazil.
Every player wants to be at the FIFA World Cup finals, that is what the media talks about almost everyday. But in truth, it is not only every player; every Coach, every Referee, every Administrator, wants to be at the FIFA World Cup finals.
How great it feels to be at the helm of the Nigeria Football Federation when the Super Eagles lifted the Africa Cup of Nations, for the first time in 19 years and for only the second time ever on away ground (following triumph at home in 1980 and away in Tunisia in 1994). How great it feels to be at the helm when the Super Falcons won the African Women Championship in South Africa in 2010; when the Flying Eagles won the African Youth Championship in South Africa in 2011; when the Super Eagles were awarded glittering trophies for winning friendly matches against Argentina, Catalonia and South Africa.
How great it feels to be here when the Falconets reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the Super Falcons won their first match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 12 years. How great it feels to be on this seat when the first-ever permanent home, world-class headquarters of the NFF was unveiled.
How great it feels to be in this position when the Super Eagles won their first-ever ticket to participate in the African Nations Championship. How great it feels that it is during our time that the idea of home-based professionals being used as mere training materials in the senior national team camp became a thing of the past. How great it feels that despite the unprecedented distractions and legal tussles of the first one-third of the journey, the NFF has been able to rack up so many achievements and accomplishments dwarfing most previous administrations.
How great it feels to be here at a time that the Nigeria Football Federation has a most positive and warm relationship with the National Sports Commission, which can only lead to more achievements and accomplishments within the next one year.
How great it feels to be here at a time that the NFF has been able to develop a strong relationship and rapport with Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions abroad, with the attendant benefits for all our National Teams and representative teams playing abroad.
How great it feels to be at the helm at a time the NFF is looking up to great things, such as the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy, a ticket to the FIFA World Cup and a new attitude entirely to the women’s game.
How great it is to be here and play a key role in the institution of a focused body to run the affairs of the Nigeria Premier League, in the name of the League Management Company, which absolute professionalism, direction, diligence, painstaking, thoroughness and fairness has been commended by all stakeholders.
How great it is to be here at a period that Nigeria football is looking to achieve so many great things at the same time, and climbing new heights without any fear of height.
Yet, as our amiable Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, had cause to observe some months ago, during a meeting with the leadership of the NFF and Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, nothing will top a ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals. Except, perhaps the Eagles win the trophy in Brazil.
Today, the Super Eagles take a step closer to Brazil as they confront the Flames of Malawi in the final match of the group phase of the African series. The African champions need only a draw to qualify for the final elimination round, where they will be drawn to play another group winner on home-and-away format to determine the five teams that will represent Africa in Brazil.
We take today’s match seriously, and wholeheartedly appeal to all Nigerians to support the Super Eagles in this match, and in the two other matches that are remaining before we confirm our place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.
Up Super Eagles! Up Nigeria!
NEXT WEEK: Looking Ahead To Next 12 Months (2)