Shun negative criticism - NFA told

John Akpodovhan, Makurdi - 06.07.2008

The Secretary to Benue State Government and chairman, Task Force Committee, Dr Audu Achigili has urged the Sani Lulu-led Nigeria Football Association (NFA) board to shun negative criticisms that could distract it from taking football to a greater heights in the country.

Dr Achigili made the appeal on Friday while declaring open the NFA retreat held at the Royal Chice Hotel, Makurdi.

The Secretary to the State Government tasked the FA to go ahead with its programmes and ignore those distractions which could drag it backwards.

He noted that such criticisms should not distract the board from doing what it should do to improving the standard of football in the country. "Football has become mega business in the world; it has helped our economy through our players playing abroad. They bring back their money into the economy. Yes, you have not done well in the last Nations Cup but you have won four of your World Cup qualifying matches," he added.

He added that Nigerians would be expecting young talented youths to benefit from the association's discussions, positing that the session was expected to improve football development and promotion in the country.

In his address, NFA chairman, Sani Lulu, noted that they were aware of a few people talking so loud about the good old days and the fact that Nigerian football had a setback, but, however, remarked that in the so-called good old days Nigeria could not make it to the World Cup final; Nigeria could not host any global championship and did not have its star players dazzling at the top level in Europe and elsewhere.

The chairman praised the Governor Suswam administration for its massive support which has proved its firm loyalty, understanding and commitment to the development of the game in the country and said the body decided to hold the retreat during this year's Coca Cola FA Cup grand final with the view to re-appraising its steps and chart the way forward.