President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed FIFA President,Gianni Infantino, into the league of corruption fighters. Buhari who received the FIFA President at the State House in Abuja, welcomed Infantino’s programme to reform the world game through transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.
He also congratulated the FIFA President and the Secretary General Fatma Samuora on their election and specially congratulated Samuora, the first African and female to be elected FIFA Secretary-General.
Buhari said that his administration will pay keen interest to accountability and transparency in order to fast-track football development in the country. He also challenged football administrators to fashion out strategic programmes to develop the game.
‘Accountability is serious business and I welcome you (Infantino) into the club of accountable Chief Executive Officers,’’ the President said.
The President pledged Nigeria’s support to FIFA president’s reform agenda, noting that they were similar to those his presidency had outlined to resuscitate Nigeria.
‘‘Majority of Nigerians are married to football. In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’ to watch the game.
‘‘We will take the development of football very seriously and I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to behave itself and organise effective competitions for the good of the game,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Infantino asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.
‘‘I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen, ’’ he said.
On request for more slots for African nations at the World Cup, Infantino said “If Fifa will be increasing more football team in World Cup competition I will propose two more team to come from Africa.”
When questioned on the leadership crisis rocking the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Infantino said “I don’t think there is any crisis in football management in Nigeria. There is an elected president in place and he is functioning. In a big country like Nigeria you are bound to see opposition that what you see.”
The FIFA officials were accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel.
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