The youth wing of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has endorsed eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, for the presidency of world’s football governing body, FIFA.
In a statement on Wednesday, the caretaker committee of the youth wing of the pan-Igbo organisation, said Kalu is eminently qualified to seek the position.
The statement, signed by the President, Alex Ofoka, and Secretary, Chimezie Iloani, reads: “The OHANAEZE NDIGBO YOUTH WING enthusiastically endorses DR. ORJI UZOH KALU for the FIFA presidency and his success will elevate the sport of football to greater heights in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
“Dr. Orji Uzoh Kalu’s involvement in football has spanned over 25 years and through his sterling efforts and participation in football the sport has grown beyond the wildest expectations of most Nigerians. He formed the EYIMBA FOOTBALL FC, nursed in to twice win the converted CAF champions league cup and went ahead to also win the CAF Super Cup.
“Under Dr. Orji Uzoh Kalu tutelage, hundreds of our youths got involved in football and the results are visible for all to see. Today, Nigerian youths are playing in many football professional clubs throughout the world and much credit should be given to Dr. Kalu for his vision to promote the sport as a unifying factor in Nigeria as all youths irrespective of tribe, faith or origin identifying with the sport almost fanatically.
“We call on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to fully back Dr. Orji Uzoh Kalu on his quest to win the FIFA presidency. We further call on the Federal Government to back this project with the full weight of the government as the position of FIFA president is indeed a big deal and will surely promote the nation in the emerging importance sports is gaining throughout the world.
“Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is well and fully qualified for the position and his track record in the field of football is internationally recognized. We are respectfully urging the FIFA body to appreciate that Africa is the fastest growing supporters of the game and electing Dr. Kalu as the president to replace Dr. Blatter will restore the world confidence in the sport.”
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