Meet the Members of the Football Development Masterplan Committee.

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2022

The Gleamer

Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima.
A founding father of modern football administration in Nigeria.
A former NFA chairman who laid the foundation for the introduction of FIFA statutes in Nigeria. He is presently a patron of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC).
Yemi Idowu
Sports investor and business man. A grassroots mobiliser and club owner. A massive investor in sports facilities and infrastructure. His Ajegunle Stadium project in Lagos could benefit over 150,000 kids.
Segun Odegbami.
Former international player, grassroots sports investor and owner of a thriving Sports Academy.
A man of many parts, having successfully ventured into sports marketing and broadcasting.
Emmanuel Babayaro.
Former Nigerian youth international and Olympic Gold medalist. A player unionist of repute.
Sunday Oliseh.
Former Super Eagles captain and coach. AFCON winner and Olympic Gold Medallist. Passionate about grassroots football development and coaching.
Ikeddy Isiguzo.
Sports journalist with many years of experience. Former chairman of the editorial board of the Vanguard newspapers. A social commentator.
Alhaja Ayo Omidiran.
Foremost women football promoter and sponsor. Former member of the Federal House of Representatives. She has served in many FIFA, CAF committees. She is presently the chairperson NFF women football committee.
Augustine Ojiabor.
Passionate football follower and fan with deep knowledge and understanding of Nigerian football.
Ade Ojeikere.
Sports Journalist with many years of experience. Knowledgeable, passionate and pioneer member of the Interim Management Committee(IMC) for the Nigerian league. Currently Group Sports Editor of Sporting Life newspaper owned by The Nation newspapers.
Seyi Akinwunmi.
Barrister, grassroots football expert.
Currently, the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation and also chairman of the Lagos State Football Association. He is the coordinator of the Western Nigeria Football Forum(WNFF).
Tobechukwu Okigbo.
Football sponsor.
One of the facilitators of MTN sponsorship of the Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles.
Tony Nnacheta.
Sports administrator and technocrat. Former Sports Commissioner in Anambra State. A banker of repute.
Alhaji Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk.
Grassroots football promoter. Currently a member of the 2022 NFF Electoral Committee.
John Opubor.
Passionate sports, especially football, enthusiast. Knowledgeable about modern trends in football administration and management.
Dr Bode Durotoye.
Civil servant. A former director of grassroots in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. A seasoned sports administrator and international instructor of many sporting codes.
Musa Amadu.
Barrister, FIFA Master degree holder. Former NFF General Secretary and until recently, the Chairman, NFF Disciplinary Committee.

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No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

3 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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