The Nigeria Football Federation has come out to
explain that the recent draw for the 2025 President Federation
Cup competition was conducted in line with the best
practice in the round-leather game across the universe.
A member of the NFF
Executive Committee, Mr. George Aluo, on Saturday stated that
criticisms over some venues for the
quarter-final matches were ill-conceived and unfortunate.
Going by the fixtures released by the
football-ruling body, Abakaliki FC will take on Nasarawa United in
Benin City, as Wikki Tourists clash with Ikorodu City in Bwari,
Abuja and Akwa United and Kwara United fight it out in Enugu.
The Area 3 Stadium, Abuja will host the encounter between
Rangers International and Plateau United. All matches are scheduled for 3rd May, when
the semi-finalists are expected to emerge.
However, there have
been some criticisms in the social media over venue of
the match between the Ikorodu United and Wikki
Tourists, billed for Bwari, Abuja with some persons
claiming it is advantageous to the Bauchi-based team.
Aluo, also the Chairman of the Nigeria National League
(NNL) said: “Some of our media men need better education and newsmen
should conduct themselves like fans out there on the streets. In
the English FA Cup, it is always a one-off match that can see a club like
Arsenal host Manchester United at home. Here in Nigeria, we have seen Abiola
Babes host Ranchers Bees in Lagos with nobody talking about proximity of
Abeokuta to Lagos. The Final match involving Enugu Rangers and Stationery Stores
many years ago was played in Lagos and more
recently, Enugu Rangers hosted Kano Pillars in Asaba
despite the proximity of Asaba to Enugu, home of Rangers.
“We should promote things that will take our football
to the next level and attract corporate support. Alhaji
Ibrahim Musa Gusau is one man who eschews
sentiments in all that he does. He wants the best for Nigerian football. I
don’t see how playing in Abuja bestows any advantage on Wikki Tourists.
All we should be looking out for is fair officiating irrespective of the
venue. Take the case of Akwa United playing in Enugu against
Kwara United; nobody is talking about the closeness of Akwa
Ibom State to Enugu.
“Again, the corporate world is watching. GTI, partners
of the NPFL, are also supporting the NFF with the President Federation Cup.
People should not bring unnecessary sentiments into a competition to
which awe re trying to woo more corporate sponsors.”
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