Kingsley Kanayo
Following Monday’ s deadline for the submission of FIFA presidency bid, former Governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Kalu has backed out of his FIFA presidency ambition.
In a statement signed by Kalu’s adviser, Kunle Oyewumi on Monday, Kalu said, “I feel humbled and honoured with the widespread call for me to vie for the position of FIFA president. I sincerely appreciate the show of love and support demonstrated by African countries of endorsements despite my decision not to submit a bid. I particularly remain grateful to FIFA President, Seff Blatter and his team for personally acknowledging my capability to take the world football body to enviable heights.
“However, considering the economic challenges facing Nigeria, I have decided to focus my attention and resources on my business and humanitarian activities. I strongly believe the FIFA presidency is all about service, but I would rather continue my contributions to the economy of the continent by creating employment opportunities and wealth for Africans
“As a football enthusiast, I remain committed and passionate to the advancement of sports especially Africa”, Kalu declared.
He applauded the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for encouraging Nigerians to vie for the FIFA presidency, adding that Nigeria had showcased her human assets to the world.
Similarly, former Nigeria International, Segun Odegbami, has withdrawn from the FIFA presidential election, as he could not secure the required backing to make him a contestant, his campaign manager said.
FIFA is seeking to replace outgoing President Sepp Blatter.
The head of the campaign team for the Odegbami FIFA Presidential bid, Ade Adeagbo disclosed on Tuesday that it would have been great if they received the NFF’s endorsement much earlier because mostly, the trips to West African, South African and even European countries depended on the NFF’s endorsement.
“We would have wished that the NFF gave us this endorsement earlier than they gave us… yes we were warmly received in our trips to the West and Southern coasts of Africa and we even touched some European countries.
But in all; everybody that wanted to offer support said we need to get our home FA approval first which is understandable,” he stated.
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