The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aminu Maigari

  • World Cup: Angry Fed Govt demands N2.591b account from NFF

    World Cup: Angry Fed Govt demands N2.591b account from NFF

    •Minister writes Maigari
    •Congress dissolves Federation Board

    The tenure of Alhaji Aminu Maigari as President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) came to an abrupt end yesterday following the dissolution of the board by an extra ordinary congress of stakeholders and delegates of Nigerian football.

    Simultaneously, an angry Federal Government demanded explanation from the dissolved NFF on the disbursement of N2.591billion allocated to it for football administration in the country.

    Maigari  was arrested on Friday by operatives of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) on his return from the World Cup competition in Brazil over allegations of financial mismanagement, but was released afterwards.

    The national football team, Super Eagles,  were ousted in the round 16 of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil by France last Monday.

    The Minister of Sports/ Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mr. Timi Danagogo, in a July 2 letter to Maigari demanded the  refund of  the $3,600,000  released  to the Super Eagles as their allowances for the encounter  with France.

    The letter, NSC/HMC/GEN/CON/2014, signed by Justice Joffa, reads “I am directed by the Honourable Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission  to request a detailed statement of account of all monies received from the Federal  Government, other sponsors/donor companies and FIFA, by the Nigeria Football Federation under the following headings within 48 hours:

    •    One hundred and fifty thousand naira (N150,000,000) monthly Federal Government subvention from January 2013 to date

    •    Eight hundred and fifty million naira (N850,000,000) released by the Federal Government for the preparation and participation for the Super Eagles for the first round of matches at the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014.

    •    One million and five hundred thousand dollars (US$1,500,000) FIFA grant the Federation received for the preparation of the Super Eagles for the World Cup.

    •    Receipts from the various donors/sponsors companies for the prosecution of the 2014 World Cup and management of our leagues.

    “You are also expected to provide details of how the total of $14million expected from FIFA for Nigeria advancing to the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup, will be used to develop football in Nigeria.

    “You are to note that the $3,600,000 Mr. President graciously advanced for the appearance fees of players is not a donation. You are directed to ensure a refund of the said amount to the Honourable Minister without any further delay.

    “You are to further note that all the funds entrusted to you are to be deployed for the development of football in Nigeria and not for any political re-election bid.

    “This is for your information and strict compliance.”

    A reliable government source said: “The government is unhappy at the allegations of mismanagement of funds by the NFF. This is why the government is demanding accountability.

    “The government also is trying to prove to FIFA that the issue with the NFF borders on transparency and accountability. Therefore, it has become imperative for the government to put the problems with the NFF before the public for FIFA to appreciate.

    “FIFA has threatened to sanction Nigeria as from Tuesday but the World Football governing body will also not tolerate alleged corrupt practices.

    “Nigerians can now appreciate why the players held the nation to ransom by demanding appearance fees before their last match with France.

    “The players appeared to have known much about the NFF than the government.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Security agencies are already looking into the activities of the NFF.”

    In dissolving the NFF, the extra-ordinary congress of stakeholders and delegates also lifted the ban on both Taiwo Ogunjobi and Victor Rumson Baribote by the Maigari-led NFF.

    A delegation of the stakeholders is scheduled to visit FIFA on Tuesday to table its position before the global football governing body.

    FIFA had given Nigeria up till Tuesday to let Maigari be after a Plateau State High Court last week voided his emergence as NFF Chairman.

    The congress in a resolution at its Abuja meeting “expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his personal capacity, and the Federal Government in general, for total and unflinching support to the Nigeria Football Federation for the development of the game.

    It also “Commended the players and officials of the Super Eagles for their impressive performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. Bemoaned the unfortunate incident of the international embarrassment caused the Nigeria nation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, by failure of the Maigari–led NFF to fully and firmly resolve issues of finance with the Super Eagles ahead of the championship.

    “Accused the Maigari administration of short-changing grassroots development by failure to regularly avail State Football Associations of annual grant, and abuse of NFF Statutes in its constitution of NFF Electoral Committee, by altering the list of persons approved by the Congress at the 2013 General Assembly in Warri, Delta State, and inaugurating a different Committee. A new NFF Electoral Committee and NFF Appeals Committee were constituted.

