So you thought it was only Segun Odegbami? Well Mr Segun is
still ‘appropriate’ for the job, considering he has been in the line almost all
his life, but then what about Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu,
YES, he is also running the race. Are you laughing? Why? Ok hold on, pause and
read this first. Read what APFON (The Association of Professional Footballers
of Nigeria) has to say to Chief Kalu. ‘Wicked’ people hitting the nail on the
head, oh dear! Continue…
The Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria
[APFON] have declared their ‘total support’ for the candidature of Segun
Odegbami to run for the FIFA Presidency even as they have called on Orji Uzor
Kalu, the other Nigerian also in the race to step down.
[APFON] have declared their ‘total support’ for the candidature of Segun
Odegbami to run for the FIFA Presidency even as they have called on Orji Uzor
Kalu, the other Nigerian also in the race to step down.
The umbrella body for active and retired players in the
country argue that Odegbami is better qualified to contest for the exalted
position and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerian and Africans as a
whole.
country argue that Odegbami is better qualified to contest for the exalted
position and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerian and Africans as a
whole.
APFON Secretary, Austin Popo, told Premium Times in Lagos
that in terms of successes in business and politics, Kalu stands over and above
Odegbami but when it comes to football, the former Abia governor is miles behind
the ex-Green Eagles skipper.
that in terms of successes in business and politics, Kalu stands over and above
Odegbami but when it comes to football, the former Abia governor is miles behind
the ex-Green Eagles skipper.
He said: “APFON like to acknowledge Orji Uzor Kalu for his
contribution to governance in Abia State, his successes in business and his
role with Enyimba when he was governor.
contribution to governance in Abia State, his successes in business and his
role with Enyimba when he was governor.
“However, this is football matter that requires a person
vast in the game and its affairs. This time it is not about money.”
vast in the game and its affairs. This time it is not about money.”
Mr. Popo, while admitting that Kalu also has the right to
contest for the FIFA top seat, pointed out that Odegbami would not struggle for
a business or politics related position with the ex governor hence he should do
what is ‘right’
contest for the FIFA top seat, pointed out that Odegbami would not struggle for
a business or politics related position with the ex governor hence he should do
what is ‘right’
“Kalu should give way please for the sake of Nigeria, the
generations of football players that have served and serving the country and
the entire youths of the country. We appeal to him to give up his ambition and
support the man who embodies football through and through,” the APFON scribe
submitted.
generations of football players that have served and serving the country and
the entire youths of the country. We appeal to him to give up his ambition and
support the man who embodies football through and through,” the APFON scribe
submitted.
On their part, former Nigerian players Ganiyu Ajide and
Tajudeen Disu appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation to give Odegbami the
necessary backing to support his ambition as the country will definitely
benefit in the return.
Tajudeen Disu appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation to give Odegbami the
necessary backing to support his ambition as the country will definitely
benefit in the return.
A long list of achievements by Odegbami which sells him as a
better candidate was also reeled out by the AFCON executives who revealed that
they already have the Trade Union Congress support and would be writing to
relevant government bodies including the Senate, House of Reps and Presidency
in the coming days to further drum support for their preferred candidate.
better candidate was also reeled out by the AFCON executives who revealed that
they already have the Trade Union Congress support and would be writing to
relevant government bodies including the Senate, House of Reps and Presidency
in the coming days to further drum support for their preferred candidate.
FIFA is expected to conduct fresh polls in March 2016 to
elect a new president to replace Sepp Blatter.
elect a new president to replace Sepp Blatter.
Just like Odegbami, ex-footballers like Luis Figo and Michel
Platini have shown interest in becoming the next FIFA boss.
Platini have shown interest in becoming the next FIFA boss.
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