UK's David Doherty becomes first ever diasporan cleared to run for NFF president

LONDON-based diaspora football organiser David Doherty of Pathway Sports is one of the 11 candidates cleared to stand for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) when elections hold at its convention on September 30 in Benin City.

With outgoing chairman Amaju Pinnick having served two terms, the race to replace him began immediately Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup. Aware of the fact that his position had become untenable, Mr Pinnick opted not to seek a third term, opening up the race and subsequently, 13 candidates indicated an interest in becoming NFF president.

With NFF congress due to take place in Benin City, the Edo State capital on September 30, the federation's electoral committee screened the contestants yesterday to ensure all contestants were eligible to stand. After the exercise, Marcellinus Anyanwu from Imo State  and Paul Yusuf from Plateau State were disqualified.

Apparently, the two candidates were disqualified because their nominations were described as invalid.  Under the NFF's electoral guidelines, candidates must be endorsed by three state football associations before they can be allowed to contest and 11 of the aspirants met this requirement.

One person with no such worries, however, is former professional footballer David Doherty, a member of the Flying Eagles squad, who now runs a football academy called Pathway Sports in London. Among its initiatives are the African Nations Cup UK and the agency has also organised a friendly between U17 UK diasporans and the Golden Eaglets.

Mr Doherty said: "Pathway Sports organises initiatives such as football tournaments, community sporting events and family fun days. Our work is aimed at bridging ethnic groups and uniting London’s diverse communities.

"No barriers are placed on religion, creed or colour, we encourage young people to respect their parents and to try to develop better relationships with them and other family members. Participants are encouraged to shun crime and engage in voluntary work in the community which can enhance employment prospects."

Other cleared presidential aspirants include Seyi Akinwunmi, Shehu Dikko, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Peterside Idah, Christian Emeruwa, Abba Abdullahi Yola, Amanze Uchegbulam, Adam Moukthar Mohammed, Suleiman Kwande and Musa Amadu. With regards to other positions, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Obinna Ogba, and Chinedu Okoye are in a three-horse race for the post of first vice president, while only Yusuf Ahmed Fresh is in the running for the position of chairman of state FA chairmen.

Contesting for seats on the executive committee from the southeast zone are Emeka Inyama (Abia State), Chikelue Iloenyosi (Anambra State), Karibe Pascal Ojigwe (Abia State), Jude Benjamin Obikwelu (Anambra State) and Emmanuel Ochiagha (Imo State). For the north central zone, Daniel Amokachi (Benue State) and Benedict Akwuegbu (Plateau State) will slug it out with Mohammed Alkali (Nasarawa State), Margaret Icheen (Benue State) and Idris Abdullahi Musa (Kwara State).

In the south-south zone, we have Aisha Falode (Edo State), Kenneth Nwaomucha (Delta State), Gregory Abang (Cross River State) Roland Abu Omomoh (Edo State), Poubeni Ogun (Bayelsa State), Jarret Tenebe (Edo State) and Essien Udofot (Akwa Ibom State). Ganiyu Majekodunmi leads the list of contestants for seats from the south-west, that includes  Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Ondo State), Olawale Gafar Liameed (Lagos State), Ayodeji Adegbenro (Ondo State) and Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi.

In the northeast zone, Babagana Kalli (Borno State), Sajo Mohammed (Adamawa State) and Timothy Henman Magaji (Taraba State) will be vying for seats. A member of the current board, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State) is the only candidate from the northwest.

If Mr Doherty is victorious, it will be the first time a diasporans wins an NFF election or to head any Nigerian agency for that matter. A victory would help in the ongoing campaign to get the Nigerian government to approve diaspora voting.