Nigeria Football Federation: All the decision made at the last Executive Committee explained

This piece is to explain the resolutions made at the last NFF Executive Committee and their implications.

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) met in Abuja on Monday, August 27 to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian football.

This piece is to explain the resolutions made at the meeting and their implications.

1. Praise for Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice Yemi Osinbajo got praises from the committee for his support for Amaju Pinnick-led NFF.

It was the presidency that intervened to reinstate Pinnick as NFF boss and sent a letter to FIFA to avoid a ban.

2. Commitment of Sponsors

The committee commended the commitment of sponsors during the leadership crisis that engulfed the NFF.

The situation was tensed when faction leader Chris Giwa backed by sports minister Solomon Dalung, took over as NFF boss citing an order from a Federal High Court in Jos.

The committee, however, pointed out the commitment and patience from sponsors and member of the NFF management during the impasse.

3. Super Eagles

 

All the focus of the NFF have now been directed to the Super Eagles 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania for Saturday, September 7.

It was also resolved that the foreign-based players will fly directly into Seychelles from their bases in Europe and China.

4. Home ground for Super Eagles

The NFF are searching for a new home for the Super Eagles and the Committee have mandated the Technical and Development Committee to work with the Strategy Committee to come with a definite venue for Nigeria’s home game against Libya in October.

Nigeria will host Libya in the Matchday three of AFCON 2019 qualifiers.

5. Reps for CAF Competitions

The NFF are working towards reaching a resolution on how to select Nigeria’s representatives for CAF competitions.

CAF have given Nigeria until October 15 to submit names of her representatives for next season’s Champions League and Confederation Cup.

First and second teams in the Nigeria Professional football League (NPFL) qualify for the CAF Champions League while the third-place team go for the CAF Confederation Cup.

But the NPFL on break, the NFF say they will have to find a way to choose Nigeria’s reps for CAF competitions next season.

6. NPFL and Aiteo Cup

The committee also mandated the League Management Company (LMC) and NFF Football Committee to meet to explore strategies on how to continue with the NPFL season and ensure a seamless Aitoe Cup Competition.

7 Super Falcons Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) campaign

 

The Committee also deliberate on the Super Eagles and resolved that no stone will be left unturned to ensure a successful campaign for Nigeria.

The Super Falcons are the defending champions of the AWCON after winning the title in 2016.

8. Golden Eaglets

Nigeria’s U-17 were in focus during the meeting as the Committee resolved the Technical Committee to work hard towards the qualification campaign for the 2019 U-17 AFCON campaign.