By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
As the race for the election of who becomes the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, (NFF), in 2022 gets thicker, a leading contestant, Mr. Paul Yusuf has promised to uphold the integrity of the body if given the mandate to lead the body.
Mr. Yusuf made the promise during telephone interview with Nigerian Post.
He opined that many factors has been hindering the progress of the country football administration but his coming on board as the President will change the system for good.
According to him, “My mission is to develop, manage, promote and govern the game of football in Nigeria, to positively impact. I will ensure the development of Nigerian football from the grassroots to the world stage, by providing football and life-enriching opportunities to young players of all ages and playing abilities”.
“Create a lifelong passion for football, and to help raise the level of football in our country; Nigeria, bring her back to her previous world class standard.
“I and my team will continue to strive for excellence in the game of football, leadership, development and personal growth of our players, coaches, staff and administrators by being active members of our communities through social service, partnerships and programs with various clubs and stakeholders.”
Further, the former Enyimba FC player said, his football career spam from 1980-1996 playing for various club across Nigeria with the likes of Michael Emenalo, Chidi Nwanu and Late Benjamin Okorogu.
“I also played with the New Nigeria Bank of Benin FC with the likes of Bright Omokaro, Henry Nwosu, Tarilla Okoronwata, Augustine Igbinobaro, Humphrey Edobor and both Late Wilfred Agbonavbaire and Stephen Keshi; El-kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri with the likes of Manu Garba, Samson Siasia, Nduka Ugbade, Benedit Ugwu; Bendel United FC of Benin City with the likes of the following players Isaac Semitoje, Benedict Iroha, Davidson Owumi and Rangers Inter. FC of Enugu with the likes of Peterside Idah and Ndubisi Ndah.
“Currently in my experience in Canada, I work with Toronto Catholic District School
Board – Youth/Young Adults Care programing.
“I formed and managed a community team (Nigerian Eagles Soccer Club of Toronto, Canada under the auspices of the Toronto Soccer Association, where I was responsible primarily to manage the daily activities of members of the club and management by setting targets, implementing guidelines, and supporting employees of various clubs within the Association to solve issues that arose.
He said, “In 2006, I served as a Director with the Toronto Soccer Association. Also I was Goalkeepers’ Trainer with the Ontario Soccer Association in 2002.
“Currently, I serve as a member of the Board of Directors for two Nigerian community associations: Nigerian Canadian Association and Association of Northern Nigerians in Canada.
“It would be an honor and privilege to be considered for the position of the president of Nigeria Football Federation. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the development of Football in Nigeria, the continent of Africa and the world at large.”
Mr. Yusuf hails from Mangu Local Government Area (Kombun District) of Plateau State and have lived and worked in various regions of Nigeria, and married with 4 children.