    *Unanimously endorsed the dissolution of the Aminu Maigari –led NFF Executive Committee, and immediate termination of the employment of all Management Staff.

    “Endorsed the dissolution of the Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women League and the Nigeria Nationwide League. The Secretaries are to take over the running of the Leagues and report to the Acting General Secretary of NFF.

    “Approved the appointment of Mr. Lawrence Katken as Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, pending the appointment of a substantive General Secretary.”

    It approved the constitution of an electoral committee to conduct a fresh election into the NFF.

    The committee comprises Mr. Jeriak Rowland (South South); Mr. Usman A. Usman (North West); Mr. Emeka Asogwa (South East); Mrs. Margareth Aku (North Central); Mr. Hassan Adamu (North East);

    Others are Prof. Ademola Abass (South West); Mr. Chris Essien (South South); and Lawrence Katken (Secretary).

    An electoral appeal committee was also put in place.

    It is made up of: Mr. Effiong Oboho; Mr. Waribere Sonari; Dr. Isaac Akinloye; Mr. Thomas Awok; Mr. Simon Gyang; and Queen Otarakpo (Secretary).

    FIFA warned Nigeria about possible suspension after the Plateau State High Court ordered the sacking of the soccer association and the appointment of a new administrator to run the game.

    It gave the Federal Government until Tuesday to restore the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation failing which  the country could be suspended from playing in international competitions.

    “FIFA has learnt from various sources that the Nigerian Football Federation has been served with court processes and that consequently an order restraining the President of the NFF, his Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian soccer has been granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said a FIFA statement.

    It said it had also taken note of the detention of NFF president Aminu Maigari, although he has since been released.

    “FIFA has reminded the NFF that all FIFA member associations have to manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties.

    “The above mentioned actions are preventing the NFF from managing its affairs independently and are considered by FIFA as undue interference in the NFF affairs,” the statement added.

    The Plateau State High Court  had granted an injunction restraining Maigari and co from running the affairs of soccer in the country.

  • Maigari thanks President Jonathan, Nigerians

    Maigari thanks President Jonathan, Nigerians

    President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians for their support, after Nigeria exited the 2014 World Cup in gallant fashion on Monday.

    A two–goal defeat by France in Brasilia was very cruel end to a game dominated in large parts by the spirited African champions.

    Yet, this still represented Nigeria’s best outing at the FIFA World Cup in 20 years.

    “We must applaud Mr. President and the Government of Nigeria for the massive support the NFF and the team received all through the qualifying series and the tournament proper,” said Maigari.

    “Mr. President’s personal keen interest in the team saw us qualify for the finals and put up a credible campaign here in Brazil.

    “The players were brilliant. They showed heart and commitment and deserve the praise of Nigerians for their efforts.”

    Nigeria football supremo also hailed the support of his colleagues on the NFF board, NFF Management and Staff, the National Sports Commission, members of the National Assembly, Chairmen and Secretaries of Football Associations in the States, top shots of the various Leagues, top government officials from the States, former Nigeria Coaches, former Nigeria captains and officials of federal agencies and parastatals who were in Brazil to cheer the team.

    Paul Pogba headed in from a corner after Vincent Enyeama could only get a hand to the ball, with 10 minutes left, and Captain Joseph Yobo, on his 100th cap, got the wrong leg across to score in his own net in added time.

    The score –line was flattering to the French, who had to endure a scary first half as the Super Eagles showed their wings all over the pitch and even got the ball into the net, only for the referee to rule it offside.

    Nigeria continued to probe in the second period but the loss of energetic Ogenyi Onazi to midfield saw that section collapse and hand the advantage to the Europeans.

    Elimination means the Super Eagles must fly out of Brazil within the next 24 hours.

     

     

  • MAIGARI – Football is my life!

    MAIGARI – Football is my life!

    IN Bauchi, descendants from the popular Maigari family are known for many things, especially royalty and football.

    Today, a scion of the family, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, is holding forte at the helm of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the amiable man has brought so much verve to the game with unprecedented success in recent years.

