With the dwindling fortunes of Nigerian football reaching it’s crescendo, prominent former Super Eagles players; who are craving for positive changes have endorsed Chikelue Iloenyosi for the position of a Board Member in the forth coming elections of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Iloenyosi, the Chairman of Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), who doubles as BOT Chairman of all Nigerian football players, recently declared his intention to run as a board member, representing the South East in the NFF elections.
“I’m in South East London, to declare my intention to contest as a board member, representing the South Eastern part of Nigeria in the coming NFF elections. I pray to Almighty God that we shall succeed, and we plan to support the growth of football and grassroots development,” Iloenyosi said.
Shortly after Iloenyosi declared his intention in South East London, some of his teammates in the Super Eagles and other well-wishers, said they believe he has the magic wands that can positively redirect the wheel of football administration in the country.
Photo: Chikelue Iloenyosi shares a joke with Nwankwo Kanu during a function. –
Amongst the ex-internationals backing Iloenyosi, popularly known as ‘The General’, are Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo (both former Skippers) of the Super Eagles, Victor Ikpeba, goal poacher Tijani Babangida, Samson Siasia and Dan ‘The Bull’ Amokachi.
Yobo, who captained the Super Eagles for years and also featured for English Premier League (EPL) side Everton, said; “I do support General Chikelue Iloenyosi for the NFF Board Member’s position. I have known him for over two decades, he was my roommate at the Nigeria ’99 U-20 Youth tournament. I strongly believe that having Iloenyosi at the helm of affairs will propel the NFF and Nigerian football to greater heights”.
Atlanta ’96 soccer gold heroes Kanu, Amokachi and Ikpeba all chorused the endorsement of Iloenyosi, describing him as an astute football administrator.
Another prominent ex-international, Babangida said: “I congratulate Iloenyosi for nursing such an ambition. It is high time for him to be part of the NFF board.”
The other distinguished person who endorsed Iloenyosi included; former U-17 and U-20 Coach John Sam Obuh (Now Chairman of Abia Warriors FC) who said the ANSFA boss is one of the best football administrators in in the country. Ex-internationals Peter Utaka and Ogenyi Onazi also lent their voices to his ambition.
High Chief Jim Martin’s Nwabueze and a Nollywood actress Ife Ezeh also backed Iloenyosi for the NFF Board Member’s role, saying he is qualified and that the former defender of the Super Eagles has a good heart to excel in the job.
Photo: ANSFA boss Chikelue Iloenyosi (left) during one of his grassroots development program in Anambra State. –
When elected into the NFF Board as a member, Iloenyosi is expected to join hands with the leadership of the Federation to help the senior male and female national teams; the Super Eagles and Super Falcons to seek qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
It would be recalled that Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, returned unopposed as Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) sometime this year, sending a strong statement of his credibility as an administrator.
His developmental football programs in Anambra State has earned him commendations from football enthusiasts.
Iloenyosi has been working tirelessly to develop football in Anambra State and create more opportunities for young talents.
Photo: Anambra State youth players during a grassroots development match. –
Iloenyosi’s tenures have been marked by efforts to strengthen grassroots football, improve coaching education and promote collaboration with football stakeholders across Anambra state.
Iloenyosi was first elected Chairman of ANSFA in October 2020 but assumed office fully in July 2022, before his re-election for his second term this year.