5TH Stephen Keshi Annual Memorial Lecture To Address Challenges Of Nigeria Football Governance Structure

The 5th edition of the Stephen Keshi Annual Memorial lecture takes centre stage in Benin on the 6th of June, 2022, with the theme: ” Transformation of Nigerian Football Governance structure for Sustainable Growth and Development” which will be delivered by a former Footballer and lecturer, Professor Ken Anugweje, the head of the Medical and Anti-doping Commission of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

This is not only timely, butdeliberate to profer informed solutions to the inherent weakness of our football governing Structure and Processes birthed by the contradictions in the football federation statutes with its significant impact on our ‘Flawed Electoral Processes’

Mr Ikeddy Isiguzo, Editor – in Chief, Moment Africa Media, former chairman, the editorial board of Vanguard newspaper, and Prince Harrison Jalla, Chairman Board of Trustees of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), will be presenting two other papers titled “A peep into the Statute of Football Governance in Nigeria: Issues, challenges and solutions ” and “The Role of Footballers in shaping the administration of Football in Nigeria” respectively.

According to the Secretary, Board of Trustees of the Stephen Keshi Football Vocational Training Center, Comrade Austin Popo, all the topics shall be dissected by a group of carefully selected panellists of outstanding football technocrats which includes the former Chairman of the NPFL, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote, the CEO of LMC Prince Davidson Owumi, CAF Head of Safety and Security Officer Dr Christian Emeruwa, distinguished and well-respected football agent Aminu Yusuf, Nigeria Ex international, the AGS of PFAN, Comrade Edema Fuludu and ex-footballer and FIFA players agent, Austin Akpehe.

The Chairman of the Board of trustees of the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Center SKFVTC, former President of PAGASSAN, Dr Brown Ogbeifun, will serve as the moderator for the lectures.

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu will lead personalities which include the Chairman Edo State Sports Commission, Mr Yusuf Ali, Chairman Delta State Sports Commission Tonobok Okowa, Chairman Edo State FA, Comrade Roland Abu, Bishop Samson Okelezoh, GO Ministry of Perfection and Patron of SKFVTC, HRH Edun Akenzuwa, the Enogie of the Obazuwa Kingdom and Grand Patron of SKFVTC, HRH Tony Ogiegor the Enogie of Egor Kingdom, Mr Sylvester Keshi, Head of Keshi family, all the Players and Coaches of the Participating teams in the 5th edition of the Stephen Keshi National Under 17 football Tournament to the lecture.

PFAN President’s Proposed Restructuring Of The NFF Board For Sustainable Growth And Development Of Nigeria Football

Before going into the next election of the NFF Executive Committee scheduled for September 2022, the President of the Nigeria Players Union, Tijani Babangida (MON) has called for a restructuring of the NFF Executive Committee to be more inclusive representing all the key important stakeholders of football on equal representation for the promotion of justice, peace, equity and fair play

According to the president, ” the current Structure of the NFF board is deficient on so many fronts. The current Structure dominated by the Chairmen of the state Football Association to the detriment of other important stakeholders does not portray the game of Football as the most democratic game in the world.

The President of the players union said that the current dominance of the Exco by the Football Association Chairmen has its roots in the faulty nature of the composition and distribution of votes amongst the five distinct members of the NFF according to the Provisions of article 10:1 of the NFF Statutes in the Congress of the NFF where only the FA’s has 37 votes out of the 44 votes must be addressed if we must move forward and make progress

There is no doubt that the current structure of the Congress and the Board has continuously promoted and encouraged election malpractices such as vote-buying with its negative effects on the quality of members of the board which robs quality decisions making and good governance

Going forward the President is canvassing for a structure that is less cumbersome, less expensive, more democratic, transparent and more inclusive of all major stakeholders based on equality.

What I mean is that we should adopt a System and structure where the Board is composed of representatives of only duly and democratically elected persons of the various stakeholders such as the Football Association, the leagues, the Players Union, Coaches Association, Nigeria Referees Association, Sportswriters Association, etc, who will now be responsible to elect the president of NFF and other key Officials amongst themselves.

By this, the election will be less expensive and devoid of manipulation and guarantee quality and professionalism This is the angle the union is set to Project amongst other options that will guarantee fair play and justice amongst the major stakeholders of the game.

Project 2022 Task Force Will Not Be Distracted – Austin Popo

By Ayoola Adeleke

The BOT Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Comrade Austin Popo, a member of the Project 2022 Task Force has reiterated the commitment of members of the task force led by its Chairman Prince Harrison Jalla to see to the end it’s agitation which on NFF election’s representations – already on the table of the country’s number 1 citizen.

