‘Intruders’ Want To Take Over NFF’

 • NANF Tells FCT Police Command

WHAT appears like a ‘coup’ against the Amaju Pinnick-led board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), may be at foot, if alarm by the National Association of Nigeria Footballers (NANF), Friday are anything to go by.

  NANF, the umbrella organization of all Nigeria Footballers current and retired, said in a mail to The Guardian Friday that a group led by one Chris Giwa was planning to forcefully take over the NFF Glass House over a purported election dispute. 

  “The NANF humbly wish to bring to your urgent attention a consistent threat by a group led by one Chris Giwa is planning to forcefully take over the Glass House of football administrative office in Nigeria over a purported election dispute. 

  “The game of football employs thousand of players in Nigeria both in the professional league, the Amateur leagues, female league, grassroots football, and the ancillary services football provides also gives employment to thousands of Nigerians.

  “Sir, there are laid down rules within the framework of football in line with International best practice to address disputes and conflicts. There are also provisions within the civil society to seek redress in the resolution of disputes within the ambit of the law.

  “For a particular person or group (the Chris Giwa-led group), to constantly threaten to seize the NFF over a purported  election dispute, which has been resolved within  the framework of football rules, is a threat to peace and national security,” NANF President, Harrison Jalla said. 

  Speaking further, Jalla said: “It is in the light of the above the NANF is petitioning the police to call this group to order as the NANF will also mobilize its members to dislodge this group from the Glass House, if they make any further attempt to take the laws into their hands by occupying the Glass House.

  “Any disruption of the Nigeria Football calendar will throw thousands of Nigerian players into the labour market. The NANF has a statutory responsibility to protect the game of football and all Nigeria players current and retired. This is why we are inviting the police to urgently intervene in this matter to avoid a breakdown of law and order.”