Former Super Eagles player, Segun Odegbami, has called for the incorporation of experts in the Nigeria Football Federation and other government agencies in charge of sports management for the development of the sector.
In a special interview granted recently on Channels Television, Odegbami emphasised the need for equal representation of relevant stakeholders in the composition of the leadership of the sports management agencies in the country.
He explained that some groups that are supposed to be among the people in the helms of affairs have been disenfranchised , while a specific group dominates the NFF and some other sports regulatory bodies .
Odegbami said further that each group has different roles to play in the development of sporting activities, hence, the need for equal opportunities and treatments.
Concerning the upcoming NFF election, Odegbami noted that the review of statues became imperative before embarking on the election.
He expressed optimism that the sports sector will thrive again with the presence of a clear path and adoption of appropriate formula.
The sports professor submitted that attention should be shifted to the development of sporting activities at the grassroots by each of the football associations in the country.
” Failure of the super eagles to partake in the world cup in recent years brought pain and agony to those in the sport business. If you are using a pattern or template, and results are not coming, then, change is inevitable”
” Raw talents are in the country, and this is not limited to football alone . We need those who are ready to develop the sector genuinely.
“We are not chasing anybody away, every stakeholder has roles to play in the development of sports, including the academies , supporters club among others .
“What we are saying is that every critical stakeholder should have a say, and play their roles accordingly. With the right formula in place, the sports sector will thrive again.
