NEIFA unveils plans to raise funds for former internationals 

The Nigerian Ex-International Footballers Association (NEIFA), led by Francis Moniedafe, has unveiled plans to organise its inaugural launching and fundraising event in Atlanta, Georgia on July 29, 2017.

Comprising distinguished past Green Eagles stars and former Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets stars, who are now mostly living in the United States of America, NEIFA has been championing better welfare for its members and promoting causes that will engender proper football development of the current crop of players playing for Nigeria at various levels.

With a mission to advocate better quality of life for former teammates in Nigeria and around the world, who have fallen on harder times, NEIFA boasts members from varying respectable professional backgrounds and fields of human endeavour, including Engineering, Business, Elite Academy and University coaching.

According to a statement issued by the secretary, Nathaniel Ogedegbe, NEIFA observed that many Nigerian footballers were battling with different problems on various fronts, ‘which sadly have not been addressed headlong by the country’s institutions, prompting the body to step in and seek ways to alleviate the burden being faced by former footballers and present ones.’

Noting that since its formation, members of the organisation have been able to pull resources together to support the expenses of former internationals, including Best Ogedengbe, it said the time has come for NEIFA to reach out to the broader spectrum of footballers and former footballers in need of assistance.

“We continue to seek support and partnership with individuals and organisations with the means and shared interest and giving back to the country by working with NEIFA and the Nigerian public,” the statement added.

NEIFA added that the coming grand launching in Atlanta, which it tagged Association of Brother’s Keeper, was to seek donations to help the body achieve its outlined goals, comprising “assisting former teammates who, following their days on the pitch, have not had opportunities for education, decent jobs or access to health care;

“Promote the development of football in Nigeria and in other parts of the world, serve as ambassadors of Nigerian football and be a voice for Nigerian footballers in around the world”.