"If by 1 Year there is no change, Nigerians should tell me to Get Out" - NFF Presidential Candidate Dr Emeruwa Christain
In an exclusive interview with Nigeriasoccernet, NFF Presidential candidate, Dr. Christian Emeruwa made it known what he brings to the table and how he plans to change football in Nigeria if he takes reigns as the next NFF President.
Dr. Christian Emeruwa is currently the Head of Safety and Security Department in the Confederation of African Football(CAF).
When asked why he believes he is the right man for the job and what gives him the edge over other candidates like David Doherty(President of Team Nigeria UK), Idah Peterside(Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper), Shehu Diko(Chairman of the LMC), Seyi Akinwunmi(Head of Lagos FA and first Vice President of the NFF), Abba Yola(Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youths and Sports), etc.
The former Sports Manager of Special Olympics Nigeria said his experience and educational background gives him an edge over the other candidates having a PhD degree in Administration of Sports from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said he is more interested in coming to build with Efficient NFF Secreteriat, Supporting Football Development(coaches and infrastructure) being his key pillars.
He further added that the NFF Presidency is not a do or die affair that he is just a concerned Nigerian interested in saving the football in Nigeria as he is not comfortable sitting down abroad when he knows he can fix the problem "Coming back to be NFF President, leaving CAF and FIFA, many tell me not to do it, they say I should take my family and go abroad but if we all keep running, who will fix the country.
I'm not comfortable sitting down abroad when I know I can fix the problems. My family is in Nigeria and I go and see them every week from Cairo where I work. I believe it's time for a change, I'll use my experience, connections and knowledge to better our football"
Dr. Christain Emeruwa believes the NFF is running on an outdated template and he was going to bring in the new and modern template as he will redirect football in Nigeria.
He also added that he will ensure at least one well structured academy is set up in the each of the six geo-political zones and he will work with universities and schools to scout talents, train coaches and also ensure that the players/athletes are learned in order to sustain legacies.
"Nigeria loses when unbaked players fail to make it abroad due to the fact they lack proper training" he said.
He added that he'll make Nigeria is a breeding ground for talents and will make the local clubs to a high standard where young local and foreign players would love to play in the local league and he will collaborate with other FAs to improve Nigerian football.
When asked on how he plans to generate investment, he said building the league and being transparent, accountable and assuring safety will attract investors.
One of his major objectives is improving the women's game by encouraging girls participation in football, PHE teachers who will teach them how to play football, support women coaches and encourage women to go into administration.
He concluded by saying "Football in Nigeria is in total tatas due to exclusion factor, football is for everyone and I guarantee there would be no division under my regime.
There'll be accountability and transparency as we'll be publishing our accounts, detailing what we do with our money. I have never been known as a failure, check my records, what I have done with CAF, FIFA and what I'm still doing. I'm not coming to play but make history, a viable football economy, jobs for skilled(Doctors, Engineers) and unskilled labourers (cleaners, stewards).
If by one year with the NFF and things haven't improved, Nigerians should tell me to get out because there'll be no excuses"
The NFF elections are scheduled for September 30th, 2022.
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