*Sani Toro, Oneya dropped too
Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, the one and only Nigerian to handle the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup level, has stated that he his not disturbed over the failure of the Confederation of African Football to re-nominate into their standing committee for the period of 2013 to 2015.
Onigbinde has been a regular face on the CAF Technical Committee but that slot has been assigned to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive member, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh.
NFF president, Aminu Maigari and his immediate predecessor, Sani Lulu as well as first vice-president, Mike Umeh, chairman of technical committee, Barrister Chris Green and Emeka Inyama among others were named into various CAF Committees.
The former General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan stated that the choice of nominees is strictly a domestic affair and not a birthright of any individual.
“The issue of nomination is strictly Nigeria’s domestic affairs as such I will be fooling myself to expect the present dispensation to put my name on any of the CAF standing committees when they are the ones that insisted on removing my name from the South Africa Nations Cup list and defended their action to CAF.
“First, I have been on the CAF Technical Committee for 25 years, so it won’t be unexpected for people to think it’s time to make a change.
“I think I should sit down and watch events unfold, I have paid my dues in Africa and in the world as such I have no reason whatsoever to entertain any form of regret rather I feel a strong sense of fulfilment.
“However, that is not to say I do not have more to offer to Nigeria if genuine request is made. Please note that I am not the only one removed on the CAF list. Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro and General Dominic Oneya (rtd), among others were also removed by the NFF executives.
“Of course, it is only natural for those at the helm of affairs to try to fill their names and friends by rubbishing those who were there previously. But new persons must break into the ranks if ever they will do that to make impact in the committees. CAF and FIFA still communicate to me on regular basis.
“I am preparing letters of gratitude to CAF and FIFA for finding me worthy to serve in several committees. I never see myself as indispensable.
“Anybody, who serves Nigeria and expects thank you is merely preparing for heart attack. I am neither expecting thank you nor a heart attack. I am fulfilled with my contributions in every assignment I have found myself,” he said.
