By Iyke Nwokedi

Top officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday embarked on a day visitation tour of the FC IfeanyiUbah International Stadium to inspect the facility on ground and make appropriate recommendations geared towards the successful hosting of CAF Confederation Cup matches this season for FC IfeanyiUbah, one of Nigeria’s flagbearers in this season CAF organized competition.

The team led by Mr. Bola Oyeyode (Director of Competitions, NFF) also had Dr. Christian Emeruwa (National Integrity Officer of the NFF) and Abdurafiu Yusuf (Assistant Technical Director) in attendance. Also present to welcome the visitors were the members of Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah led Anambra FA board such as its Vice Chairman, Barr. J. B. C Obikwelu and Secretary, Mr. Chijioke Onyedika.

The tour of the pitch commenced with the officials from the glass house having a mini seminar and talks for players and officials of the Anambra Warriors at the Club House located at No. 21 Nnobi road Nnewi. Chairman of the club, Chukwuma Ubah who introduced the officials to staff and playing personnel of the club, thanked the NFF officials for finding time to visit the club at this crucial moment in order to inspect the facility available as well as make appropriate recommendations were needed for a smooth and hitch free hosting of matches for the CAF organized competitions which kicks off in the month of February.

Leader of the delegation, Mr. Bola Oyeyode, NFF’s Director of Competition thanked the Chairman of the club for the warm reception accorded them. Mr. Oyeyode in his opening remarks eulogized FC IfeanyiUbah for the inroads made already and their exploits in the past season and also admonished them on his perceived grey areas. The Competitions Director called on the players of the team to see themselves now as worthy ambassadors and they should always put up good conduct in portrayal of their present status.
Mr Oyeyode during the meeting talked extensively about the nitty gritty of International football participation, technicalities associated with the game, 17 Laws of the game and sanctions that comes with non compliance. He further made mention of the specific roles that members of the club officials should carry out in the led to and in the aftermath of the CAF Confederations Cup, he concluded by wishing FC IfeanyiUbah a successful outing as they participate in the competition proper.

In his address, Dr. Chris Emeruwa, National Integrity Officer of the NFF who doubles as National Security Officer/ Special Assistant to the NFF General Secretary talked about match fixing and irregularities in the modern game with much emphasis on sport betting, positive and negative implications to the smooth running of the roundleather game. Dr. Emeruwa stated that world football governing body FIFA, in its bid to stem the tide of unwholesome practices in the game have taken some measures such as a program called “Early Warning System (EWS)” instituted by FIFA to monitor every competitive match played in the globe. He also talked about the “Integrity Initiative Strategy” launched by FIFA aimed at paving the way for significant and much needed changes to FIFA’s football governance structure, greater transparency and accountability. Dr. Emeruwa opined that the program marks a milestone on there path towards restoring FIFA’s credibility as a modern, trusted and professional sports organization. He concluded by reeling out specific numbers to the players and officials of the club for contact and possible complaint in a case of were they are approached by unscrupulous elements for issues related to fixing a match for money.

In his contributions, Vice Chairman Anambra State Football Association, Barr. J. B. C Obikwelu while addressing all present at the occasion talked about the act of refereeing, player’s psychology and modern trends in the game of football.

The NFF officials in the company of FC IfeanyiUbah eggheads and Anambra FA Board members thereafter proceeded to the Stadium for inspection of the facility. At the stadium, the officials took note of strategic points such as the Stadium Capacity, Dimension of the pitch, Pavilion and Stands, Lightnings (flood lights), Press Centre and Gallery, Players Dressing Rooms, Dugouts, Toilet Facilities, Stadium Management and Security.

They commended what was already on ground, made adequate recommendations and pointed out things to be put in place before their next visit to the massive edifice in a fortnight time for the final inspection and approval of the stadium to host the CAF Confederations Cup.