Odegbami, Soname lead race to replace Gusau as NFF president

In the wake of Ibrahim Gusau's resignation as NFF president, a race has commenced to fill the vacant position. Several names have emerged as potential candidates, with Kunle Soname, the founder of Bet9ja and owner of Remo Stars, being touted as the frontrunner. Soname's success in building sustainable footballing infrastructure, including his ownership of two Nigerian clubs and a European club, contrasts with the NFF's historically poor record in this area.

Mike Emenalo, a former Chelsea player and technical director, and Amaju Pinnick, who led the NFF for two terms, are also in contention. Emenalo's administrative experience at the highest levels of European and Middle Eastern football, coupled with his lack of Nigerian administration experience, makes him an attractive outsider candidate.

Pinnick, despite his failed tenure, brings international experience and familiarity with football's governing structures. Seyi Olofinjana, a former Super Eagles midfielder, offers a blend of elite European club experience and grassroots investment in Nigerian talent. Lastly, Segun Odegbami, a captain of Nigeria's Green Eagles, has emerged as a critic of the NFF and has called for a halt to the election process.

While not formally declaring candidacy, his influence in the conversation cannot be ignored. The National Sports Commission has reportedly set up a three-month normalisation committee to run Nigerian football, but the identity of this committee's leader remains unconfirmed.