September 16, (THEWILL) – Sequel to a presidential charge in June this year for the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to map out a decade-long blueprint for the revival of the country’s football fortunes, a 17-member committee of some of the country’s football minds has been formed.
The committee members include former famed internationals such as Segun Odegbami, Sunday Oliseh, Adokiye Amiesimaka and Emmmanuel Babayaro.
The list also includes other members like Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima and Honourable Ayo Omidiran, who have experienced football at the administrative level in the country and have the knowledge upon which to draw as they take on the presidential responsibility of producing such a blueprint.
THEWILL recalls that in June, while receiving Sunday Dare and Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) respectively, President Muhammadu Buhari had said:
‘‘I want to see Nigeria’s football develop and move in a more dynamic trajectory from football administration to youth and grassroots football, talent hunt and use of Nigeria’s home-based talents.
‘‘Nigeria also needs a more privatised and better-organised football regime that can rival others in Europe and America.’’
This led Buhari to urge the NFF to synergise with the sports ministry and football stakeholders in the country to provide Nigeria with a 10-year football master plan that will ensure youth football development, in line with FIFA’s commitment.
At the moment, there is no official date of commencement. This and other relevant information will come in due time, according to the sports ministry.
Full list of members of the committee members:
1. Emmanuel Babayaro
2. Sunday Oliseh
3. Chief Olusegun Odegbami(MON)
4. Mr. Ikeddy Isiguzo
5. Barrister Adokiye Amiesimaka(MON)
6. Barrister Musa Amadu
7. Dr. Bode Durotoye (Ministry Rep)
8. John Opubor (NESG. Rep. OPS)
9. Hon. Ayo Omidiran
10. Mr. Ogbu Augustine Ojiabor
11. Tobechukwu Okigbo(MTN)
12. Ade Ojeikere
13. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima
14. Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi(SG NFF)
15. Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta
16. Mr. Yemi Idowu
17. Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
