Delta Governor Charges Football Administrators to Prioritize National Interest

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged football administrators in Nigeria to put the interest of the country first before any other considerations while making decisions concerning the game of football.

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor made the call on Friday, October 4, 2024, in Asaba while declaring open, the 80th annual general assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

He thanked the NFF for choosing Delta as the venue for the meeting noting that the state is peaceful and Deltans are receptive of visitors.

“We know the role the round leather game plays in Nigeria; Nigeria is a football-loving country, so, you are aware of the enormous burden on you all as the decision-makers for millions of Nigerians who are lovers of the game of football.

“Yes!  Football is beyond the everyday sporting event, it has become a strong unifying game for Nigeria and Nigerians, football has no age, religious, political, ethnic, social or geographical barrier in our country, this is why I call on you today to put the interest of the country first in taking decisions concerning the game of football, look beyond the ball, and see the joy or sadness that will be on the faces of Nigerians because of your decisions or indecision concerning the game of football,” the governor said.

The governor continued, “on behalf of the government and the good people of Delta State, I welcome you all to the sports city of Asaba, the peaceful capital city of our dear state, Delta.

“I feel very happy to be in your midst today to address this august body, an assemblage of football administrators and stakeholders from different parts of our country who are here for the Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“To most of you, Asaba is not new to you as we are football loving people; generally, we are sports lovers as you can attest to with our state continuing its winning streak at the national sports festival and other sporting competitions.

“Just last month, Delta bagged 111 medals to win for the 8th consecutive time, the National Youths Games.

“Also, the Stephen Keshi Stadium is a FIFA approved stadium for international football matches and the Super Eagles have played football matches severally at the stadium.

“As a government, we are not only developing our sports facilities across the state, we are also committed to encouraging our youths in particular to engage in sporting activities.

“Just yesterday, the third edition of the annual Zenith Bank/Delta Headmasters’ Football Competition kicked-off in Asaba; this competition is for primary schools across the state while the Principals Cup is for secondary schools in the state.

Delta State Deputy Governor Sir. Monday Onyeme (middle) Minister of Sports Mr. John Owan Enoh (left) and the President of Nigeria football federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau during the 80th Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria football federation held at Unity Hall Government House Asaba on Friday, October 4, 2024

“In a lot of ways, these competitions have enabled us to catch them young, and nurture them to be football stars.

“Asaba is peaceful, Deltans are generally receptive and accommodating, so, feel free, find time to go round the town, visit our tourists sites, the Mungo Park House, Lander Brothers’ Anchorage, the Film Village and Mariam Babangida Park, among others; and do enjoy our delicacies – Ofe Nsala and Pounded Yam, Owo and Starch, among others.”

The governor wished members of NFF fruitful deliberation.

Representative of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr Amaju Pinnick urged members of the NFF to be united and love one another for the overall development of football in the country.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would qualify for the world cup as well as the Nation’s Cup.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh at the occasion, said that President Ahmed Tinubu has remained committed to the development of sports and most especially the development of football in the country.

He observed that the NFF was the biggest platform where matters concerning football were discussed as well as appraisal of previous performance and ways forward.

The Minister appreciated the enormous task in the development of football in the country, and tasked members of the NFF to be serious with the business of qualifying the national team for the 2026 world cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He urged members of the NFF to be deliberate in pursuit of success, bearing in mind that a conducive atmosphere was provided for the NFF.