A Clarion Call: Nigerian Journalists and all stakeholders must Unite for New NFF President Gusau

A new Sheriff is in town, his name is Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau. Unlike the former Sheriff who gave us too much to cry about, this one comes with a good heart, good intentions and good tidings. 

In his inaugural speech, after emerging NFF president in Benin, the Edo state Capital, Gusau promised to operate an open door policy, where every Stakeholder will be carried along. 

Unlike his predecessor, he didn't make too many promises, rather he reminded Nigerians that football belongs to all of us and together, we can relaunch Nigeria as one of the super powers of World football. 

He looks like a man that is determined to silent his critics, a man that is on a mission to impress, a man that has something to offer and a man who wants to make a big statement. 

In all he has said, in all I have heard, he has tried not to use the first person singular, rather he prefers to say 'We or Us'. 

That alone gives one the impression that the leader we have all been craving for, has finally arrived. 

He is not the flamboyant, boastful and arrogant Niger Delta man, or the proud Fulani man who sits on their high horses and look down on everyone. He is a simple and easy going fella, who stoops down to your level to listen to whatever you want to contribute. 

He doesn't snubs, he is open to discussions and lively in a one on one chat. He reads his test messages and replies when the need arises. He takes criticisms as they come and hardly fights back even when offended. 

We have been friends for more than one decade, we have shared good and bad times, we have traveled far and wide, ate and drank from thesame plate, we have shared common jokes and have had our differences. 

The most recent happened in 2020, during the Anambra  FA Elections. The events before, during and after the elections got me seriously upset and I descended on my friend Ibrahim Gusau. 

Between 2020 and early 2022, we stayed apart until June 2022, when it became obvious he was interested in the NFF presidential seat. That was when we reconciled, buried the hatchet and worked out a perfect strategy that brought us where we are today. 

His return to NSM, wasn't a coincidence, it was consciously planned ahead of his emergence as NFF president. No wonder, it didn't take long for NSM to first confirm him NFF President, days before the election was conducted in Benin, the Edo state Capital. 

A few days to the election, NSM again confirmed that it was going to be a tight contest between Gusau and Seyi Akinwunmi and that the winner will only be known after a Rerun. 

All these predictions have finally come to past and with great honour, we have the pleasure to once again congratulate Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, a member of this esteemed platform as he takes over the mantle of leadership of one of the most difficult and most tasking Football Federations in the world. 

Gusau is a gentle man, he is one we can trust and work with. As a soldier of war, I will always advise that we give the opponent the benefit of the doubt. You don't write off a man even before the race. 

Gusau is on a four years mandate that could extend to eight, depending on performance, grace and result. We are the watchdogs of Nigeria Sports and many already have their swords drawn out, ready to slaughter. 

This message is to all the warriors of journalism. I plead with you all to stay calm. Please remain calm while we watch with keen interest how events unfolds. 

Something inside me, is telling me that this man will bring back the glory days of our football. Same voice is reminding me of 2010, when a certain Alhaji from Bauchi state took over from Sani Lulu as NFF president. 

Many wrote him off from day one but after four years as NFF president, he shattered all records and made history as the best NFF president that ever lived. Who says Ibrahim Gusau cannot do better? 

Let's show him some love and wish him the very best. The success of Gusau is the success of our football and the success of our football is the return of our happiness. 

Together, we can do it..... Let's go Nigeria!!!

From 🇨🇦 based Adewale Ajayi