Former Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) Instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has once again attributed the problems facing Nigerian football to administrative lapses.
The foremost soccer administrator opined that the standard of the round leather game ought to have improved beyond the present level if the right people were in the position to administer it.
The Modakeke High Chief made this statement on Tuesday while delivering a lecture, titled: “Building a Viable Future for Nigerian Football, Role of Footballers”, at the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APCON) Administrative Council Conference held in Ibadan.
Chief Onigbinde who was the guest lecturer at the occasion said nothing was working well as far as the administration of the game in the country was concerned, adding that, this had in no small means affected the performance of both coaches and players in the country.
”In Nigeria, as I speak, there is no functional Technical Department in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). We only have it in name, whereas, it should function in division not as a department. Tell me where is the blueprint on any developmental programme, there is none.
”For us to develop our football, we must start from the grass root, from the clubs to the various state FAs and then to the top (NFF).
”It is unfortunate that the system we run is a system of who is right and not what is right, who you know and not what you know. You must belong and you must have a Godfather before you can be among.”
The former Super Eagles handler counselled both coaches and players to know and play their roles in order to help themselves in their careers.
”As a coach, you must be well trained to have enough confidence to take and stand on your decision no matter the pressure and as a player, you must respect your coaches.
”When I was coaching, I respect players, but no star player can hold me to ransom because I know my job and I have the confidence in myself,” added the former Trinidad and Tobago Technical adviser.
