BY SAB OSUJI

Amaechi Otti, a pioneer member and first official Captain of El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, has voiced his displeasure over the spiralling fortunes of the once glamorous club, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Known as 'Skippo', Otti was a key member of the club when it was formed in 1986 by then Military Governor of Borno State, Colonel Abdulminu Aminu.

And the former Rangers and then Green Eagles left back who was part of Nigeria's U20 National Team, Flying Eagles squad that featured in Nigeria's first FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Mexico '83, is sad that El-Kanemi Warriors are regrettably wallowing in the second-tier domestic league, NNL, despite its rich credentials and potentials.

"I played a key role in El-Kanemi Warriors rise to prominence back then under Colonel Aminu", starts Otti.

"I was a founding member of the club and the first captain. It was a pride playing for El-Kanemi Warriors back then", Otti said to Exclusivenews.com.ng at a chance meeting.

Otti is now based in Belgium after calling time on his illustrious career. He is deep into Sports Management and also a FIFA Licensed Players' Intermediary.

'Skippo' recalls with gleeful nostalgia his days at the famous Warrior and was left to rue the near deplorable state of the club at the moment.

"I couldn't come to terms with the reality that El-Kanemi Warriors are now in the second division of the Nigerian League", laments Otti.

"And I'm made to understand that they had once been relegated and they recently fought their way back up again only to be relegated again.

"It's sad and heart-breaking. It's unfortunate for a club with great potential to rule the nation and African scenes hopping from the top to the base and struggling for survival".

The bully defender in his playing days would reckon that effective management, sound financial self sufficiency are key in ensuring that El-Kanemi Warriors regained their lost glory.

"You and I know that football is a big business all over the World. Its capital intensive and at the same time, it generates huge funds if you can manage it well and exploit the window players sales to European clubs.

"Such funds generated in selling players abroad would be ploughed back into the team, thereby reducing much dependence on government for funding.

"Similarly, El-Kanemi Warriors as a club, is big enough to attract corporate sponsorships especially with its strong support base.

"Partnership with foreign club in the area of technical and exchange of players is also important and rewarding. There are many hidden opportunities in the business of football but it only requires a true professional, honest, sincere and transparent management to unlock such hidden treasures", Otti submitted.