Sanusi says NFF determined, focused despite challenges

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Monday that the Federation remains focused and determined to take Nigeria football to new heights despite a number of challenges, mostly financial.

The seasoned administrator celebrated 10 months in office as NFF General Secretary on Monday, and told thenff.com that, “though the road has been a little rough, our utmost determination and commitment to foisting a new, brilliant dawn on Nigeria football remains unshaken.”

In his 10 months in office, Sanusi has gladly received three major trophies, viz the African Youth Championship, FIFA U-17 World Cup and Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, as well as celebrated the U-23 team’s qualification for the Olympics and bronze medal at the All-Africa Games, the Super Eagles B’s qualification for the African Nations Championship, the U-20 girls’ qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the Super Eagles progress in the 2018 FIFA World Cup race.

“We have had so much to celebrate, thanks be to God Almighty. But we have also had a lot of challenges along the way.

“Most of the challenges have been financial. We have had relative peace to do our work, and everyone knows that peace facilitates progress.

“However, we must commend the Federal Government for its financial and moral support which has really helped us succeed in our programs. We appreciate that the Government has so many other key areas to expend resources on, such as infrastructure, roads, health, education, agriculture, safety and security, et cetera. So, several establishments have to find ways of improving their sources of funding.”

Sanusi explained that the need to increase revenue streams informed the NFF’s aggressive marketing approach and initiatives to attract corporate support.

“We cannot sit down and expect Government to do everything; that would be unwise. The NFF has gone into serious marketing in order to relief Government of a bit of the responsibilities.

“We are also proud of our efforts in helping to keep the young ones off the streets and away from social vices. Football provides an exciting platform and opportunities for the youth and this has blossomed under the Amaju Pinnick administration. The road may be rough, but we have robust determination and are well –prepared to confront and conquer all challenges.”