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The World Cup has
taught us many lessons but these lessons have to be transmuted into
improving the game and providing a platform for growth. At this moment-
Now Focus Fully (NFF) on the NFF should be the motto. The NFF have been
at it for ages, we all know that; but this latest act of overseeing
Nigeria perform woefully in South Africa was the final straw that broke
enough important people’s backs to catalyse a change, albeit only in
leadership of the inept NFF board. Like many other like-minded
Nigerians desirous of true change in the NFF, I howled at the
President’s proclamation and initially proclaimed to whoever I
discussed with that the effects would damage and retard our football by
many years and result in more harm than good. After discussing with a
few well-placed Nigerians, I am certainly better informed about the
politics that went on behind the scenes to actualise the removal of the
autocratic trio that represent only a tip of the iceberg.

Background

Recent events have
only reemphasized what we have been demanding for decades. Mumini
Alao’s ‘Soccer Talk’ articles of July 7 and 14 as well as his 2008
publication compiling “Soccer Talk” between 1996-2008 is a veritable
reference for confirmation that history is simply repeating itself. A
succinct look at the touted greatest democracy in the world can shed
more light. America’s status originated from the transparent collective
yearning and efforts of the legendary Founding Fathers to first call a
Constitutional Convention in 1787 that resulted in a constitution that
served as the backbone for United States of America we know today.
Though Nigeria as a collective is still in the throes of developing a
Constitution that is generally acceptable to all, it is the
constitution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) we are focusing
on.

The stark reality
is that all we are going through now; i.e. condemning football
administration, rejoicing over the removal of an NFA board, as well as
listening to countless repeated recommendations to overhaul the system
is just a multiple repetition of the past thirteen years or so. This
was harshly brought home to me in detail again. In truth, from
journalists to the average Nigerian, to our leadership, we all bear
collective responsibility for the malaise depriving us from enjoying
the benefits in terms of development and ‘real’ success, not
questionable underage victories, of a properly run Football Federation.
The Eagles’ (whom I haven’t referred to as ‘Super’ for about two years)
recent fiasco and removal of ‘the trio’ has provided a platform for
genuine reform by the remaining NFF executive members, minister of
sports, and the president if they legitimately desire to move our
football forward.

Way forward

Current statutes
are filled with loopholes and have mostly been subjected to an
inexhaustible range of interpretations by various individuals pursuing
ulterior motives except the establishment and development of the game
in Nigeria. That should have been the focal point of the just concluded
NFF Congress. Unfortunately the congress only focused on ratifying the
removal of the infamous trio that headed the NFF until recently. Whilst
their removal is most welcome, it was only the very tip of a monstrous
iceberg that was a smokescreen to cover up the structural rot the NFF
has become. However, the soon-to-be-elected NFF executive has been
presented with a unique opportunity to make history; as the board which
in collaboration with selected but acceptable Nigerians, the sports
minister, and President Goodluck Jonathan, selflessly took the
necessary bold steps to bring about genuine change. This can be
achieved by jointly producing an amended draft of the NFF Constitution
within two months of election into office (i.e. by October 2010). That
would provide the foundation for proper debate and public contribution
for a month (or two) before being finally adopted as the “New NFF
Constitution” immediately after. I dare say if they achieve this (and
they can) and it leads to the kind of NFF board Nigerians have been
looking forward to, and should, Nigerians will never forget them and it
will tell when votes are needed.

My suggestions

No Constitution is
perfect for each individual it covers whether it is for a family,
organisation or country and is usually considered a permanent
work-in-view. However, the fundamentals would be structurally sound and
generally acceptable, that is what the current NFF Constitution must
urgently address. Permit me to pick a few I consider acutely essential.

1.Remove the
clauses that presently place near absolute powers in the personae of
the NNF President/NFA Chairman. To ourselves be true. The current
statutes are dictatorial and autonomous favour any incumbent Chairman
to interpret selfishly. The acting chairman just resumed office and
should not (yet) be tempted enough to look away from leading the charge
for change under ‘supervision’ by the minister.

2.Introduce the
submission of detailed plans (or manifestoes) prior to campaigning for
office by which elected officers will be held accountable by Nigerians
and those responsible for voting them into office. This must not
include “qualifying Nigeria for every FIFA/CAF competition because that
should be a given.

3.Introduce proper
checks and balances which include an appraisal system for periodic
reviews of performance on submitted plans; say every 2 years with the
proviso of calling elections if boards are classified as non-performing.

4.Limit the number
of times incumbents can contest for office to a maximum of two 3-year
terms. That is enough time to serve the country and leave a mark if
there is focus.

5.Create a platform that (increasingly) gets people with genuine
intentions into the NFF. The current system segregates and discourages
non-politicians, suitable enthusiastic and dedicated technocrats, and
relevantly experienced people, but most importantly does not allow the
country enjoy the crème of the skills we have on offer. I am sure my
suggestions are only a few of many Nigerians would like to make. I am
sure if they achieve these five, and they can, Nigerian football will
be better placed for the future.