Sports
NFF Blasts CAF Electoral System
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, says CAF must change it’s structures to allow the best to join the group.
Aminu Maigari, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has said that CAF must change it’s structures to allow the best to join the group that runs the continental game.
On Sunday in Morocco, Maigari lost his bid to join the CAF Executive Committee to Benin’s Moucharafou Anjorin.
Three years ago, the Beninoise was removed from his position as FA president and spent time in prison over allegations that he misappropriated around $650 000 in sponsorship money.
“I am proud of the campaign we conducted. But it is time that African football begins to put in place a structure that will allow the best to emerge onto the CAF Executive Committee,” Maigari said in what is nothing short of a veiled criticism of CAF.
The NFF president has a point. Also voted in is the disgraced former FIFA Executive Committee member, Amadou Diakite.
The Malian was handed a two-year ban from all football activities by FIFA after being found guilty of ethical violations of the FIFA code, for his attempt to manipulate the vote for the 2018/2022 World Cup hosts.
He defeated Hassan Musa Bility and Augustin Senghor, presidents of the Liberian and Senegal federations respectively, in Sunday’s vote.
Maigari, Vice President of CAF’s West B zone and member of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee insisted that he is not bitter, and advocated for Nigeria to get a special place on the Exco.
“The poll was an experience and I have no hard feelings. That’s what life is all about. You learn every day.
“Nigeria football is big, not only because we are the current champions of Africa at both junior and senior levels, but also as a result of what we have achieved in the past, on and off-the-field.
“It is my considered view that Nigeria should always be considered for a seat on the Executive Committee,” said Maigari.
At the General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football in the Moroccan city, the NFF President polled 17 votes in the first round as against 27 for Anjorin and only nine for Hima Souley, a former President of the Niger Football Federation.
However, as CAF rules stipulated that simple majority would be 28 votes, Anjorin failed to emerge as outright winner in the first round and a run-off was called between himself and Maigari.
A lot of serious politicking and horse-trading went on in the auditorium before the second round, which Maigari lost 19-35.
The match, which ended 2-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, was marred by a series of serious breaches. According to the NPFL, Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate matchday security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle. Supporters of the Benin-based club were found guilty of unsporting behaviour, and match officials were reportedly held hostage for 40 minutes in the aftermath of the game, a development the league described as a direct violation of football governance and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed to be in breach of the league’s regulations on discipline and fair play.
In addition to the coach’s personal sanction, Bendel Insurance were fined five million naira for the various breaches, with the club also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
The NPFL said the penalties reflected its commitment to maintaining order, professionalism and respect for match officials, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The suspension represents a significant blow to Bendel Insurance at a critical stage of the season, leaving the technical crew to manage upcoming fixtures without Boboye’s direct influence on the touchline. The closed-door order will also deprive the club of home support at the Ogbemudia Stadium, affecting both atmosphere and the financial returns from those matches.
Bendel Insurance retain the right to appeal the ruling through the appropriate NPFL disciplinary channels
According to reports, the accident happened while the club was travelling to Lagos for a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.
The club confirmed that the team bus lost control and tumbled near Asaba during the journey.
In a statement, Calabar Rovers said that the accident left several players, officials, and staff injured, with one player in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
The club described the situation as “a painful moment,” adding that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment and support.
It stated that the welfare of the players remains its top priority during the period.
The club said it appreciates the prayers and urged fans to continue to keep the injured players in their thoughts.
The team was travelling for an away fixture against Sporting Lagos, which incidentally, had already been postponed indefinitely by the NNLboard due to the unavailability of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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