Ebi Egbe calls for expanded NFF Electoral College
The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe, has called for a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral system, insisting that expanding the electoral college is critical to giving Nigerian football a fresh start.
Egbe made the call against the backdrop of growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football, particularly the underwhelming performances of some national teams and what stakeholders have described as persistent administrative challenges within the football ecosystem.
According to him, Nigeria needs fresh ideas, broader representation and a more inclusive governance structure if the country’s football is to regain its footing.
“Are we really saying that the future of Nigerian football should continue to be determined by such a narrow electoral structure controlled by the NFF hierarchy?” Egbe asked.
He argued that a country with more than 200 million people, thousands of clubs and millions of football stakeholders should have an electoral system that adequately reflects the diversity of those contributing to the development of the sport.
“With millions of football stakeholders, thousands of clubs, players, coaches, referees, administrators, former internationals and football professionals, it is time to ask whether the present NFF electoral system provides sufficient representation,” he said.
Egbe also maintain that controversies surrounding the NFF board should be viewed beyond the immediate political interests of individuals or groups.
Rather, he said, the situation presents an opportunity to address what he considers the deeper issue of representation and governance in Nigerian football.
“The ongoing controversies surrounding the present NFF board should not simply be treated as another political battle. They should be an opportunity to address the fundamental problem of representation and governance in Nigerian football,” he stated.
The Monimichelle boss called for the inclusion of more legitimate stakeholders in the electoral process, including football professionals, clubs, players, former internationals, coaches and other recognised stakeholders.
“All Nigerians are asking for is simple: expand the electoral college and stop interfering in State FA elections,” he declared.
Egbe stressed that his proposal was not targeted at any individual or group, but was aimed at creating a transparent, credible and genuinely representative football administration.
“This is not about targeting any individual. It is about transparency, inclusiveness, credibility and a genuinely representative Nigerian Football Federation,” he added.
He therefore urged football authorities and stakeholders to embrace reforms that would open up the system and give those who actively build and live the game a meaningful voice in determining its direction.
“Nigerian football needs a fresh start. Expand the electoral college. Open up the system. Let the people who build and live football have a voice,” Egbe concluded.
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