The FIFA presidency dream of former Abia State Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, got a boost at the weekend with two executive members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) endorsing his candidature.
Alhaji Yusuf Fresh and Alhaji Ahmed Mu’azu Kawu, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL) in a separate chat supported the ambition of Kalu but urged him to make a formal request for endorsement to the NFF.
According to Fresh, a member of the NFF technical committee, Kalu has every right to aspire to the topmost position in world football with his achievement with Enyimba International of Aba while he held sway as the Abia State governor.
“I am enthusiastic and happy that Nigerians are starting to show interest in the top football position in the world. His Excellency, Dr Orji Kalu has the right to contest for the FIFA job but he must get the endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “He cannot aspire to contest without the backing of the NFF and if he seek our support, we shall surely give him,” Alhaji Fresh said, adding “He has countless of achievements to show from his performance as two-time Governor of Abia State. He made Enyimba what they are today because it was through his effort that Nigeria broke the CAF Champions League jinx. He won the competition twice as well as the CAF Super Cup.”
For the NNWL chairman, Alhaji Kawu, the aspiration of Dr Kalu is not abnormal but advised he goes through the proper channel to actualise the dream.
“I like the doggedness of Dr Orji Kalu in aspiring to be the FIFA president. Of course, he’s qualified and has the record to back it up. But he has to go through the proper channel, that is seeking the clearance of the Nigeria Football Federation,” he said.
