We plan to revolutionise Nigerian football, says Emeruwa

Christian Emeruwa

• LMC will give way for more effective league management system Nigeria’s football architecture needs total restructuring if the country must meet the demands of the modern era, Head, CAF’s Safety and Security Department, Christian Emeruwa, has said.

Emeruwa, who affirmed that the country has the human and material resources to rank among the best football playing nations of the world, said what Nigerian football lacks, currently, is proper planning and the will to do the tough, but right things.

Speaking in Lagos while unveiling his campaign for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presidency, Emeruwa said the current strategy and vision of the country’s football is inconsistent and no longer fit for purpose.

“The time for change is now. Football is a powerful instrument that we have failed to utilise in Nigeria. It is unfortunate that the NFF has become a beggarly organisation that does not give anything back to the society. That is what we want to change.

“We have to push and break boundaries. Transparency, accountability, careful planning and a growth that creates opportunities for all stakeholders is what I am offering Nigeria,” he said.

Emeruwa described football as a powerful tool, which, however, cannot be effective without activities. According to the former head of NFF’s Integrity Unit, “Nigeria is too big a nation to be made to look like a joke by poor management.”

To change the narrative, he said his administration would ensure that only the best available coach is employed to handle the national team, adding that no player will be invited to the national team if he has not proved that he is the best in his position.

“Our statute will be reviewed to accommodate the dynamism of football.