    Yet Maigari maintains a modest mien in an exclusive interview with The Nation’s Sport & Style, saying nothing gives him so much buzz in life than the beautiful game of football.

    “All my life, it has always been football and I have devoted my life to the game of football,” says Maigari, sitting behind his desk in his office adorned with assorted trophies and awards.”I played from my school days and I was at one time or the other, a captain, team manager, FA chairman and all that.

    “I have devoted all my life to football because apart from playing football, I had been chairman of all the major clubs in Bauchi and was also chairman of Bauchi Football Association for a decade.

    “I was the chairman of Bauchi sub-seat when Nigeria hosted the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2009, a board member and acting president of the NFF until I became the president. By and large, I have been a football person and devoted the significant part of my life to the game.

    ” I actually stopped playing recently as a result of my knee injury which was operated upon in 2010; you can see that I have been a football person all my life and I want to remain so,” he said as a matter of fact.

    When you talk about a country, you talk about the First Family. The Maigaris are truly passionate about football and the NFF’s President was forthcoming on some of the faces behind the scene of his successful reign.

    “The football family is like my extended family because I’m at home in any part of the country,” maintains Maigari, who was recently crowned ‘the Igwe (King) of Nigerian football on a social network platform for his meritorious performance since he came on board in 2010.

    “Oh! Moraks, you want me to talk about my personal family?” he protested initially.”Okay, I have a fairly small family of about 10 people. “My first son who is now a businessman played football casually but my third child is a keen football lover and he is the captain of his school’s football team at the University of Sunderland in the UK.

    “My first daughter is happily married with two kids and I have others who are still in school and they all love football. It may also interest you to know that my late father was a big time footballer during his days in the 1940s and 1950s when football was played for peanuts.

    “You can see that football has been and would always be part of my family,” Maigari enthused as he spoke eloquently about other things dear to his heart. Excerpts…

    You were recently called the Igwe of Nigerian football on a social media platform, how do you feel personally about the achievements recorded so far under your tenure as NFF’s President?

    There is nothing to be compared with the recognition of one’s contribution to Nigerian football by the public and press, but it reminds us about the fact that we have to do more. Like every human being, I’m delighted that a majority of Nigerians are happy with what we have achieved so far. All of these achievements were as a result of a peaceful atmosphere within the football family as well as the support we get from Nigerians, especially that of President Goodluck Jonathan. What I’m saying in effect is that the achievements we recorded so far were as a result of significant support from the football family and Nigerians. On our own part, we shall continue to work hard to make Nigeria great.

    The next big project for you is the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, how prepared is the national team for the assignment?

    We are focussed and prepared right from the players to the coaches; the board and management team of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).The government has already given us its full backing towards ensuring that we do well in Brazil. We equally have tremendous support from the football family; stakeholders and Nigerians as such, what we are waiting for is the kick off of our first game against Iran on June 16.

    But there are rumours that you are not at peace with the Super Eagles’ coaching crew, especially Stephen Keshi, how true is this?

    Just want to use the opportunity of this platform, to let Nigerians know that we are solidly behind the Super Eagles and the coaching crew; as such, we are not going to do anything to undermine them. If we don’t trust Keshi from the beginning, we wouldn’t have picked him as our coach and I want those who are spreading this unfortunate rumour to put an end to it. We are preparing for the biggest football tournament in the world and we don’t need any distraction. I want to appeal to everyone to let us face our World Cup preparations without distractions. The World Cup is not about the NFF or Keshi or Maigari; it is about Nigeria and I’m therefore appealing to the public and the media to allow us do things under a favourable environment. We believe that the Super Eagles have all it takes to do well in Brazil but that can only be possible if we provide them the enabling environment to prepare. As far as the NFF and I are concerned, we have given our coaches maximum support and the free hands to pick the players for the tournament and we are also doing everything to ensure that they have adequate preparation before getting to Brazil because it is our mandate to do well at the World Cup.

    Sir, talking about mandate, what target has the NFF set for The Super Eagles and Coach Stephen Keshi at the World Cup?

