LOC axe dangles on Uchegbulam - Nigeria 2009

By Tunde Ogunesan - 12.05.2008

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and vice-president Local Organising Committee (LOC) of FIFA U—17 World Cup, Nigeria 2009, Mr. Mainasara Ilo has queried the chairman Lagos sub-seat committee, Amanze Uchegbulam for inaugurating the Lagos sub-seat without the knowledge of the LOC.

Tribunesports scooped that Uchegbulam who also doubles as Nigeria Football Association (NFA) first vice chairman, did not seek clarification from the LOC in Abuja before going on with the inauguration.

In the query letter personally signed by Ilo and copied to NFA chairman, Alhaji Sani Lulu, Uchegbulam was asked to explain why he took the decision when the LOC headquarters had never announced a venue for the sub-seats, or has concluded its plan on the inauguration of sub-seats.

Tribunesports learnt on good authority that Uchegbulam, went ahead with the inauguration based on his closeness to the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Fashola, it was learnt, used to play football on every Sunday morning with Uchegbulam apart from the fact that they are close friend, prompting Fashola to promise taking care of the needs of Lagos sub-seat committee.

Uchegbulam, according to investigations, wants to use his closeness to the governor to facilitate success for the Lagos sub-seat committee but along the way ignoring protocol.

He is currently away to England on a tour and he is expected back in the country this week.