The Nigerian Football Federation following the resolution of its internal crises and the aversion of the FIFA ban, have released a statement that it focus on youth development as well as upcoming continental championship. The NFF avoided FIFA ban on Monday thanks to the intervention of the Presidency, who assured the World football body its loyalty and obedience to its protocols.
In response, Amaju Pinnick yesterday assured Nigerians the Federation will work hard to meet her aspirations. The NFF President stated that the federation will focus her attention on the Super Eagle’s forthcoming qualifying round game against Seychelles in September at home, away match to Libya in October and another away fixture to South Africa in November. He added: “We will approach the matches one game at a time. Our objective is not only to qualify for the finals, but for the Super Eagles to also make a meaningful impact at the finals in Cameroun in the summer of next year.”
Pinnick also made comments on Upcoming African Women championship, U-17 and U-20 African Championship billed for 2019 at Niger and Tanzania. He said: “Our vision, as we have espoused from Day One, is to build a sustainable football culture for our dear nation. To do that, youth development is key. That is what we are trying to do with the U15 squad which recently reached the final of the African Youth Games in Algeria, and which will form the bulk of the next U17 National Team.”
Pinnick concluded with the forthcoming NFF general election on the 20th September by advicing aggrieved members to resolve and pick up forms for various elective position in line with the resolution of the congress on 2 August. He said: “The door remains open for those aggrieved members of the football family, who are ready to abide by extant football rules and regulations, as they can still pick up forms for the elections. “We have learnt so much during this crisis. We are more determined to run an inclusive administration where everyone can have a sense of belonging, as we work tenaciously and diligently towards taking Nigerian Football to new heights of excellence.”