I don't think I am too frequent in making comments on issues concerning Football in Nigeria. This has become necessary because if those who are sincere in their approach to Football issues in Nigeria decide to keep quiet in the face of a threatening failure, we should also take the blame for failure. May it not happen.

Spectator has decided to dissect the NFF Communique of the Executive Committee meeting held on June 12, 2024. Let's go.

 *NFF:* 
1) The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologized to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and pledged to work assiduously and put necessary measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September this year and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025.

 *SPECTATOR:* 

Good you apologized to Nigerians. Working assiduously will mean taking the bull by its horn. Tell the present crop of players to play for their Country. It is a privilege to wear the National colours. We need the kind of patriotism of George Opong Weah to the extent that in the midst of war in Liberia, he sponsored his Country's National Team to participate in international  engagements. While we appreciate them for coming out to represent their country, those among them who may be having the wrong mindset as if they are doing Nigeria a favour should throw away such thoughts.
Spectator advises the NFF to be proactive in the engagement of the National Teams Coaches. The usual delay in the appointment of Coaches is indeed a huge setback. There is so much sentiments inside and outside the NFF as to who should be the Super Eagles Coach, expatriate or indigenous. What we need is a good Coach, indigenous or expatriate, who will have the luxury of time to bring up a formidable team. For now, there is no time. Can we also think of a consortium of Coaches with a leader to work as a Team in the interim? Alternatively, can the NFF motivate the Players to discuss among themselves because they need the World Cup ticket more than Spectator? I believe they (players) can see this as an emergency that requires their commitment, unity, co-operation and sacrifice to overcome. Let me stop here.

 *NFF:* 
2) Further to (1) above, the Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

 *SPECTATOR:* 

If that's your decision, so be it. It's another fire brigade approach. I hope the expatriate will not get a better condition than that given to Coach Finidi George.
The expatriate MUST deliver. The conditions should be very clear.

 *NFF:* 
3) Still further to (1) above, the Committee resolved to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect.

 *SPECTATOR:* 
It's long overdue. I have advised so many times especially at the era of Amaju Melvin Pinnick that the Leagues, NPFL, NNL, NLO and NWFL should have Technical Units answerable to the Technical Department. Nothing was done. Good that the Executive Committee is desirous of improving the Technical Structure of the NFF. Let this intention be matched with action.

 *NFF:* 
4) Notwithstanding the challenges that attended the team’s preparations for the Day 3 and Day 4 games of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, owing to a 38-hour nationwide industrial action, the Board expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the National Assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team.

 *SPECTATOR:* 

A good decision that can turn the bad situation to good. However, it can also be counter productive. Let's work with the bulk of the current players and do some psychological servicing on the Players. I guess that Dr. Robinson Okosun is still available and relevant. He can lead other psychologically savvy Coaches to do the needed psychological servicing on the Players.
I have also advised in the past that we have a STANDING HOME BASED SUPER EAGLES for the purpose of CHAN and also serve as FEEDERS or TEAM B SUPER EAGLES. They may end up becoming stronger than the main Super Eagles.

 *NFF:* 
5) The Executive Committee also resolved that a Stakeholders’ Forum be convened in a few weeks’ time, to deliberate on amendments to the current NFF Statutes, in conjunction with world football-governing body, FIFA.

 *SPECTATOR:* 

What is FIFA coming to do with the amendments? Advisory? Yes!. Interference? No!
I also think it's the Congress that will take the decision on the amendments with the Executive Committee leading.
Let me state here that AMENDMENTS will not serve as the miracle for attainment of our desired Football Growth and Development. The simple solution is having SERVANT LEADERS in our Football ecosystem that will drive the vision as Round Pegs in Round Holes. When this is achieved, Football in Nigeria within a short space of time will be better than what obtains in some of the countries in Africa. This is the Real Amendment. 

 *NFF:* 
6) While appreciating the fact that preparation of teams involved in the Olympic Games fall squarely within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the Executive Committee stated unequivocally that it will provide robust support, within the room allowed it, to the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, to adequately prepare for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, taking place in France 24th July – 11th August.

 *SPECTATOR:* 

Yes. Good decision. The Ladies are doing well. They need the support.

 *NFF:* 
6) In order to ensure an impressive performance of the U20 Women National Team, Falconets, at this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia, 31st August – 22nd September, the Executive Committee mandated its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to diligently and swiftly consider the programme submitted by the Head Coach for the team’s preparation. The Board approved a two-phase camping for the team, with a four-week camping in Nigeria to be followed by a two-week final camping programme in Colombia before the commencement of the tournament. 

 *SPECTATOR:* 

Commendable!

 *NFF:* 
7) Impressed by the performance of the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, so far in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup African qualification series, the Executive Committee charged the Secretariat to ensure total readiness of the team for its final round, final leg encounter against their Liberian counterparts, scheduled for the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday, 14th June 2024.

 *SPECTATOR:* 

They have made it. The Ladies are great. We are proud of all our Women Teams. Congratulations.

LET THE ACTION FOLLOW.

 *I am Spectator.*