In a chat with Platinum News, the PFAN BOT Secretary said the Taskforce has the capacity to see this to the end will not be swayed regardless of anything done or tactics deployed to push them off balance.

Speaking further, the ex international said that reflection of equal distribution of votes amongst the legitimate stakeholders will suffice – their agitation.

• 

Some members of the task force R – L Ex Tajudeen Disu, Chief Victor Baribote, Edema Fuludu, Chairman Prince Harrison Jalla, Austin Popo, Dahiru Sadi MFR

“The task force on Project 2022 with the major agenda is requesting for an amendment of the NFF Statutes to reflect an equal number of the distribution of votes amongst the five direct members of NFF, i.e the Players, Coaches, Referees Association Members, the states FAs and the leagues clubs.”

Austin Popo clears the air further, “The misconception all along for the past 6 decades that our Administrators have used the FIFA Council model which comprises of all national federations or Associations because they are direct members of FIFA.”

“But at the Federations level, it is totally a different ball game because, in the Federations, apart from the state FAs, they have other direct members such as the players body, the Coaches and the Referees Association.”

“In other words, since the other members of the NFF for instance share same status with State FAs as direct members of the NFF, every member must have equal numbers of voting rights in the Congress.”

“The states FA are supposed to be administrative arm of the NFF helping to carry out the NFF activities in the state not a political struture that should be used to manipulate and influence election resultd which in the past has continue to promote mediocrity, in place of Excellency.”

“That is why you see some persons like Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu; late Taiwo Ogunjobi inspite of his impact as General Secretary of NFF and many others with the wherewithal to make major impact on the Adminstration of football in Nigeria, can’t win an election because they don’t have the kind of money to buy votes which has become the driving force in the Election.”

• 

“The only way to ensure a level playing Ground for all aspirants is to insist on the change of the present composition of 37 votes out of 44 votes allocated to State FAs which is just one member out of the 5 direct members. The same demand from the task force is applicable to the recomposition of the executive board of the NFF currently dominated by State FAs Chairmen.”

• 

PFAN BOT Secretary, Austin Popo

“This is at the very root of the problem of our Footbal. We must stop this, regardless of whatever tactics the Administrators are using, including players that are been sponsored to speak against the work of the task force.”

“The Task Force shall not be distracted, he firmly added.”

The ultimatum given to the NFF by the players’ union ends this week.

PFAN Serves NFF 90 Days Ultimatum To Amend Statutes

By Akeem Busari

Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria(PFAN) has served Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), a 90 days ultimatum for it to amend its statutes which ‘Project 2022 Task Force’, an offshoot of PFAN, described in the notice as ‘obstusely’ flawed.

The notice by Project 2022 Task Force in the notice titled;  ‘Our Place In The Nigeria Football Federation’, read ‘Project 2022 task force is an offshoot of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) the  biggest stakeholder in Nigeria Football and  member of  the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 

We as members of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), have the locus standi by extension and implication to seek for ways to correct flaws and impediments that has made football development stunted for too long. Nigeria Footballers past and present, have been put in the remotest part of football administration consciously by the prevailing structure and system in Nigeria and this is as obvious as day light.

Project 2022 task force is not on a wild goose chase. We, the task force, have the mandate as members of PFAN, to use every  legal means in advocacy, statutory rights, moral grounds and legislation to convince all football stakeholders internal and external, on the need for immediate action plan to right the obtusely flawed structure running for over seven decades and half to date.

The task force demanded amongs others; Amendments of the current NFF Statutes 2010 in (A).Composition of the NFF congress, (B).Composition of the executive committee of the NFF, (C).Voting pattern, (D). And any other relevant provisions of NFF Statutes 2010 in consonance with FIFA, CAF, NFF and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

In the light of the above a 90 days mandatory notice from today 26th of June 2021 is hereby given vide the relevant provisions of Article 27 sub 1 & 2 of the NFF Statutes 2010.

The Project 2022 Task Force have the following football personalities as members, Harrison Jalla (Chairman/Facilitator), Edema Fuludu (Secretary). Other members include, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, Chief  Rumson Victor Baribote, Comrade Austin Popo, Comrade Dahiru Sadi MFR, Comrade Tajudeen Disu,  Comrade Emeka Ezeugo,  Dr. Felix Owolabi MON, Mr. Stanley Okoronkwo and Comrade Yahaya Adams.

