A former First Vice President of the Nigerian Football Association, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam has declared his interest to succeed Amaju Pinnick as the next President of the Nigerian Football Federation.
Uchegbulam, who is the current Chairman of the Imo Football Association declared his intention before former players, board members, journalists, and supporters at the FA office in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
He lamented the deplorable state of football in the country and pledged his commitment to return Nigeria to the world stage.
Uchegbulam said, “In a football match, you wait for the referee to signal the commencement of the game officially, now that the contest has been declared open, I hereby declare my interest to become the next NFF President, to restore the image of football administration in Nigeria.
“In response to the motion moved in May 2022 by the Imo Football Association during our congress that I should vie for the position, I’m here to say I have consulted widely and have the support of my family. I have decided to contest for the position as clamoured by all”, the FA boss said.
According to him, he is 68 years old and not 74 years as peddled by some, saying since he was elected First Vice President, his age has not changed even as he called for accuracy.
He further stated his intention to revive the Nigeria Professional Football League from its moribund state, ensure it is properly run, and restore transparency to Nigerian football.
“Nobody is happy with the current state of the league, it is almost moribund, and we need to get people who understand football administration to fix it.
“We need to restore transparency, the image of the NFF, and ensure prompt payment of referees and Match Commissioners. It is time to bring the best and I guarantee you that in four years under my watch, you all will be proud of NFF.
“I assure you that if I handle football administration for four years, you will thank me because I’m known for transparency and work, it is time to get back the NFF of our pride,” he stated.
Uchegbulam added that his credentials included working with the continent’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football, and his work at the grassroots level.
“I served in CAF for 12 years and handled 33 cases and none of the verdicts has been faulted to date because I operate above board. I have worked with different chairmen and I know what works. I will reactivate the under 13, 15 teams where we discovered the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho.
“We need to domesticate our Statutes to end litigations in court. It is time we put the administration of football in the hands of technocrats. Under my watch, Nigeria will develop and use local coaches, enough of foreign coaches who are not on ground and don’t give good results. Amanze Uchegbulam is the man, make me the NFF President and I will make you proud as Nigerians,” he declared.
