Maigari Why NFF has no target for Eagles

How prepared is the Super Eagles for Brazil 2014?As far as I am concerned, we have put almost everything in place. The federation is working day in day out. Everything is going on smoothly between the technical committee and the coaches. In addition, we have lined up three Grade A matches for the Super Eagles […]

How prepared is the Super Eagles for Brazil 2014?
As far as I am concerned, we have put almost everything in place. The federation is working day in day out. Everything is going on smoothly between the technical committee and the coaches. In addition, we have lined up three Grade A matches for the Super Eagles as part of preparations for the World Cup proper. And in terms of hotel accommodation and every other movement from here to England, to the USA where we are going to have two international friendly matches and to Brazil, all necessary arrangements have been concluded. All we are waiting for is the commencement of the World Cup. So in a nutshell, as far as Brazil 2014 is concerned, we have put almost everything in place for the team.
Is there any target from the NFF to the Super Eagles?
Usually we don’t put undue pressure on our coaches and players but we believe this time around, we hope to reach where every Nigerian will be happy with our performance. We believe in the team, we believe in the coaches and every Nigerian that is contributing to the success of the team. God’s willing we are going to witness a turn around at the tournament but we have no specific target. Our target is to do well and make every Nigerian very happy.
Before the 30-man list was announced, was there any disagreement between Coach Stephen Keshi and the NFF?
No! no!!, there was never a point in time that any disagreement ensued between the NFF technical committee and the coaches. We always work harmoniously. We all know the importance of working hand in hand. So I think the coach was not ready then. He demanded for enough time to make up his list which the committee obliged and he was happy with the extension. The list was not something we would rush. It was for him alone to select the players and bring the final list for discussion with the committee. There was never a time we had any disagreement.
How far with your budget for the World Cup?. Has money been released to you?
The federal government which you know is our biggest financer. As you must have heard, our President and number one supporter, His Excellency, Jonathan Goodluck who has demonstrated enough commitment to this World Cup project has since approved our budget.  Even though prosecuting the World Cup is capital intensive, I don’t think we are going to have issues with the budget. We are looking forward to having the funds released. But like I keep saying funds will not be an issue.
Elections into the NFF board will hold immediately after the World Cup. Will you be seeking a second term?
Election is not part of my agenda now. I am very much concerned about what is before us. My immediate concern is for Eagles to succeed in Brazil. I want everyone to know that Nigeria was at the World Cup and we did something that no other African country ever did in the history of African football. This is my dream. I want to see this dream come to reality. Maybe when the time comes, if I am alive, I can decide. But for now, I am not thinking about election. You know we have to pray to even get to that place. Let us focus on what is before us. We don’t want to be in Brazil just to add number to the teams. I want Eagles to perform wonders in Brazil.
Although you are yet to make up your mind, you have received so many endorsements from the zones. How happy are you with this development?
Like any other human being, I feel great. They are only appreciating my effort and that of the board as a whole. Like I keep saying, it is a collective effort. Aminu Maigari is not doing it alone. I have my colleagues on the board, highly motivated and competent secretariat staff as well as other relevant stake-holders to thank for these achievements. It is a process that is driven by almost everybody. So such endorsements are welcomed because I am convinced we merit them. I am very much motivated with the endorsements but I am challenged also to go and do more in taking Nigerian football to the next level. However, like I said, our attention for now is on the World Cup.
Apart from the trophies, what other achievements would you say Nigerian football has recorded under you?
We have achieved so much even in terms of welfare of the staff. The secretariat is being run in accordance with international best practices. Furthermore, we now boast of a befitting secretariat which we hope to occupy soon. Of course we never had it this good. God answered our prayers by giving us the secretariat which is one of the biggest achievements. Anybody who comes within and outside the country will be happy to see where football in Nigeria is being administered. You will also agree with me that Nigerian football is enjoying so much peace at the moment. The family is united. Almost all the crises that bedevilled us from the beginning have fizzled out providing enabling environment for the present board to thrive.
You said at the inception of your administration, there were lots of crises. How were you able to weather the storm?
It is a matter of carrying people along. Some people felt slighted because they felt ignored. They felt they had a lot to contribute but were not given enough attention. The fact is that we are not here because we are the best to run Nigerian football. So we try to take everybody along. We are willing to listen to criticisms and make corrections where necessary. People who have genuine contributions to make are always welcome.
Is it true that you had over 30 court cases to contend with when you came into office as NFF president?
You cannot avoid court cases. I had never been to any court until I became NFF president.  When I came in, I had over 30 court cases. But by the special grace of God, I can say today we are either having none or just one which is a simple case. Like I keep saying Nigeria is a big football playing country and we remain committed to lifting the country. God has done away with all the distractions making it possible for us to record so many victories that have brought joy and happiness to Nigerians. This is the first board that the President has hosted time and time again.
In concrete terms, how much support has your board enjoyed from the present government?
You see we have enjoyed special support from Mr. President. He hosted us several times like no other President. He visited the Super Eagles within and outside the country. He was in Ethiopia and addressed the players. After his address, our boys went all out and won the match in Ethiopia. Before then, he created time despite his tight schedule to come and visit the Super Eagles during a training session before our match against Liberia. That is the best motivation. I think we have enjoyed maximum support from Mr. President. We are still enjoying his presidential blessings.
What legacies do you hope to leave for Nigerian football?
We intend to have solid male and female national teams to be able to say every single team is good enough to confront any team in the world. We have a befitting football house. The secretariat is better organised now. We are now enjoying good working relationship in the secretariat.  Our staff are not complaining.
What do you have to say to Nigerians as the Eagles get set for the World Cup in Brazil?
Nigerians have been praying for us. They have been very supportive but this is a very special time. So they should not relent in their support. They should continue to support the Super Eagles. Nobody should spare anything that will help in lifting the Eagles.