Amaju, a visionary leader: Okumagba News

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Amaju, a visionary leader: Okumagba

By Victor Enyinnaya on April 5, 2017

National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Prince Vincent Okumagba, has described the newly elected executive committee member of CAF, Pinnick Amaju as a visionary football administrator who has not only added zeal, diligence and commitment but has also come to learn the trend of strenuous politics in the round leather sport globally.

He said that Amaju, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) entered the murky waters of CAF tedious politics and before long, was elected as a member of the continent’s foremost football governing body.

He described the achievement as unprecedented, going by the discordant tunes that greeted his interest in the job.

“It was one disagreement or the other when it became known that he filed in his nomination form. Some of his board members tackled him head-on. Even the government first time disowned him but quickly saw it was beyond an Amaju affair but a Nigerian project, hence it threw its heavy weight behind him. It remains a landmark and gladdens to note that at the end of the day, everything was harmonised in the best interest of the country. I must point out the maturity displayed by the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung and the board members that allowed the sleeping dog lie. All was geared towards national interest. At the short and long run the nation was the greatest that gains,” he remarked.

According to him, the resilience and zeal with which Amaju went about his CAF election campaign and strategy remains a study in character worth of imbibing. He called on all administrators to take a queue and learn instead of merely being onlookers and armchair critics.

“I have never hidden to say that he is a visionary leader and patriot. He also knows how to play football politics, observing strictly, the tenets that guide it by carrying the majority along. He has set the tone and what should be done is to get close to him so that he would impact usefully. Nigeria needs more of her own in international sporting federations, and how to go about it is key. One thing is to have an ambition and another to know the right way and manner to pursue it successfully to the logical conclusion. He is a goal getter. He is not a selfish person as he likes openness for the good of the game and spirit of fair play. Even his ardent critics have conceded to that point,” he declared.

Okumagba called for close synergy between him and all stakeholders to reposition Nigeria football and place it where it ought to be. His election into the continental football governing executive committee must be seen as a national assignment, which would impart resoundingly on the beautiful game and also give great content to the nation’s football.

He advocated that the often begging areas should be painstakingly looked into, and loopholes that have made Nigeria a laughing stock and relegated to the background in the comity of countries firmly plugged. He insists that Amaju as the arrow head should harness all these avenues when there is total backing of stakeholders.

The NFSC chief therefore assured of unflinching rallying around by the Supporters Club even at the shortest notice.

He explained that growing and supporting players wherever they play would remain the priority of his administration and it won’t be lacking or diverted.

“We are ready and have no option than to ensure massive support for the Eagles, other national teams and even club side (s) on national assignment that request our services. We must comply unconditionally. We did it for Rangers and Rivers United and look forward to continuing as soon as CAF Confederation Cup campaign begins,” he assured.

•Photo shows NFSC Chairman, Prince Vincent Okumagba.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 5, 2017