By Godwin Bamigboye.

The 79th Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)  held on Sunday, 10th September, 2023 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The Super Eagles of Nigeria also played their last group qualification match for AFCON with Sao Tome and Principe and recorded an emphatic victory of 6-0.

Great respect for the Super Eagles. No doubt, it's a huge result which has also increased the goal records of Victor Osimhen. The next task now is for the Super Eagles to go for the AFCON trophy. The players need it. The country needs it. Let us now take a look at the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation. How did they fare in their deliberations? Have they taken strategic steps towards the development of Football in Nigeria? Will the deliberations and decisions of the Congress as contained in the Communique likely to have far reaching effects? Let us take a look at the Communique of the Congress to determine its efficacy to the myriad of problems with foot in Nigeria.

 *Communique Number One.* 

1) The NFF President in his welcome address thanked the Congress for the confidence reposed in him and the Executive Committee members during the last elections. He praised the Federal Government of Nigeria, in particular His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his tremendous support and understanding of the demands of the game of football and his approval of a special fund for the Super Falcons campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, and prayed for greater support for the NFF, the National Teams and Nigeria Football generally.

 *My Views:* 
Expression of gratitude to the Federal government is important. The Government should continue to play her part in provision of the enabling environment for the growth of Football. The Congress must also ensure that the funds from Government and other sources are well accounted for.

 *Communique Number Two:* 

2) The Congress appreciated the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh for showing a great depth of knowledge and readiness to work with the NFF to take Nigeria Football to greater heights.

 *My Views:* 

It is good to welcome the Minister of Sports Development. Let the commendations translate to good working relationship that will result into tremendous growth in sports in Nigeria. Let the disagreements between the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Sports Federations be minimized in the interest of Sports Development.

 *Communique Number Three:* 

3) After appraising the efforts, commitment and passion of the Akwa Ibom State government to the development and real growth of Nigeria Football through its support and encouragement of the NFF and the National Teams, the Congress commended Governor Umo Bassey Eno and his cabinet, and encouraged them to do even more as the Super Eagles are ready to make Uyo its home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

 *My Views:* 

Kudos to the Akwa Ibom State Government for building the Nest of Champions. Commendations to His Excellency, Umoh Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and by extension to His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who built the Nest of Champions in Uyo.

 *Communique Number Four:* 

4) Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member and Member of the CAF Executive Committee, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick in a brief remark urged all members of the NFF General Assembly to support the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau in his quest to move Nigeria football forward.  He noted that 2023 is a very crucial year for football globally as teams are jostling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He called on all to work in unison and support the Super Eagles to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

 *My Views:* 

Thank you Amaju Melvin Pinnick for your admonition. It is good to have the comments and advice of former President of the NFF but he really didn't utilize the opportunity he had to become the best President of NFF.

 *Communique Number Five:* 

5) The Congress pledged full support to the Super Eagles in its quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup USA/Mexico/Canada 2026.

*My Views*

 The Congress has no choice. Nigerians are waiting. They are always passionate about seeing Nigeria at the World stage. Give Nigerians the World Cup ticket.

 *Communique Number Six.* 

6) The Congress appreciated the efforts of the various National Teams, in particular the outstanding performance of the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, and the U17 girls’ bronze medal-winning effort at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup India 2022.

 *My Views:* 

A deserved commendation for the Women's Teams. Let the Federation improve their welfare.

 *Communique Number Seven:* 

7) The Congress considered and approved the NFF Financial Statements for the Year Ended 2022.

 *My Views:* 

 I believe that the records were well kept.

 *Communique Number Eight:* 

8) The Congress approved the Nigeria Football Federation’s 2024 Budget proposal of the sum of N14,494,469,293.00 (Fourteen Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand and Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Naira) only.

 *My Views:* 

The sum of N14,494,469,293.00 (Fourteen Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand and Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Naira) only. 
It looks big but when you convert it to Pounds, Euros and Dollars, the money looks small in view of the fact that much of the money will be spent on international engagements. However, the money must be properly accounted for.

 *Communique Number Nine:* 

9)  The Congress approved the change of name of the Nigeria Professional Football League to the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

 *My Views:* 

Change in nomenclature is good especially when it  has benefits attached to it. Let the League Board led by Gbenga Elegbeleye work towards and also deliver a better League. I think his recent elevation as Second Vice President (VP2) of NFF will serve as great motivation for greater productivity.

 *Communique Number Ten:* 

10) The Congress passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

 *My Views:* 

The vote of confidence is a vote for more work.