From Outside, It’s Easy To Criticise NFF– Col. Aminu

• Former NFA chairman Col. Abdulmumini Aminu urged Nigerians to temper their criticism of the current NFF leadership, acknowledging the challenges they face
• Aminu advised the NFF to focus on youth football development by scouting for talent at the grassroots level, similar to Brazil and Argentina’s approach

A former chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd), has urged Nigerians to temper their criticism of the current leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Speaking exclusively to Daily Trust, the esteemed football administrator and former Military Governor of Borno State asserted that the NFF, as presently constituted, is striving to advance Nigerian football despite its challenges.

Col. Aminu acknowledged that while many Nigerians may express dissatisfaction with the NFF’s performance, they might not fully understand its difficulties.

“The job is not easy. Someone from outside can easily criticise, but only those on the seat know what they are going through,” he said.

The founder of El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri advised the NFF to emphasise youth football development. He suggested that the federation should actively scout for talent at the grassroots level.

“There are great talents all across the country. Let them get coaches nationwide, identify these young talents, and nurture them well to represent the country in Under 17 competitions. If well nurtured and well trained, these boys will one day win the World Cup, not just under 17 or other cups,” he said.

Col. Aminu cited South American giants Brazil and Argentina as models and emphasized that the NFF should emulate these countries in developing young football talents.

“That is what countries like Brazil and Argentina are doing. They identify these young talents, some of whom were in the villages, and give them all the necessary training and support. That is why they have pools of great talents that can represent them in all competitions and at all levels. It was the same way players like Ronaldo were brought up to stardom, and Ronaldo has already started nurturing his children to become football stars,” he said.

Col. Aminu served as NFA chairman from 1996 to 1999, during which time Nigeria won the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta, participated in the 1998 World Cup in France, and hosted the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 1999.