The men for NFF plum job

Among the contenders for the position which will hopefully be relinquished by Alhaji Aminu Maigari are sports administrators, former international players and a marketing guru.Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Mr. Dominic Iorfa, Alhaji Abba Yola, Mr. Pinnick Amanju, Mr. Shehu Dikko and Amanze Uchegbulam are those who are vying to lead Nigerian football.But what are the credentials […]

Among the contenders for the position which will hopefully be relinquished by Alhaji Aminu Maigari are sports administrators, former international players and a marketing guru.
Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Mr. Dominic Iorfa, Alhaji Abba Yola, Mr. Pinnick Amanju, Mr. Shehu Dikko and Amanze Uchegbulam are those who are vying to lead Nigerian football.
But what are the credentials of the men who want to be entrusted with the leadership of Nigerian football for the next four years? There is no doubt that all the contenders are recognisable football stakeholders with different strengths and weaknesses.
 Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former Secretary General of the then Nigeria Football Association and former international boasts of credentials that qualify him to vie for the plum job.
The present chairman of Osun FA played for IICC and the national team as well as managed many football clubs in the country before he was appointed head of the NFA secretariat during the tenure of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima as Chairman of NFA.
A former board member of the NFF under Sani Lulu Abdullahi, Ogunjobi’s has the knowledge and experience to lead NFF but he is still having a running battle in court over allegations of financial abuses levelled against him as a member of the Lulu NFF Executive Committee.
In addition, he was banned for 10 years by the Alhaji Aminu Maigari led board over his alleged handing of one of Nigeria player’s transfer deal but was recently freed by the same NFF board to pursue his presidential ambition.
Although he has hurdles to surmount, it is said his close affiliation with Lulu and his die hard supporters who are still members of the congress is a factor he is banking on to realise his ambition.
Another strong contender is Benue born former international and vice chairman of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa. After making a name in the colours of once dreaded Nigerian clubs like BCC Lions, Abiola Babes and Ranchers Bees, Iorfa left the shores of the country to play in almost all the continents that make up the world.
He played in England, Scotland, Turkey, Ireland, Belgium and China where he hung his boots. Renowned for his electric pace, he became a cult figure at many of the clubs he played for.
Iorfa a former member of the NFF is not new to football administration. He is one of the longest serving club chairmen in Nigeria and is very popular among football stakeholders.
With his playing career which spanned so many years across Europe and Asia, Iorfa comes to the contest with the necessary exposure, experience and knowledge to administer Nigerian football.
However, his major undoing may be his outspoken nature and the role he is said to have played in the impeachment of Sani Lulu in 2010. Furthermore, it is feared in some quarters that it would be difficult to ‘control’ the former Galatasary and Queens Park Rangers man, if he becomes NFF president. One thing that may work in his favour is the clarion call for a former international to lead Nigerian football.
Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick is another dynamic football administrator who is also a serious contender for the position. He is synonymous with Delta State football because he is the State FA Chairman and also oversees the affairs of Warri Wolves FC.
Although seen in some quarters are arrogant and highhanded, nobody can deny the fact that Pinnick is responsible for the ongoing sports revolution in Delta State.
Apart from the fact that the elective congress may hold in his home state which would be to his advantage, it is said he is enjoying the support of some powerful men in the National Sports Commission.
However, his major obstacle will be those members of the elective congress who feel strongly that he is haughty and overbearing.
Abba Yola, an astute sports administrator from Kano State spent over two decades in the ministry of sports where he held different positions. He retired from the National Sports commission, NSC, as Special Assistnat, technical, to former Director General, Chief Patrick Ekeji.
In that position, he was deeply involved in football administration and literally took charge of the secretariat of the Presidential Task Force on Super Eagles which the government of Late Umaru Yar’Adua set up to help coordinate Eagles 2010 World Cup participation.
On retirement, he was appointed Chairman of Kano Pillars football club and led the club to retain the Nigeria Premier League title before he was removed under highly controversial circumstances.
His knowledge of sports administration and vast understanding of the politics of Nigerian football may be of advantage but the fact that he is not within the caucus of the State FA chairmen may work against him.
In the coming contest, former NFF board member and Imo State FA chairman, Amanze Uchegbulam is not a pushover. He was one of the three powerful men during the reign of Sani Lulu.
Like Ogunjobi, he is also battling to clear his name in court over allegations of financial impropriety. Consequently, even as he is not less popular among stakeholders, his infamous roles in the past may come to haunt him.
The last but not the least is Shehu Dikko, who is said to be the anointed candidate of the out-going NFF president. Recent rumour has it that he is also enjoying the blessing of the NSC Director General, Gbenga Elegbeleye who wants to pay back his minister in his own coin.
This is the second time he will be running for the office and from all indications the member of the League management Company is enjoying the overwhelming support of the delegates across the nation.
A marketing guru, Dikko came to prominence in Nigerian football when he brokered the Globacom, Nigeria Premier League sponsorship during the time of Chief Oyuiki Obaseki.
 Since 2005, he has been driving all NPL marketing and strategic development and has played prominent roles in the running of the game in the country with his membership of many committees in the NFF.
He is recognised by the organisers of the Soccerex Conference in London as among the 10 most important football personalities along with the Chairmen and chief executives of the Spanish, German, MLS, and French leagues attending the Soccerex London Forum 2006.
Although Dikko comes with impressive credentials and youthful vigour, he may be a victim of protest votes because his closeness to Maigari may not go down well with other camps. In case of any gang up, he may fail to realise his ambition.