The Nigeria Football Federation has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support as he marks his first anniversary on May 29.
An Executive Board member of the NFF, George Aluo, gave this commendation while spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
He lauding the Tinubu-led administration for its steadfast support of the federation, saying, “I will say that we at NFF have not lacked support from the administration of Tinubu.”
Aluo attributed the success of the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup to Tinubu’s substantial support, noting that the President approved all the needs of the NFF presented by the Minister of Sports Development.
Aluo expressed amazement at the Federal Government clearing all debts owed by the NFF after the Sports Minister’s meeting with the President.
“The President also made sure that all the bonuses and backlog arrears were cleared,” Aluo added, commending Tinubu as a sports-friendly president.
Aluo, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria National League, emphasized that Tinubu’s support for the NFF motivated the national team to excel in the competition in Cote d`Ivoire.
He noted the absence of bonus-related distractions, citing past challenges such as the last-minute rush to pay players’ bonuses during the World Cup in Russia.
“We did not have such a situation in Cote d’Ivoire, and to this extent, I will say kudos to the President,” Aluo remarked. He highlighted the NFF’s current challenge as the lack of corresponding support from corporate and private individuals.
Aluo emphasized that sports, particularly football, is a significant business that should not rely solely on government funding.
He commended the government for creating an enabling environment for corporate and individual support, citing a policy under former Minister of Sports Sunday Dare that made sports a lucrative business with tax rebates for investors.
“I think the federal government, by this development, has created an enabling environment, and it is now the responsibility of corporate Nigerians to tap into it,” Aluo concluded, also commending NFF President Ibrahim Gusau for his commitment to football development in the country.
