By Emmanuel Chinedu
Enugu State legal practitioner and football stakeholder, Joe Onyeabor, has said that the experience and international connections of Rangers International CEO and General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, could be valuable in the ongoing efforts to reset Nigerian football administration.
Onyeabor, speaking on the planned intervention by FIFA and CAF, described the current visit of the two international football bodies as timely, saying it could help address the administrative crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation and restore stability to the game.
He said the restructuring process should focus on competence, experience and proven records rather than political, ethnic or regional considerations.
Onyeabor specifically identified Ezeaku as one of the administrators whose capacity and experience should be considered in rebuilding the NFF, citing his involvement in football administration and his international relationships.
He noted that Ezeaku’s position as the chief executive of Rangers International has exposed him to the demands of managing a major Nigerian football institution, while his engagement with football stakeholders beyond Nigeria could provide useful connections and perspectives at the national level.
According to him, administrators with verifiable achievements and the ability to engage effectively with international football stakeholders should be encouraged to take up greater responsibilities in Nigerian football.
Onyeabor urged football authorities and stakeholders to engage experienced administrators such as Ezeaku to contribute to the NFF if they are willing to serve, stressing that the priority should be to identify people capable of delivering results.
He also called for the planned restructuring of Nigerian football to follow FIFA regulations and international best practices, without political manipulation.
The lawyer further said the South East has several competent individuals who can contribute to Nigerian football, but regional considerations should not take precedence over merit.
He urged stakeholders in the region to put aside internal competition and honestly support individuals with the strongest capacity and track record, insisting that football administration should be about competence and service rather than merely securing political or regional positions.
Onyeabor expressed optimism that the FIFA and CAF intervention would provide an opportunity to resolve the current challenges and establish a more credible and effective football administration in Nigeria.