Nigeria players’ union sets up world class website

By Akeem Busari

In its quest to positively reposition the Nigeria players union and give it the needed leverage for success, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), has created a world class website with wide range of information on its membership and activities.

According to the General Secretary of PFAN, Emmanuel Babayaro, MON, members of the public can now access necessary information on the membership and activities of the country’s players’ union through its official website, www.pfanigeria.com, which is now online.

• 

The highly resourceful union scribe stated that, ” that website promise to be worldclass and would contain interesting features on membership, news, profiles, programmes  and activities of the union.

” PFAN’s president Tijani Babangida, MON, has graciously commissioned the website. In the coming days, PFAN will be active on all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, instagram etc as the secretariat now boasts of an ICT department saddled with the responsibility,” he informed.

Amokachi, Kanu, West, others boost PFAN Membership

By Akeem Busari

In its relentless quest to reposition itself as a strong representative and voice of current and former Nigerian footballers at home and in diaspora, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), have announced that five former Super Eagles stars have officially joined its ever growing membership list.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General Emmanuel Babayaro, MON, the former Super Eagles stars who have officially registered to boost the profile and membership of the union are Nwankwo Kanu, SA to President Muhamadu Buhari on Sports, Daniel Amokachi, former Nigeria and Inter Milan hard, defender Taribo West, Garba Lawal and former Wolves of England’s midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana.

• 

Babayaro stated, ” The list is growing by the minute with many more great Nigerian stars joining the train.
” While we welcome our brothers on board, we must equally applaud their courage and readiness to make the Nigerian footballer great again.
“This beautiful and exciting trend is a further testament to the greatness of PFAN and of course, a vote of confidence on the PFAN administration led by its amiable President Tijani Babangida, MON,” he further remarked.

PFAN congratulates Pinnick on FIFA council election victory

The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria( PFAN), in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Babayaro MON, has joined millions of Nigerians in congratulating the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick on his victory in the CAF and FIFA council elections held in Rabat, Morocco yesterday. 

The PFAN President Tijani Babangida, MON described the victory as a testament of Nigeria’s prowess in world’s football player. Adding that it portends great omen for the nation’s football. 
“It is our sincere hope that this great victory and its attendant goodwill replicates itself in our domestic league and the lives and welfare of Nigerian players,” the former Nigeria and Ajax Amsterdam star opined.

He further remarked that PFAN remain optimistic that the victory will usher in great tidings to further boost the existing cordial relationship between the union, the NFF and LMC. 

PFAN set to tackle debtor clubs

…sets up welfare committee

By Akeem Busari

The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) have set motions in readiness for its battle against debtor Nigerian football clubs.

Following unending complaints of non-payments of salaries and allowances by players and coaches to the players’union, the Tijani Babangida led body have quickly taken up arms to ensure the several debtor clubs in Nigerian football, fulfill their financial obligations.

• 

Towards achieving that, it has set-up a 7-man welfare committee led by ex- Abiola Babes captain, Tajudeen Disu. Others include Ann Chiejine, Victor Ezeji, Jumbo Awala, Alhaji Muktar Zico, Nasir Jibril and Princewill Oviesan Gbogbodu.

According to a statement by Disu, the welfare committee have since commenced sittings in view to finding a solution to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian footballers and players turned coaches who are owed huge sums of money running into millions, spanning between 2015-2020.

• 

” We have received series of complainants sent in by players and coaches detailing what they are owed by their clubs. It’s astonishing to note that a whopping N54.5 million is owed a section of players and coaches who  have submitted certified documents to support their claims as requested by the welfare committee of PFAN as at 20 of Feb 2021,” Disu explained.

” Painfully, these debtor clubs have continued to do football business without a recourse to their indebtedness to these players and coaches. I will tell emphatically, that this committee established by the leadership of PFAN is battle ready to ensure the welfare and well-being of Nigerian footballers, past and present, are protected and promoted in line with the mission of PFAN, ” he stated emphatically.

• 

Tajudeen Disu fondly called ‘Gaddafi’ in his playing days, went on to release the list of complainants and the debtor clubs as follows;
Abubakar Baleria (Kano Pillars), Oke ogagotewo, ( Sunshine Stars), Gbadebo sheyi (Sunshine Queens), Freedom omoforma, Ichul Lordson, Lucky Emariojake (Warri Wolves), Coach lucky Akpokona, Coach Peter Nieketien, Prince Sunday Emeh, Gidado Toyeen Olakunle ( Stationery Stores), 
Others include, Edafe Omamuzo (Delta Queens), Chinedu Samuel ( Heartland FC), Mahmud Mutari ( Taraba FC) and 9 players from Abia Comets.

