No doubt Nigerian Football is gradually crumbling. For instance the Super Eagles failed to reach two editions of the African Cup of Nations, (AFCON) and the Flying Eagles crashed out of the 20th editions of 2017 U-20 AFCON tournament. Again, the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are around the corner, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to hire a competent coach for the Super Eagles. The fear for millions of Nigerians and lovers of the round leather game is that more gloom awaits Nigerian football.
But the good news is that the visit of FIFA president, Gianni Infantino to Nigeria could spring up doors of opportunities for Nigerian football and Africa.
Amid the downtime currently seen in Nigerian football, for the first time in a long while, a sitting FIFA president visited Nigeria, Africa’s biggest football house, a gesture seen by many as a big millstone if our football administrators can explore the opportunities.
But the question remains what impact Gianni Infantino’s visit will have on Nigerian football?
For over two years, there has been serious internal wrangling in the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. NFF president Amaju Pinnick has been at loggerheads with factional president, Chris Giwa as regards the office of the president of Nigerian football.
Here, I critically analyzed the possible benefits Infantino’s 2-day visit will have on Nigerian football.
Restoration of peace at NFF
One big advantage of the FIFA boss’ visits is that it will definitely put to rest the long battle between Pinnick and Giwa over the office of the NFF president. His visit will automatically be a big and official endorsement of Pinnick as the substantial NFF president.
During his stay, Infantino declared there was no crisis in the Nigerian football management as Amaju Pinnick who has been elected President is functioning.
“I don’t think there is any crisis in football management in Nigeria. There is an elected president in place and he is functioning. In a big country like Nigeria, you are bound to see opposition. That is what you see” Infantino said.
The World Football body had in April this year threatened to ban Nigeria if the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation is not quickly resolved.
A boost to Nigeria Football Development
Many have also argued that FIFA president shouldn’t have come to Nigeria at a time when Nigeria football has declined to the lowest.
Others openly question the benefits of Infantino’s visit to Nigeria football.
Again, I ask: does the state of Nigerian football warrant the visit of the FIFA head to Nigeria?
For me, the answer is No, for the fact that the country crashed out of the U-20 African Cup of Nation, AFCON and back to back failure to qualify for AFCON among other issues rocking the nations’ soccer sector are factors that should have discouraged Infantino from visiting Nigeria.
Rather, we should see his visit as a big opportunity and we should explore it to grow our football. If our football administrators, the NFF, LMC are up to the task in discharging their duties and responsibilities, it could also bring a massive turnaround to our football.
Perhaps, what motivated the 46-year old seasoned football administrator’s visit to Nigeria is the abundant talents in the country waiting to be harnessed. He strongly believes that Nigeria will get back to football heights if our football administrators take the right decisions, especially in grassroots football development, invest more in infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.
‘‘I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa. However, infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen, ’’ Infantino said.
Another break point for Infantino’s visit is that it will enhance the relationship between Nigeria and FIFA. During Sepp Blatter’s era as FiFA head, Nigeria football had never had it good; the nation on several occasions was issued ban threats and in 2014, Nigeria was banned from football activities during the tenure of Aminu Maigari as NFF president.
I also recall that after the 1994 USA FIFA World Cup, the nation’s senior national team, the Super Eagles was ranked 7th in the world. But since then, the brand has diminished to the lowest level.
Africa’s football giant, Nigeria dropped nine places to the 70th position in FIFA Ranking for July, released.
The ranking again showed how Nigerian football has degenerated as a result of poor administration an internal wrangling. The Super Eagles reached their best ranking for 2016 last month when they climbed to 61st, but have now dropped to a lowly 70th after a month of inactivity.
The three-time African champions now find themselves 16th in Africa while their FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia qualifying opponents, Algeria, are ranked tops in the continent and 32nd in the world.
The NFF should as a matter of urgency and for the sake of over twenty millions football loving Nigerians take Nigerian football to the top level where it once occupied.
ANTHONY NLEBEM
