Governing Bodies
Nigeria’s poor showing at CAF Awards underscores the assignment of Presidential Committee on Football Master Plan
The poor showing of Nigeria footballers in the short list of nominees for the African Football Awards has underscored the necessity for the Presidential Committee on the 10-year Football Development Masterplan which just concluded its sittings.
The completion of their work almost coincide with the release of nominees for African Awards later in July. Only two Nigerians made a combined list of 60 footballers.
The Nigerian national team and the clubs are glaring absentees in the list for teams, coaches and clubs.
The Nigerian Presidential Committee is headed by Ibrahim Galadima, a seasoned administrator and former Nigeria Football Association chairman.
In a statement released, Galadima stated that the document was ready on Tuesday and awaiting formal presentation to the Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Sunday Dare who was unavailable due to other official engagements.
“We have finished the assignment. We are waiting to submit the report,” Galadima. “There were speculations whether the Committee was still working or when it would conclude its assignment. We have conclude the assignment.”
He refused to give details of the report beyond saying, “The report is detailed, grounded on practical solutions to issues across football and its sustained development. Being a masterplan its focus is not only in the immediate”.
The government, Alhaji Galadima said, was in the best position tell the public details of the report.
President Muhammadu Buhari set up the 16-member Committee in November 2021 to chart innovative directions that would emphasise governance, grassroots, infrastructure, professionalism and more roles for the private sector in the development of football.