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Former Super Eagles striker, Benedict Akwuegbu has promised to fashion a distinct football philosophy for all the national teams and return the country to the world stage if elected as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation.
It will be recalls that the former international declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) few weeks ago following the resignation of President Ibrahim Gusau and the entire Executive Committee, with FIFA, CAF and the National Sports Commission working towards a Normalisation Committee.
Akwuegbu, known as the ‘Austrian Bomber’ during his playing days, told Blueprint Sports over the weekend at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja that his decision was driven by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for two consecutive World Cup tournaments despite the abundance of talents in the country.
“I’m offering myself to serve Nigeria again, not as a player this time but as the President of Nigeria Football Federation. It’s painful that the country failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cup tournaments despite the pool of talents at our disposal. Things must have to be done differently to forestall a repeat, which is why I’m contesting,” Akwuegbu said.
The former Grazer AK and RC Lens forward unveiled a five-point agenda built around youth development, welfare of ex-internationals, transparency and integrity, the World Cup dream, and “Grassroots to Glory”.
Central to his blueprint is the creation of a Nigerian football philosophy that will define how national teams play from U-17 to Super Eagles. The way Dutch played their football is different from the German while Brazil, Argentina, Spain and several other countries have their own unique style of playing. We cannot continue to perambulate without a distinct style that will distinguish us” he said
Akwuegbu insisted Nigeria must return to merit-based, professional structures.
“We have to go back to the days when things are done professionally and on merit There must be boundaries in the national team. Players that play in Dubai, in second division teams in Europe cannot play for the national team,” he said, adding that his focus would be on grassroots development and a league that can produce Super Eagles players.
“I believe that we can bring the first-ever World Cup to Nigeria. We have the talent to rule the world,” he added.
Akwuegbu pointed to his administrative experience with Heartland FC, Mighty Jets and Plateau United, as well as owning three functioning football clubs and academies in Owerri, Mbaise and other parts of the country. 4966
He holds a degree in Mental Health and a Master’s degree in Nursing, which he says combines with his football and administrative exposure.
His ambition has received backing from his immediate constituency PFAN, and from stakeholders including former Super Eagles coach Chief Godwin Koko Uwua with several internationals led by the likes of Chikelue Iloenyosi and Nwankwo Kanu rooting and backing his candidacy.
Akwuegbu called for a transparent, credible and merit-based electoral process, insisting that competence and experience should determine the next leader of Nigerian football.
He also promised that at the right time he would publish his full blueprint for public scrutiny, saying his administration would prioritize local leagues, academies, referees and coaches administration.
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