Fanny Amun pledges thorough NFF probe into Nigeria team setbacks

Fanny Ikhayere Amun has pledged a careful and comprehensive investigation into the recent setbacks affecting Nigeria’s national teams. The former Nigeria Football Federation secretary-general is chairing the NFF fact-finding committee set up to examine the problems and help prevent further failures.

The committee was formally inaugurated at the football secretariat in Abuja on Monday. NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau presented its terms of reference and called on the members to draw on their experience across different areas of the game as they seek credible answers.

Amun said the assignment required complete commitment rather than a limited review. He indicated that the panel would hold extensive discussions with relevant stakeholders and people directly connected to the national teams and the issues under examination.

The committee will also consider memoranda submitted by interested members of the public. Amun said the panel would approach the work with a strong sense of responsibility because its conclusions could influence the future direction of Nigerian football.

He added that the investigators would be expected to establish the facts and produce recommendations that football stakeholders could accept. The chairman described the role as a national duty and stressed the need for diligence and honesty throughout the process.

Amun brings experience as a former technical director, NFF secretary-general and Super Eagles assistant coach. He also handled Nigeria’s 1993 Golden Eaglets team at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Japan and later worked as a coach, administrator and publisher.

The other committee members are former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie, ex-Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju, former Flying Eagles coach Isah Ladan Bosso, ex-FIFA referee and instructor Dr Alex Mana, and former international Nasiru Jibril. Jibril, who is also deputy director in the NFF technical department, will serve as secretary.