Former Nigeria captain Segun Odegbami has described FIFA’s intervention in the ongoing crisis surrounding the administration of Nigerian football as a positive and necessary development.

Odegbami made the remarks following a stakeholder meeting in Abuja involving representatives of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other stakeholders.

The former Green Eagles captain, who participated in the meeting, said the discussions took place in a cordial atmosphere and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to openly address issues affecting Nigerian football.

According to Odegbami, the FIFA delegation demonstrated an understanding of the major challenges facing the country’s football administration before the meeting, while the discussions provided additional perspectives that could assist FIFA in determining the next steps.

He said the engagement could pave the way for reforms in the administration of Nigerian football.

Reforms Expected

Odegbami said changes to the country’s football administration could be forthcoming regardless of whether a Normalisation Committee is eventually established.

The former international also stressed the role of FIFA in implementing any decisions reached through the reform process.

He noted that stakeholders may have to make compromises in order to reach an agreement on the way forward.

The football administrator said the discussions showed that the different parties could work towards common ground on some of the key issues requiring attention.

Stakeholders Consider Way Forward

The meeting comes amid disagreements among stakeholders over how to address issues surrounding the administration and leadership of Nigerian football.

Some stakeholders have advocated for a FIFA-backed Normalisation Committee to oversee reforms, while other positions have favoured alternative arrangements within the existing football structure.

Odegbami said the outcome of the engagement would depend on the willingness of the various parties to give ground and reach workable agreements.

He expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere at the Abuja meeting, saying the engagement left him encouraged about the prospects of addressing some of the challenges confronting Nigerian football.

FIFA, CAF, the NFF and other stakeholders are expected to continue discussions as efforts to determine the next steps in the country’s football administration continue.