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In spite of the charade that took place at the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) extra-ordinary congress, Tuesday, visiting FIFA secretary general....
In spite of the charade that took place at the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) extra-ordinary congress, Tuesday, visiting FIFA secretary general Urs Linsi says it's regrettable that a soccer giant like Nigeria always struggles for a slot in the World Cup.
The Federation of International Football, FIFA, secretary general bemoans Nigeria's absence at the last World Cup in Germany, saying it was surprising that a country reputed as Africa's soccer giants was struggling, instead of taking their rightful place as giants.
Urs made the remarks, Tuesday at the opening of the one day NFA congress at Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Abuja Sheraton Hotels & Towers.
The FIFA secretary identified administrative disparity as Nigeria's undoing, stressing that they do not lack quality players to represent the country at such level of the game.
'Nigeria is a football giant," Linsi begins, 'but unfortunately the country still struggles to qualify for big tournaments. The situation of things today in your country concerning football administration is such that will not help her football growth."
In his general remarks, Urs advised the congress to find a way of correcting the misnomer, adding that they have the responsibility of deciding the fate of Nigeria's football and its future.
'From today onward you can make Nigeria football great or destroy it. Eight years ago Nigeria was ranked fourth among the leading football nations on FIFA rating, at present Nigeria is ranked 11th, still the highest ranked African country. They have the capability of improving on that ranking. Also in 2010 Africa will host the World Cup for the very first time. It is African World Cup, which your country should not miss," he said
'Africa should be well represented, be competitive and show the African flair. Nigeria is blessed with a lot of young talents, there is no reason your country should still be at the number 11 position and also fail to qualify for the next World Cup.
'To achieve all this, there must be unity, team work and the administrators must stop fighting each other. This is your responsibility to improve on your country's football."
The newly appointed Minister of Sports, Bala Ka'oje in his response assured that they will always play supportive role in partnership with CAF and FIFA in the development of football in the country, Africa and the World at large.