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*Amuneke, Kanu, Bewarang Join Growing Support for Akwuegbu’s NFF Presidency Bid*
Former Super Eagles striker Benedict Akwuegbu’s bid for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is drawing support from a growing number of former internationals and football stakeholders, including Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu and veteran coach Bitrus Bewarang.
Akwuegbu, popularly known as the “Austrian Bomber” following his exploits in Austrian football, has declared his intention to lead the country’s football governing body as discussions over the future leadership of Nigerian football continue. His entry into the race was publicly announced in September.
As part of his consultations with prominent figures in Nigerian football, Akwuegbu recently met former African Footballer of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke.
Amuneke, an Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist with Nigeria and former head coach of the Tanzania national team, welcomed his former international colleague and stressed the importance of ex-players working together to contribute to the development of Nigerian football.
The former Barcelona winger, who was named African Footballer of the Year in 1994, called for greater unity among former internationals, arguing that their collective experience could become an important force in efforts to change the direction of the Nigerian game.
Akwuegbu’s consultations also took him to the Imo State Football Association, where Barrister Ifeanyi Dike expressed support for his ambition and called for a change in the administration and direction of Nigerian football.
Another significant meeting was with former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu, one of the most decorated Nigerian footballers of his generation.
Kanu is a two-time African Player of the Year, UEFA Champions League winner and member of Nigeria’s historic Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team. He is currently chairman of Enyimba International FC of Aba.
The former Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal forward welcomed Akwuegbu’s decision to seek a leadership role in Nigerian football and used the meeting to highlight the need for greater unity among former internationals.
Following their discussions, Kanu expressed support for Akwuegbu’s aspiration while acknowledging the challenges involved in pursuing the NFF presidency.
Reports of the meetings with Amuneke, Dike and Kanu emerged this week as Akwuegbu continued consultations over his ambition.
The former Super Eagles striker has also received backing from veteran coach Bitrus Bewarang, a former coach of JIB Rocks and Plateau United who previously served as an assistant to Clemens Westerhof and later as Technical Director of the then Nigeria Football Association.
Bewarang described Akwuegbu as a hardworking former international with the experience to contribute to Nigerian football administration.
His endorsement has also been supported by former Super Eagles player Ambassador Onoriode Gold Omagufi.
Other former players who have publicly backed Akwuegbu include Danjuma Isandu and Sam Pam Jnr., both of whom have spoken in support of his NFF leadership ambition.
Akwuegbu’s campaign has continued to attract support from figures within the football community as he seeks to build a coalition around his candidacy.
The former striker has presented his playing and administrative experience as part of his case for seeking the NFF presidency. During his career, he represented Nigeria internationally and played club football at home and abroad, becoming particularly associated with Austrian side Grazer AK.
Beyond the endorsements, Akwuegbu has said he intends to present a blueprint outlining his proposals for Nigerian football, including plans affecting players, clubs, referees, leagues and academies.
The expanding list of endorsements reflects an emerging push by some former internationals for greater involvement in the administration of Nigerian football.
For Amuneke and Kanu, one recurring theme has been the need for former players to overcome divisions and find common ground if they want to exert greater influence over the future of the sport.
Akwuegbu’s consultations are therefore developing into more than a series of campaign visits. They are also bringing renewed attention to the long-running debate over the role former internationals should play in Nigerian football administration.
With more former players and football stakeholders publicly identifying with his aspiration, Akwuegbu is seeking to translate that support into momentum for his NFF presidency bid.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade, SSI media