    We have not set any target for the team and our mandate is simply for them to go to the World Cup and do well. We are not putting them under unnecessary pressure. Rather, we just want them to go out there and do their best. It is unnecessary to set a target that they must win the World Cup because if they don’t, that would be a huge disappointment. For instance, the USA’94 World Cup did not win the World Cup but they are still regarded as one of the best teams that Nigeria has ever produced; so we want the Super Eagles to make Nigerians happy with their performance in Brazil.

    Are you impressed with the quality of players selected and their performances ahead of the World Cup?

    Personally, I’m happy with this group of players and I would implore all of us to keep supporting them. A lot of them have performed creditably well for their clubs and what they need is encouragement from all of us for them to give their best in Brazil.

    People often say being the president of the NFF is a tough job, what is your management style?

    It is all about patience and recognising the fact that nobody knows it all. I see myself just as a head of the family and as a good leader, I have no option than to listen to others. I tap ideas from my colleagues and I’m the type that is ready to learn. We work as a team and the all-knowing syndrome is never part of my agenda as I’m ready to learn new things. I always have it at the back of my mind that I’m privileged to be here. My style is all about love, patience and humility- to see myself as the lowest person in the midst of everybody. We are open to advice from everybody, and that is part of the secrets of this administration. Heading the NFF is just a privilege and opportunity; so one must be ready to listen to the advice from other people. It is an enormous task but I know how to delegate and micro-manage but, importantly, I have listening ears. God has been given us the wisdom to be able to deal with people and issues that come up from time to time. What I run is an open-door policy because this is big portfolio and you need to listen to people.

    I learned you are a Manchester United fan, is everybody in the family a United fan too?

    You will be disappointed to know that I’m not a Manchester United fan as some people claim, rather, I’m the Number One supporter of all Nigeria’s national teams. I was asked the same question when I was at one Premier League event in England. I don’t really have a special attachment to any club and it is only human to have a choice when two teams are playing but I’m not deeply attached to any team. Yes, I love watching the English Premier League but I don’t want to give myself unnecessary pressure by supporting a particular team. The teams I’m passionate about are all the Nigerian national sides and I’m restless when any one of them is playing.

    Who are your all-time Nigeria’s best footballers and favourites?

    One player I admire so much when I was growing up was the late Garba Okoye because he was an exceptional player with a great dribbling quality. He was a great player in his days and you can liken him to players like Nwankwo Kanu and Jay Jay Okocha, but he was greater than them. In fact, all great Nigerian players are my favourites, I admire the likes of Segun Odegbami, George Hassan, Ismaila Mabo and some those great names of the past. In the new generation, we have Sunday Oliseh, Kanu, and Okocha and at present, I’m in love with all our current players for their commitment to the national teams.

    Former players have really benefited during your tenure as the NFF’s President, what accounts for this?

    There is a particular stanza that I so much love in our national anthem which says ‘the labour of heroes past should not be in vain.’ These were the players who served this country so well and we are of the opinion that they should be gainfully employed even after their professional football career. We need to encourage them because they served the country so well in the past and it is part of our deliberate policy to support these former Nigerian internationals.

    You look trim and fit for your age, what is your keep-fit regimen?

    I eat well and, actually, choose the kind of things I eat. I exercise regularly and above all, I don’t mount unnecessary pressure on myself. As a believer in God, I allow things to take their natural course because no matter how much we try, it’s God that blesses all we do.

    By the way, what is your favourite food?

    Tuwo shinkafa with vegetable soup.

    What determines what you wear in terms of clothing?

    I like to appear simple because that is part of humility. I don’t like appearing too loud in order not to draw unnecessary attention to myself. Humility is part of my upbringing and home training and I think you don’t have to dress loud to be noticed. I’m brought up to appear simple so that I would not have a high opinion of myself. I’m a simple human being and I always want to dress very simple.

    During the last Presidential Media Chat, President Goodluck Jonathan was asked if he was going to run for a second term; permit me to ask if you would run again after the end of your tenure?

    (General laughter). I think the biggest task ahead of me is the forthcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil; that is my focus now. My prayer now is for the Super Eagles to do well at the World Cup.

  • ‘I don’t have problem with presidential task force’

    ‘I don’t have problem with presidential task force’

    President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has welcomed any contribution from the Presidency that would help the performance of the Super Eagles in the World Cup.

