Former Gombe FA Chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe has expressed disappointment with the CHAN Eagles’ 0-4 loss to Sudan,describing it as embarrassing, and a wake up call to pay attention to the elite league.
In a press statement, Gombe stated, “I expected the loss, having spoken to a Nigerian football official beforehand and expressed my lack of confidence in the team and technical crew.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s football developmental process should have surpassed that of Sudan, and accounts for why the loss was unacceptable.
Gombe defended the NFF and its leadership, stating that the decline in Nigerian football and the league resulted from long-standing corruption, though not recent events.
He alleged “Corruption, which occurred under former leaders such as Amaju Pinnick and Shehu Dikko, destroyed Nigerian football and the league,”.
The former Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso observed that the late Oyuki Obaseki, may his soul rest in peace, made every effort to promote the league, even during the tenure of Davidson Owumi and Ramson Baribote, although brief.
He however,argued that Shehu Dikko’s tenure was particularly detrimental, as the foundation was entirely destroyed.
Gombe alleged “The current state of our football and NPFL can be attributed to Amaju Pinnick and Shehu Dikko. Presently, he has been rewarded with an appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, which may lead to further havoc.”
It further raises the question of why the former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, removed Shehu Dikko from office as Chairman of our League?
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of an NGO, Athletics and Other Sports Development initiative, emphasized that Ibrahim Gusau and Gbenga Elegbeleye inherited a dysfunctional system and should not be held accountable for the destruction.
Though not blaming Elegbeleye for the decay in the NPFL, he however frowned at his emergence as League Chairman, without an election, while the status stated the Chairman should be elected.
He acknowledged that ‘Elegbeleye cannot be blamed for the damage that occurred 10 to 15 years ago. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of the problem, including the influence of wealthy individuals and the lack of accountability in the league.’
“One Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association, whom I won’t dignify by mentioning his name said all sorts of nonsense about me and this fellow did not even know when I started in football.”
Gombe stressed “The fact that out of 70 referees from Across Africa Assembled for CHAN , and no Single Nigerian referee was selected, highlights the need for reform in our league administration and I’m waiting for his response on why no Nigerian referee got selected for CHAN tournament.
He wondered “upon reviewing the selection of the CHAN team, particularly when the list was released, it’s unfair to assert that the team that played on Tuesday was the best representation of our League in Nigeria.’
The former Chairman of Gombe United argued ‘This outcome is unrealistic, indicating that a mistake was made. The presence of match agents, betting companies, influential figures in football, and affluent individuals have dominated the league and our football, including the Super Eagles.’
He alleged ‘Coach’s selection of players is often influenced by financial factors. A coach disclosed that he was offered $20,000 US Dollars to invite a player to camp.’
“The CHAN team’s performance lacks teamwork. Unfortunately, the emphasis has shifted to individual self-promotion. We need to reassess our approach and be truthful with ourselves, “Gombe said.
He also finger the media fof the declining fortunes in our football “Members of the press, we must recognize our contribution to this problem. As professionals motivated by various factors, we are all accountable. While financial pressures may affect our reporting, we must prioritize truthfulness. Objectivity is essential, and we should not misrepresent facts.”
He argued *Rather than placing blame, we should scrutinize the facts. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Gusau have the ability to revitalize Nigerian football if they so choose. Given their long history in the sport, they cannot feign ignorance. We belong to the same generation, having joined the Nigerian Congress together as Chairmen of our respective FAs – Majekodundumi, Baba Gana-Kalli, Ibrahim Gusau, Amaju Pinnick, Barry. Chris Greene, Emmanuel Attah, and myself”
“The fact remains that Amaju Pinnick’s tenure was detrimental, yet he was appointed as an executive adviser to CAF and secured a FIFA position. His removal from office in an election he had hoped to win was a significant embarrassment for the country. Additionally, his appointment as an adviser to the CAF President is seen as another disappointment.
The appointment of a Nigerian to this position raises eyebrows.
Were Rangers, Racca Rovers, Spartans, IICC, Mighty Jets, and DIC Bees not established before CAF President Motstepe’s time? Was he not busy with diamond and solid mineral mining in South Africa? It is shameful that a Nigerian citizen now serves as his adviser.
