The First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi yesterday formally declared his intention to contest for the Presidential position of the football body and promise to restructure Nigerian Football to International Standard.
Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi who is the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, made this known at the ceremony held yesterday in Abuja.
He said his mission is to reposition the game in the country and return it to the enviable position it enjoyed in the past on the continent and the world.
According to him, “I want to bring my experience as NFF Vice President for 8 years to play as I settle into office.I am coming in to restore those glorious days when Nigeria used to be respected in the comity of football playing nations in Africa and the world.
“I will give priority to grassroots development so as to find replacement for the ageing players so that no gap will be left in the process of growing the sport again,” he said.
He also said he will also focus on a good marketing drive to support the various national teams as well as clubsides in their activities both locally and on the international scene.
In his words:
“I intend to achieve my vision and action plans for Nigeria Football upliftment through a four key growth driven plan of Business of Football, Development, Infrastructure, and Technology,”
“I detest mismanagement of public funds and I promise to run a transparent administration accountable to the people. I will ensure that funds are appropriated and channeled for the right use.”
“Every decision I will take as President of the NFF will be in the interest of football. I’ll ensure that we start the process or processes of inclusion. Football first is not just a slogan, it is what is in my heart and that is the first thing I will pledge,”
“Every facet of football, wherever they may be, no matter how aggrieved they are, no matter how many factions they are, I will start the process of healing and conviction and I assure you that no matter the differences, within the next few months – the maximum is six months – everything that has been dividing us in terms of structural division will be solved. I guarantee you that.” Barr. Akinwunmi said.