NFF: NSC must jettison regionalism to salvage Nigeria football – Onyeabor
Onyeabor, a former chairman of the Rangers International Enugu Committee on the Setting Up of Feeder Teams, emphasized the need for improved administration within Nigerian football to help the nation’s teams return to winning form. Speaking to journalists in Enugu over the weekend, he highlighted that the recent poor performances of Nigeria’s football teams had led to the resignation of members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board.
To foster progress, Onyeabor argued that the selection of new NFF leaders should focus on merit and competence rather than ethnicity. “Sports, particularly football, is a significant business worldwide,” he stated, underscoring the need for qualified individuals to manage the sport effectively.
Reflecting on the previous NFF administration, he noted, “The Nigerian Football Federation has faced serious challenges, and that can be attributed to a lack of managerial skill.” He cited the current leadership under Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau as experiencing a series of disappointing results since taking office.
Onyeabor criticized the approach of selecting football administrators based on their name recognition rather than their proven ability to deliver results. “You cannot equate a big name with effective management. Football is centered on results,” he remarked.
He urged the National Sports Commission to expand its search for qualified candidates beyond geographical confines, pointing out that capable individuals exist in all regions, including the South-East. He specifically mentioned Amobi Ezeaku, the manager of Rangers International, as a standout choice, given his successful track record in revitalizing the team.
“Football management is about records. We must assess individuals based on their achievements in previous positions,” Onyeabor said. He expressed confusion over the lack of consideration for promising candidates like Ezeaku and pointed out that Rangers International has gained a strong reputation under his management.
“The CEO interacts with players effectively, fostering a top-notch management environment that many local league players aspire to join,” he explained.
Onyeabor concluded by stressing the importance of recognizing and harnessing managerial talent in addition to identifying football players, stating, “It is imperative to move beyond regional biases in sports administration. This approach is long overdue.”
