Taiwo Adelu

Less than 24 hours after former Nigerian international, Chief Olusegun Odegbami indicated his intention to contest for the presidency of world football governing body, FIFA, some personalities in Nigerian football have thrown their weight behind his ambition.

Former Nigerian Minister of Sports and chairman National Sports Commission (NSC) Bala Kawa Ka’Oje said that he was happy that a respected figure in Nigerian football is coming out to take a shot at FIFA presidency.

According to the politician, Odegbami’s ambition is a welcome development to him which deserves the support of all Nigerians.

“This is a good one. He has my blessing, but I will advise him to work very hard and move fast, ” Ka’Oje said.

Renowned Nigerian football administrator, Adokiye Amiesimaka, who was a member of the Nigerian side that won gold at the African Cup of Nations in 1980 and played at the soccer finals of the 1980 Summer Olympics, noted that though he did not know the intention of Odegbami to want to contest for FIFA highest office, he believes he is good to go.

“I don’t know Odegbami’s game plan, but I wish him good luck, ” said former Chairman of Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Odegbami, yesterday announced his intention to become the next FIFA president. The 63-year-old, who won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations as a player, is the second African to go for football’s top job, after Liberia’s Musa Bility.

“Africa must play a big role in world football,” Odegbami said. Like Liberia FA president Bility before him, Odegbami said it is high time that FIFA is led by an African.

Candidates wishing to replace the outgoing Sepp Blatter have until 26 October to receive the backing of five FIFA members.

Elections will be held on 26 February 2016, with UEFA chief Michel Platini and South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon among those who have already announced their bids.

Brazil great Zico and former Trinidad and Tobago international David Nakhid have also declared their intentions, with a third African – South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale – also considering a bid.

Swiss Sepp Blatter announced he was stepping down in June after football’s world governing body was plunged into crisis in late May, when nine FIFA officials were indicted on corruption charges by United States authorities.