…promises full Anambra state backing as ex-Super Eagles defender targets NFF Executive Committee
BY Our Reporter
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has thrown the full weight of his administration behind the ambition of former Super Eagles defender and Anambra State Football Association chairman, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, to secure the South-East seat on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee.
The endorsement is expected to inject significant political and institutional backing into Iloenyosi’s campaign, as the former international seeks to emerge as the region’s representative on the body responsible for administering Nigerian football.
Soludo, who described Iloenyosi as a candidate with the experience, capacity and understanding required to effectively represent the South-East, said his bid should be viewed beyond a personal political ambition.
According to the governor, Iloenyosi’s background as a former Super Eagles player, coupled with his experience in football administration, places him in a strong position to articulate the interests of the region at the highest level of Nigerian football.
“I have confidence in his ability to represent us effectively. We will stand with him, encourage him and give him every legitimate support required to pursue this ambition,” Soludo said.
The governor stressed the need for the South-East to strengthen its voice and influence within the administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the region must be adequately positioned to benefit from opportunities in the sport.
He pledged the support of the Anambra State Government to Iloenyosi’s campaign, signalling a potentially formidable backing for the former Super Eagles defender as the contest for the NFF Executive Committee seat gathers momentum.
Iloenyosi, popularly known as “D’General,” is campaigning on a platform centred on stronger regional representation, grassroots football development and improved opportunities for players, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders across the South-East.
His recent return as chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, where he emerged unopposed, has further consolidated his standing within the state’s football establishment and provided additional momentum for his NFF ambition.
With Soludo’s endorsement now firmly behind him, Iloenyosi enters the contest with the backing of one of the region’s influential political leaders, potentially strengthening his appeal among football stakeholders across the five South-East states.
The governor’s intervention also underscores the strategic importance being attached to the NFF Executive Committee position, with the South-East seeking greater participation in decisions affecting the development, funding, administration and future direction of football in Nigeria.
For Iloenyosi, the immediate challenge will now be to translate the growing support into broad-based backing across the South-East football constituency and convince stakeholders that his combination of international playing experience and administrative exposure makes him the right candidate to occupy the regional seat.
His supporters are expected to leverage his Super Eagles pedigree, his record in Anambra football administration and his campaign promise of greater grassroots investment to build a consensus around his candidacy.
The endorsement by Soludo therefore gives the former international a significant political and institutional boost as the battle for representation on the NFF Executive Committee intensifies.
For Anambra and the wider South-East, the contest is increasingly being framed not merely as an individual bid, but as a push for a stronger regional voice in the governance and future development of Nigerian football.
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