President Muhammadu Buhari has asked for more support from the World football governing body (FIFA) to help transform Nigerian football for greater impact and its all-around growth and development. Buhari made the call on Tuesday at the State House, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja while accepting the report of the 10-Year Football Development Masterplan Committee.
Buhari said his administration has demonstrated the political will to create and develop a conducive environment for football, which he describes as a national asset that should be safeguarded.
His words: “This government has demonstrated the political will. It will match it up with making the right laws and investments, and also work with critical stakeholders.
“We are interested in developing a football culture that will accommodate global best practices that will also help the nation to lay a solid foundation for her domestic football, put in place professionally and efficiently run leagues, entrench a consistent and stable football calendar, and create a value chain which will boost the sports ecosystem.
“I thank FIFA for its support and commitment to the development of Nigerian football which has been long-standing. I trust it will partner with Nigeria in its efforts to improve the fundamentals of its football development,” Buhari said.
Ada Peter
