By Toby Prince
As the quest to replace embattled FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, becomes stiffer, a Nigerian has publicly declared his intention to fill the most sought after seat in world football.
That Nigerian is former international, Segun Odegbami.
He becomes the first Nigerian to speak out about his FIFA ambition with former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, still mute over his interest despite calls from various stakeholders soliciting their support for the former Enyimba supremo.
According to a press statement released by Odegbami’s office on Tuesday, the former Green Eagles skipper promises to restore FIFA back to its glory days by eliminating all traces of corruption in the association.
“The current scandal at FIFA is the organisation’s worst crisis in its 111 years of existence. Moving forward, FIFA thus require a new era of leadership that can restore the dignity of the noble sport and that of this esteemed international institution with global followership.”
The 62-year-old who was nicknamed ‘Mathematical’ for his precise style of play further expressed that in him is an individual with the pedigree and qualities to take up the mantle at FIFA.
“Times like this call for all concerned members of the global football family to contribute to the actualisation of renewed objectives for FIFA by electing a deserving and qualified person, with the right character that can achieve the desired goals and restore confidence and integrity to the organization and its activities. The world is very interested in who becomes the next President of FIFA, considering the present image and state of this institution and I see myself fitting into this role. ”
Odegbami adds: “Football is what my entire life has revolved around. My life’s ambition has always been to use football to make a difference in my local space and across the world, to go back to the original mission of promoting peace and cementing the bonds of friendships amongst the citizens of the world, and maximizing the global followership of the game to transform the lives of people and communities and advance social causes around the world.”
With 23 goals in 46 appearances, Odegbami is Nigeria’s second highest goal scorer of all-time behind Rashidi Yekini.
His brace in the final earned Nigeria her first African Cup of Nations trophy in the 1980 tournament hosted by the country.
The election FIFA is scheduled to take place on the 26th of February, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland.