• 

PFAN Sets Up Committee to Tackle Player’s Welfare

Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, (PFAN) has written the LMC and Adamawa state Government demanding full investigations into the allegations surrounding Adamawa United FC administration and the maltreatment of players. 

News making the rounds suggest that players in this club earn between N50,000 and N80,000 as monthly salaries contrary to the N150,000 minimum wage stipulated by the LMC in the club Licensing agreement. 

It is also alleged that the players are camped in hostels before their matches and made to travel very long hours on match days, a situation that has left the union saddened and very worried.

• 

PFAN rather than seek the jugular, is more interested in the immediate upgrade ( should the allegations be true) of the players salaries and an improved all round welfare package . 
PFAN president Tijani Babangida MON has also directed the Adamawa PFAN leadership for due diligence on the matter and report back. 

PFAN will explore all possible creative and diplomatic means towards improving the Lives and Livelihoods of our players. 

Meanwhile, PFAN will be appointing 3 comrades to represent the union in a joint committee with the players Intermediary Association. 

This committee will be saddled with the responsibility of fashioning out grounds and modalities for a possible synergy between both organizations. This partnership has become even more expedient considering the current situation of the Nigerian player and the need to provide lasting solution. The partnership will also aim to bring sanity and professionalism into the Nigerian football space.

Emmanuel Babayaro (MON), General Secretary PFAN.

Troubled by the slow pace of work by some PFAN committees, the president will be appointing an M & E ( monitoring and evaluation) committee.  

This committee will monthly evaluate all committees and their assignments/projects  and advice the leadership on regular basis. Under performing committees could be disbanded and or switched without notice. 

The president Tijani Babangida (MON), has directed that the PFAN diaspora ambassadors immediately begin the registration of members worldwide. They were also encouraged  to establish platforms for their regions and promote PFAN activities. 

The PFAN ambassadors are, (a) Joshua Kator, PFAN ambassador to Europe. (b) Emeka Ezeugo, PFAN ambassador to the USA and Canada. (c) Comrade pastor Taribo West MON, PFAN ambassador to Africa.

• 

The ambassadors are the only accredited personnels authorized to deal on behalf of PFAN in diaspora and within their jurisdictions.  
Further notices shall be relayed as they occur.

Signed: Emmanuel Babayaro (MON), General Secretary PFAN

Injustice: PFAN Intervenes in Players, Coaches Situations

In a bid to put a stop to injustice meted out on players and coaches in all levels of professional football in the country, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), leveraging on the existing cordial relationship with the club owners has put up a mediation mechanisms as a lasting solution to the maltreatment, which has eaten deep into the football sphere of the country.

In a press release, dated, 22nd January 2021, signed by the Secretary of the Union, Emmanuel Babayaro (MON), the Union called on coaches and players, with claims of injustice meted on them by clubs and club officials to present their complaints to the Union for mediation.

• 

PFAN General Secretary, Emmanuel Babayaro (MON) cr. Google

According to the release, the Union will entertain cases with valid documents, irrefutable proofs, recordings of any sort and other valid means for cases only between 2015 – 2020, the first stage of its mediation processes.

The release reads:
“Previously documented official complaints to the union have been forwarded to the committee and receiving attention, so individuals within this category do not need to write another letter of complaint.

“Please Note! The onus and burden of proof lies squarely on the shoulders of the complainant therefore, all complainants must provide irrefutable proofs to prove their case beyond reasonable doubts.”

• 

“The complainants must be male and female players and or coaches of professional football clubs in Nigeria.
PFAN is poised to providing succor to its members by securing Justice and protecting their rights within the work space.”

“The Union hopes to leverage on the existing cordial relationship with the club owners to make the process rancor free, as incidentally both organizations share a common goal which is, the development of the beautiful game and the welfare of players.”

“The ultimate goal of The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria is the welfare of its members. The Union will not rest until Justice is certain.”

All complaints are therefore, directed to be forwarded to the office of the Chairman, PFAN Welfare Committee, at 6th floor of plot 784A, Herbert Macaulay way, Central business district, Abuja; the complainants could as well send in there complains to the Union’s email address on pfanwelfarenigerianplayers@gmail.com with option of reaching out via WhatsApp platform on 08181414323, 07086543119.