The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has challenged any national team coach who feels he was pressured to select certain players to come out openly and say so.

 

Dr. Sanusi made this assertion while reacting to recurring allegations of interference in players’ selection for Nigeria’s national teams. He categorically denied that the NFF influences coaches’ decisions, insisting that team selection remains the exclusive responsibility of the coaches.

 

“We don’t influence coaches’ selections in any way, but we do sit with them to explain their selections,” Sanusi said.

 

A CAF A Licensed coach, Sanusi stressed that at no time has he persuaded any coach to include or exclude a player from the national team. According to him, the Federation’s role is to ensure that coaches appointed to handle national teams are provided with the necessary support to succeed in their assignments.

 

“All we do at the Federation is to ensure that the coaches appointed are given the best environment and support to excel. Everyone employed for various assignments is given the tools and backing needed to succeed,” he added.

 

Speaking on officiating, Sanusi noted that Nigeria has some of the best referees in the world but lamented that selfish interests have continued to undermine their performances.

 

He, however, praised the Nigeria National League (NNL) for the progress recorded under its current leadership. “There is significant improvement in the way the league is being run. I must commend the Chairman, George Aluo, and his board members for the work they are doing,” he said.

 

Sanusi highlighted improvements in officiating within the league, pointing to better payment of referees’ allowances, improved welfare, and disciplinary measures against erring officials. He also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to train more referees to eliminate gaps in officiating.

 

“To make sure there are no vacuums, we have started training more referees. We have officials with deep knowledge of the game, but the issue of selfishness on the part of some of them remains a challenge we must address,” he stated.

 

The NFF General Secretary also expressed concern over what he described as one-sided criticism of the Federation. He frowned at situations where the NFF is heavily criticised during poor outings but rarely commended when progress is made.

 

He advised stakeholders and the football public to ensure that criticisms are constructive and well-intentioned. “Criticism should be positive. That is the only way the Federation can improve and continue to work in the best interest of Nigerian football,” Sanusi concluded.