The Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria, (YSFON) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) over the handling and distribution of the recently received COVID-19 palliatives from FIFA.
Speaking at a virtual meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of YSFON led by the Deputy Governor of Kano State and President of the body, Mr Nasiru Gawuna, YSFON said it was marginalised in the sharing of the items.
The forum’s President expressed deep worry that despite the cordial relationship that exists between the two National bodies and the pivotal role being played by its members in Youth football development in Nigeria, the NFF did not consider it relevant in the sharing of the palliatives.
YSFON pointed out that the NFF’s treatment will discourage grassroots development especially when those behind the growth and future of the game are treated with ignominy.
Mr Gawuna consequently sought audience with the NFF Secretary-General, Mr Mohammed Sanusi to present his organization’s position and feeling on the issue, but unfortunately Sanusi explained that the distribution approach was in accordance with FIFA’s directives.
He pointed out that YSFON finds it hard to understand that the World Football Governing body that encourages grassroots development and organises Youth World Cups for boys and girls, who are the custodians of the future of the game, will turn around to ignore and downplay the importance of Youth Football Organisations in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives.
READ ALSO: SPORTS FLAKES: WHEN SUPPORTERS CLUB BACKED MOROCCO
“YSFON wants to place on record that the 1985 FIFA U-16 Championship held in China was predominantly attended by the YSFON Starlets that won the maiden edition of the event for Nigeria.
“Needless to mention many other international successes both at U-17 and U-20 cadres Nigeria achieved with the efforts and contributions of the renowned Youth Sports organization. These exploits contributed immensely to the title Nigeria has today as a great footballing nation,” he stated.
According to Gawuna, “YSFON is not making a case for itself alone but for other numerous grassroots bodies nationwide who have the magic wand to nurture and expose the football talents in Nigeria for the greater good of the NFF
“The NEC wishes to cease this opportunity to urge the NFF through the Youth department to fine tune its policy and improve the relationships with other relevant Youth football body to avoid rancour that can cause setbacks to the development of the game of football in Nigeria.
Although the NEC says it is basically not crying for help, the body insists that taking a detailed look at the manner the Amaju Pinnick led body treated YSFON in the whole issue, it suggests that the NFF does not appreciate nor recognise the contributions of YSFON in football development in Nigeria.
The YSFON President, therefore, called on the NFF to take a second look at its action and reverse its decision to accord YSFON its rightful place in the handling of the national issue since this is the only way to cement the bond that exists between the two bodies.
The Youth Sports body, however, promised not to relent in its efforts to partner the NFF with a view to promoting the game by continuously giving Nigeria the pride of place in the comity of footballing nations.