‘FIFA requires a new era of leadership’ -Segun Odegbami
Decades after leaving active soccer, ex-Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami has maintained that it is Africa’s turn to lead FIFA as he declares his interest in running for the presidency of football’s apex body.
‘Africa must play a big role in world football,’ Odegbagbami declared as the battle over who succeeds Sepp Blatter gets tougher. The legendary 63 year old, who is remembered for his calculative dribbles and impressive goals will however be hoping to defeat highly rated UEFA President, Michel Platini and many others including Brazilian football legend, Zico who have all indicated interest in the prestigious position.
Segun Odegbami who won the African Nations Cup with Nigeria in 1980 will also be requiring the support of continental footballing body, CAF to see his dream become reality.
FIFA has been rocked with corruption scandals in recent times which led to the stepping aside of embattled president Blatter. ‘The current scandal at FIFA is the organisation’s worst crisis in its 111 years of existence,” Odegbami said in the statement while making his official declaration for the job.
He said further: ‘Moving forward FIFA thus requires a new era of leadership that can restore the dignity of the noble sport. The world is very interested in who becomes the next president of FIFA, considering the present images and state of this institution. I see myself fitting into this role.’
Asides Odegbami, a Liberian football administrator, Musa Bility has earlier declared interest in the job. He however failed to get the support of CAF with the Issa Hayatou led body stating that ‘The CAF executive committee decided unanimously not to give Musa Bility the support he requested.
The deadline for candidates to register their bids is October 26 while the election comes up on February 26, 2015.
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Source:: The NET
