2 months ago
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Posted On: September 15th 2026, 08:18 pm
Meeting with FIFA - foto no dey lie!
What a day today has being.
The meeting with members of the FIFA and CAF delegation went pretty well.
I was not surprised at the conviviality of it all.
Providence has a hand in the way things have been coming together like a joy saw puzzle. Members of the Nigerian football fraternity were brought together today in a friendly spirit like old friends. They discussed without any rancor during the session that I attended.
It went like a breeze.
The FIFA delegation, in their few remarks during the conversation, demonstrated that they know the main issues with Nigerian football pretty well. The meetings have added to their knowledge and would enrich their report to FIFA.
They, obviously, were very well briefed.
At the end of the 3-hr meeting the feeling I left with was good. This particular FIFA’s intervention is a blessing, a necessary step to take in order to enforce any reforms that will come soon.
Reforms are coming, with or without a Normalization Committee. It was also clear that everyone is on the same page as to the few key issues that need immediate attention first.
It is also clear that only FIFA can provide the instrument to enforce any final decisions. There shall be likely compromises by all the parties , every one giving up a little and taking a little!
Mission to Abuja accomplished, i could not wait to ‘wash’ the good feelings everyone seemed to leave with.
I invited Mitchel Obi. To join me for my regular sumptuous Lunch at Akisco’s Restaurant downtown Abuja. It was typical Gboko service - a variety of 6 different local soups served with fresh river fish and charcoal-smoked local chicken laced with spices mostly indigenous to Benue State. The taste is out of this world.
Between Mitchel and I, we sat and had a feast.
This picture is NOT to whet your appetite but to show you that ‘Foto no dey lie’.
Segun Odegbami
What a day today has being.
The meeting with members of the FIFA and CAF delegation went pretty well.
I was not surprised at the conviviality of it all.
Providence has a hand in the way things have been coming together like a joy saw puzzle. Members of the Nigerian football fraternity were brought together today in a friendly spirit like old friends. They discussed without any rancor during the session that I attended.
It went like a breeze.
The FIFA delegation, in their few remarks during the conversation, demonstrated that they know the main issues with Nigerian football pretty well. The meetings have added to their knowledge and would enrich their report to FIFA.
They, obviously, were very well briefed.
At the end of the 3-hr meeting the feeling I left with was good. This particular FIFA’s intervention is a blessing, a necessary step to take in order to enforce any reforms that will come soon.
Reforms are coming, with or without a Normalization Committee. It was also clear that everyone is on the same page as to the few key issues that need immediate attention first.
It is also clear that only FIFA can provide the instrument to enforce any final decisions. There shall be likely compromises by all the parties , every one giving up a little and taking a little!
Mission to Abuja accomplished, i could not wait to ‘wash’ the good feelings everyone seemed to leave with.
I invited Mitchel Obi. To join me for my regular sumptuous Lunch at Akisco’s Restaurant downtown Abuja. It was typical Gboko service - a variety of 6 different local soups served with fresh river fish and charcoal-smoked local chicken laced with spices mostly indigenous to Benue State. The taste is out of this world.
Between Mitchel and I, we sat and had a feast.
This picture is NOT to whet your appetite but to show you that ‘Foto no dey lie’.
Segun Odegbami
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