NFF To Settle NPL’s Rift

Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barr. Chris Green has assured of the readiness of the football body to settle the leadership crisis of the Nigeria Premier league board, NPL.

Green said that peace in the NFL would pave way for a new league sponsor, after communications giants, Globacom backed out of renewing its contract with the NFL.

The duo of Davidson Owumi and Victor Rumson Baribote have been locked in a battle over the chairmanship of the league board which regulates and monitors the Nigerian Premier League.

It appears the NFF are disposed to Davidson Owumi, the former Rangers FC chairman as the leader of NPL.

However, Green, who spoke in a live radio programme monitored in Port Harcourt said that they were talking with both parties to close ranks.

“Getting these guys to embrace peace is not easy. But at the end for the day, we are sure they would close ranks and get a sponsor for the league,” the former Rivers FA chairman said.

On plans to support the new Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia to build a new Super Eagles team, Green said that Siasia would be given all the freedom he needs to operate.

He hinted that the NFF had outlined plans to ensure that every FIFA window is filled by organizing regular friendliness.

Green said the friendless would be used to assess the strength and development of the Super Eagles and take corrections where and when necessary.

“We have a good programme to ensure that every FIFA window is filled as this is the only way you can assess the development of the team.”

Speaking on the six-man committee inaugurated by the NFF as advisory committee, the former Rivers Commissioner for Sports said it was made up of high-calibre personalities, who have deep knowledge of the games, adding that they would give the NFF useful insight for the overall progress of Nigeria football.

Akonte Promise