    There was insinuation in some quarters that the Presidency is planning a Task Force that will assist the Nigeria Football Federation in preparation for the 2014 World Cup as well as during the competition.

    The NFF boss told journalists in Abuja yesterday that the football house will welcome any intervention from the Presidency that will help the national team to excel at the tournament.

    A task force was put in place by the Federal Government under late President Umaru Yar’Adua prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

    “Anything presidential is important to us, we need that intervention if it comes, so we need that presidential support and the Task Force is part of the presidential support,” Maigari said.

    Maigari also expressed confidence on the ability of the Super Eagles to do well at the Mundial even as he insisted that the NFF does not impose players on the national team coaches.

    On the alleged semi-final mandate given to the national team by Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, the NFF president said there is no target given to the team because that may mount pressure on them which he argued may be counter productive.

    Maigari also reassured on the Eagles American camp which he said will be comfortable enough for the country.

  • Maigari praises supporters club for standing by Eagles

    Maigari praises supporters club for standing by Eagles

    Aminu Maigari, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Sunday said members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club were the pillars behind the Super Eagles’ successes at the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

    According to him, the club has so far performed well in supporting the Eagles at the competition in South Africa.

    Maigari gave the commendation while addressing newsmen in Cape Town, South Africa, on the Eagles’ “miraculous’’ 4-3 victory over Morocco to qualify for the semi-finals.

    “I must commend the members of the club for a job well done. The club has been supporting the various national teams, including the female teams,’’ he said.

    The NFF president noted that even when the Eagles were 0-3 down, the supporters remained solidly behind the team, drumming, singing and trumpeting.

    “Without mincing words, your continued support won us that match. The government is aware of your selfless services, we in the NFF are equally aware of your role,’’ Maigari said.

    He pledged to support the club with an undisclosed amount.

  • Veterans honour Maigari in Lagos

    Veterans honour Maigari in Lagos

    The Association of Sports Veterans of Nigeria at the weekend in Lagos, honoured the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari with the Sports Achiever of the Year 2013 award.

    Speaking at the impressive ceremony, which took place in Surulere, President of the Sports Veterans, Jonathan Ogufere praised the efforts of the NFF in affording all National Teams adequate preparations ahead of major international matches and championships, which resulted in excellent outings for Nigeria teams in the year 2013.

    “Your managerial qualities shone brightly in the way you allowed all committees to function properly in the discharge of their duties and also motivated the players and coaches to do Nigeria proud on several occasions,” Ogufere said.

    Responding, Maigari commended the veterans for making him the first recipient of any award by the body in its 10-year existence. He pledged that alongside the NFF Executive Committee and Management, he would work assiduously to see that all National Teams are adequately prepared to bring glory to Nigeria through international championships this year.

    Present at the occasion were Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department of NSC, who represented the Honourable Minister of Sports, NFF Vice President Mike Umeh, Executive Committee members Emeka Inyama, Muazu Suleyman, Barrister Chris Green and Ahmed Fresh, and veterans like Peter Osugo, Jibade Fashina-Thomas, Demola Alli, Isidore Oduah, Fabio Lanipekun and Paul Bassey, among others.

  • NFF faults CAF awards voting

    NFF faults CAF awards voting

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari has cried foul and faulted the procedure which saw Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder, Yaya Toure Thursday night emerging as the 2013 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Footballer of the Year at the expense of fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba, of Galatasaray, and Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi. Toure won a third straight title.

    In a chat with brilafm.net, the NFF boss stated that it was very disappointing for Mikel not to have bagged the top award.

    “Well, I wish Mikel had won the award but unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it because we are not part of the electorates but I think it’s very disgusting that he did not win it.”

    The top award went to Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast and Manchester City for the 3rd consecutive time and joins a select group of African players who have won the coveted award for a record three different times.

     

  • Eagles salute Maigari over awards sweep

    Eagles salute Maigari over awards sweep

    • Tip Mikel for future

    Despite Super Eagles and Chelsea midfield maestro, John Mikel Obi not being named the African Footballer of the Year at Thursday’s awards ceremony in Lagos, it was plaudits galore for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari, his executive committee and all Nigerians over the near clean sweep of awards at the Eagles’ camp in Cape Town on Thursday night.

