The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports making the rounds in the media that its Abuja secretariat was raided on Monday by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The NFF said Tuesday that officials of the EFCC did not visit the Federation’s office.
Acting General Secretary of the NFF, Barrister Musa Ahmadu said: “No official of the EFCC visited the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, or the Liaison Office in Lagos for that matter. What actually happened was that a couple of persons from a committee on ‘Lost Funds’ set up by the Federal Government came to our office to ask a few questions.
“They wanted to know if the NFF followed due process in reporting the matter of $236,000 that was stolen in our accounts department in March 2009. They asked questions and received satisfactory answers, and left.
“They certainly did not leave with any file, talk less of files. We earnestly urge gentlemen of the media to always endeavour to cross-check their facts.
“The NFF has a relationship of mutual respect with the EFCC, a responsible agency of government that has been doing its job professionally. Whatever issues the two organisations had in the past have been largely resolved.
“We definitely appreciate the tremendous efforts that the media has been making to help clear the hazy cloud around our football. We will also appreciate the more if certain rumours and speculations are double-checked”, said Ahmadu.
When contacted, Femi Babafemi, EFCC spokesman corroborated Ahmadu’s statement stating that no operative from their office visited NFF’s offices.
Accolades for Falcons
Meanwhile the NFF President, Aminu Maigari has congratulated Super Falcons striker, Perpetua Nkwocha after emerging as the continent’s best Female Player and the Super Falcons as the Women’s Team of the Year at the African Football Awards in Cairo, Egypt.
Maigari said the women’s achievements have placed a burden on the men’s teams and the male players going into next year.
“The performance of our women’s teams, Super Falcons and Falconets during the out-going year was heart-warming, and there was no doubt that Perpetua Nkwocha deserved the gong as the Women’s Player of the Year.
“The men must now tighten their shorts. There is no reason why our country should not have a contender in the Men’s Player of the Year category. We have so many good players in Europe who also play for the national team and all they need do is put in extra efforts.
“I believe we would have a Nigerian in the shortlist for Men’s Player of the Year come next year”, said Maigari, even as he also congratulated goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and defender Taye Taiwo, who were named in the CAF First Eleven of the year.
Maigari also commended the release of Chairman of Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, Chief Igbinowanhia Ekhosuehi who was abducted by unknown persons in his Benin City, Edo State home on Saturday night.
Ekhosuehi, a board member of the Nigeria FA between 1996 and 1999 during the chairmanship of the Colonel Abdulmumuni Aminu (rtd), was taken away in his black, Jeep which was later found abandoned at the Ikpoba slope on Sunday morning.
“We are very happy with this development. You know, we condemned the action and now that he has been released, we must also express our happiness. We are particularly happy that he was released unhurt”, added Maigari.
Source:234next.com
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