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By Emma Njoku
As Nigerians look forward to the constitution of a new board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), more stakeholders have queued behind ex-Super Eagles striker, Benedict Akwuegbu, to emerge as the president of the nation’s apex football governing body.
The latest ex-footballers rooting for the Imo State-born ex-international, whose exploits in the Austrian League earned him the sobriquet “Austrian Bomber”, as the new president of the NFF are Sam Pam Jnr and Danjuma Isandu. Both veterans of the round leather game believe that Akwuegbu has what it takes to revive Nigerian football.
Sam Pam Jnr, who played for the defunct BCC Lions of Gboko, Leventis United of Ibadan, and Orlando Pirates of South Africa, said Akwuegbu would guarantee a successful NFF if surrounded by other credible veterans like Segun Odegbami (MON), Adokiye Amiasimaka (MON) and others.
He said, “Akwuegbu is very reliable, and credible. He has been taking care of retired players, apart from investing millions of naira on the development of players and coaches. He has been part of football long after his playing career. This is the best chance for footballers to be in charge of football administration. So we must give total support to our veterans”.
Also, former star of defunct JIB Rocks, Mighty Jets of Jos player and the current Assistant General Manager of Plateau United FC, Danjuma Island, expressed confidence in Akwuegbu’s ability to turn the fortunes of Nigerian football around. Isandu said Akwuegbu would bring his wealth of experience to bear in running Nigerian football, having plied his trade in Asia, Germany, and France in his heyday as a professional player.
The ex-captain of Plateau United said: “Nigeria is blessed with veterans who can take us out of the present football wilderness. Apart from the blood, sweat, and energy to win for Nigeria, Ben Akwuegbu is fully tested and trusted by the young and old stakeholders.
He is not selfish or radical. He is humble and attentive. He is well respected for his discipline and professionalism. He achieved a lot as a player and has done extremely well in managing his several clubs, football academies as well as coaches and stakeholders nationwide”.