    From Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the bull’ Amokachi, Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor to other officials and indeed the players it was clapping and praises galore as award after award was named after Nigeria. Even the Protocol Official attached to the team, Lawrence Kentu and other security personnel in the team were not left out of the praise for the NFF and its leadership.

    “It’s simply the best era in Nigerian football and we pray and hope that it will be sustained in the coming years”, declared an obviously elated Emmanuel Attah, who is the team’s Coordinator. Gangling defence ace, Azubuike Egwuekwe, said he was not too disappointed at Mikel’s loss because head or tail, Nigeria was the champion of the night. “We are sure that Mikel or a Nigerian will win the next award”, he said excitedly.

    Team Psychologist, Dr Robinson Okosun spoke in a similar vein, declaring that with the clean sweep of awards, the year 2014 will be a better one for Nigeria. “Yes, we may be a little disappointed that Mikel did not win but are assured that we will do better in the New Year, starting with the CHAN tournament and we will return again next year to take what rightly belongs to us.”

    Amokachi, who is normally not used to emotions said there was a lot to cheer from the award ceremony. “We had a clean sweep and we must commend President Maigari and his board but the message is for us to work harder and remain the dominant force in African football”, he said. Team’s Media Officer Ben Alaiya, simply said he could not agree more with the deluge of accolades that were poured on Nigerian football and the Maigari-led NFF. “Its congratulations and more work to be done”.

  • Glo-CAF Awards Maigari to receive Hayatou in Lagos

    Glo-CAF Awards Maigari to receive Hayatou in Lagos

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari will be at the head of the NFF and Globacom’s reception party for the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Africa’s football supremo will arrive in Lagos at 1.25pm aboard a Cameroonian Airliner, and Maigari, alongside NFF Vice President, Mike Umeh, Members of the Executive Committee, Emeka Inyama, Deji Tinubu, Muazu Suleyman and Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, as well as Assistant Director (Media), Ademola Olajire and top officials of Globacom Communications will be on hand to receive him.

    Also coming on Wednesday are Members of the CAF Executive Committee including Magdi Shams El Din (Sudan), Constant Selemani Omari (DR Congo) and Algerian Mohamed Raouraoua, who is also a Member of the FIFA Executive Committee.

    Already in the country are Executive Committee members Anjorin Moucharafou (Benin Republic), Ahmad (Madagascar) and Adoum Djibrine (Chad), who all arrived on Tuesday. Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) and Jacques Anouma from Cote d’Ivoire are scheduled to arrive on Thursday.

    The Glo-CAF Awards ceremony will take place at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday night.

  • National teams will have befitting outings in 2014 -Maigari

    National teams will have befitting outings in 2014 -Maigari

    The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, on Monday said that the body was conceiving a strategy that would ensure a befitting outings for national teams in 2014.

    Maigari told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the strategy was aimed at ensuring that national teams remained consistent and progressive with their performances. He said that the body had directed the Super Eagles’ technical crew to submit its action plan for 2014.

    “There is no doubt that this has been a remarkable year for us, but we do not want it to end just there. It must be continuous. We have developed a short, medium and long term plan in order to achieve our objectives, not only for the Super Eagles but for all our national teams,” Maigari said.

    He said that the NFA was doing its best to ensure that Super Eagles would play some `Grade A’ friendly matches before the 2014 World Cup.

    “We have advanced in many ways with our teams, and we will do well as a body to take the country’s football to its pinnacle in the nearest future. We are not relenting because this dream is not just ours but the collective desire of Nigerians as stakeholders who expect the best from our football teams.

    “I must express my deep appreciation to Nigerians and, of course, the media for the role they played in shaping our thoughts positively at critical moments. We must collectively work hand-in-hand again in 2014,” the NFA president said.

    Maigari said that Nigeria’s victories in 2013 gave the federation an insight into how it could successfully execute its plans for 2014. He expressed confidence that Super Eagles would soar high at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil slated to hold from June 12 to July 13, 2014.