In the past few days, we have witnessed reports of a spat between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, followed by the Super Eagles’ bonus controversy, which has now been effectively resolved. Nigerians are unanimous in their view that distractions or crises are not needed at a time when we are riding high at the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations.
The first time I heard of you was when the Supreme Court ruled on your appeal against Mr Ayodeji Odunayo, a legal practitioner. The apex court held that you were to pay Mr Odunayo N12 million, plus interest, for legal services rendered; payment you had initially refused.
Later, the issue of the mini-stadium project in Ugborodo, Delta State, surfaced in the media.
The NFF’s decision to terminate the contract due to lack of progress appears to be the real trigger behind your recent public assertions.
Let us be clear, Mr Allen Egbe, no reasonable person would allow such a poorly executed project to continue, especially after a substantial amount had already been paid. If nothing meaningful had been done, I personally would have joined others to criticize the NFF across media platforms. That is the type of accountability and leadership we need in this country.
The set of NFF officials you are quarrelling with were not the ones who awarded the contract to you. Rather, it was the Amaju Pinnick-led administration. I believe Gusau and his team have done the right thing by ensuring that public funds are properly managed in a decent and transparent manner.
In early December last year, you endorsed a petition titled “A Call to Save Nigerian Football…” targeting the NFF leadership. It was evident that your motivations were rooted in personal interest. Having already dragged the football body to court over the failed FIFA project, one would expect you to allow the legal process to run its course. Using the media to peddle unfounded assertions against the NFF President at this critical time is not only misleading, it is ill-timed.
On the issue of the bonus, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission NSC, Shehu Dikko has already explained what happened. Significant progress has been made on the matter as the team prepares for its next game in Marrakesh.
Note that the NSC is not taking anyone’s job. There is no way the NFF can manage the senior national teams without the involvement of the federal government, through the NSC. Your suggestion of a remonstration does not align with corporate governance, which discourages confrontation. The NFF appears to be working in collaboration with the NSC, so creating a storm in a teacup is simply unnecessary.
Now, to your question: “Do we still have an NFF President?” Yes, we do, structurally, perceptively and in terms of execution. Leadership is not defined by noise, confrontation or constant criticism. It is measured by results.
My advice: tread carefully. Address your personal issues with professionalism and avoid throwing around baseless innuendos. Do not give an impression that you want Nigeria to fail so you can criticize the handlers.
Written by a keen Nigerian football observer.