BEVERLY HILLS, JULY 26, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday noted that the reform agenda of the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, is similar to the ones outlined by his administration to resuscitate Nigeria. He pledged the country’s support to the reform of the world football governing body.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President made this assertion while receiving the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and the Secretary-General, Fatma Samuora, at the State House, Abuja.
He challenged football administrators to fashion out strategic programmes to develop the game, assuring that his administration will fast-track football development in the country by paying keen interest to accountability and transparency
Congratulating the duo on their election, particularly Samuora, the first African and female to be elected FIFA Secretary-General, Buhari welcomed Infantino’s programme to reform the world game through transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.
‘‘Majority of Nigerians are married to football. In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’ to watch the game.
‘‘We will take the development of football very seriously and I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to behave itself and organise effective competitions for the good of the game.
‘‘Accountability is serious business and I welcome you (Infantino) into the club of accountable Chief Executive Officers,’’ the President said.
In his remarks, Infantino asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.
‘‘I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen,’’ he said.
The FIFA officials were accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel.
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