Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has been described as disappointing, considering all the available indices in favour of Nigeria in the last two matches of the qualifiers against the Black Stars of Ghana, and that has been blamed on lack of focus by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Speaking to newsmen in Ilorin over the weekend, the Chairman of Kwara Ladies United Football Club, Mallam Mohammed Jimoh Daudu said that fundamental variables have been either neglected or abandoned by the football controlling body in the country, especially, the grassroots football and the leagues.
“It’s disappointing for Nigeria not to be at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar considering our pedigree in the round leather game in the continent and beyond, and this is because our administrators are not focused.
He blamed the over reliance on imported foreign players at the detriment of the home-based players who understands African football and the mentality around and surrounding it, and who knows what is really at stake at any point in time.
“We have talented players in the country, especially in the league. I am not saying the imported foreign players are not Nigerians, after all, they are also good, but African football is quite different. A mixture of both breeds, like we used to have before now should have been sustained.
He also pointed out that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development equally identified that the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify was a manifestation of the failure of the league which has failed to serve as feeder for national home-based players to make the national team.
He however, advocated for change in leadership of the NFF, pointing out that some of those in charge have no doubt, overstayed their welcome, and have nothing more to offer.
“Almost every Nigerian, especially football followers want Amaju Pinnick and his lieutenants to leave. We are tired of them, and needs fresh blood. We need those that will help our football to grow from the grassroots and improve on our leagues, to come on board.
“And that’s why I will want to drum support for the current Chairman of the Abuja FA, Adam Mouktar Mohammed, to be the next President of the NFF. He has continued to add value to football development in the FCT, and he can do it with Nigeria.
“Thank God Pinnick has said that he will not run for third term in the September 2022 elections, and we do hope he will keep his promises. The best man for the job is Adam Mouktar Mohammed. He has done a lot in developing football at the grassroots, and he is a man that will get majority support all over”, he said.
Among the achievements of Adams, according to him are the renovations of Area Three pitch and Bwari Area Council Mini Stadium, sponsorship of over 150 coaches to National Institute for Sports (NIS) and been instrumental to the introduction Tiki-Taka programme in the country.
Adams was also said to have built Stadium in Jigawa state.
