Candidates for Anambra FA elections express confidence in process

Some candidates for the Anambra State Football Association (FA) chairmanship have said that they were confident that the elections would be credible.

They expressed their confidence in the organisation of the poll in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday.

NAN reports that the elections into the Local Government Football Councils which also serves as the delegate congress would take place on July 25, while the FA board elections would hold on July 31.

The candidates are of the opinion that it would be the most credible and acceptable elections in Anambra FA in recent times as it was open to everyone in the football community.

They also noted that it was no longer business as usual for a handful of person.

Olisa Aniuno, a member of the Sports for All Committee, said he was sure the exercise would throw up technocrats who had the burning desire to reclaim the glory of Anambra in the game.

Aniuno added that it would also transform the lives of young athletes who want to explore opportunities in football.

The candidate said he was in the race to bring his expertise to the management of football in the state, noting that already he had a blueprint he tagged “Football Across Anambra’’ project.

Aniuno said that with the plan, he hoped to entrench the game in every part of the state.

“I am okay with the process, I believe it will be credible and I hope the state football and footballers will be better for it.

“For me, I am in the race to build on whatever had been there and bring innovation to the administration of football in Anambra, we must take our game to the next level.

“Football is no longer a past time, it is both a game and business, we have a road map to where we intend to go, and we have a rich programme.

“I know others have theirs but the superior one will enjoy endorsement by the people,’’ he said.

On his part, Mike Umeh, former chairman of the board, said he was satisfied with process, adding that so far, he had nothing to complain about.

Umeh, who is relying on his long-standing experience for his comeback bid, said that victory was from God.

He wished that the opinion of the people prevailed provided the election committee played according to the rules.

“I am not worried, I have nothing to complain about, only God makes kings, what is important is that there should be a level playing ground for all parties.

“I am confident in the race, I have been there before and my records and experience speak for me,’’ he said.

Jude Obikwelu, a former vice-chairman of the board, told NAN he had no doubt in the credibility of the organisers and was sure that they would do a good job.

Obikwelu, a retired referee, said he equally possessed the capacity to provide purposeful leadership for Anambra football in the next dispensation.

NAN reports that the No. 1 Ozoagwu office of the FA is a beehive of activities as the elections committee, headed by Chike Ononye, scrutinised the candidates’ credentials.