Popular football enthusiast and sports promoter, Chief (Sir) Ernest Elochukwu says the election of Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick into FIFA Executive Council meant nothing to him as there are far greater achievements to celebrate about in Nigeria.
Elochukwu who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Port Harcourt at the weekend, said as far as he is concerned, the FIFA election is a personal achievement for Amaju Pinnick and would not in any way translate to improving grassroots football in Nigeria.
Describing the development as a ‘mere merry-go-round football administration’, Elochukwu said the impact of holding such exalted position has not been felt in the country.
Stressing that there was need to strengthen the brand value of Nigerian football, Elochukwu who is Chief Executive of Nestello Gateways Group, stating that the building of Real Madrid Academy by Governor Wike was a step in the right direction because, according to him, it has futuristic benefits to generation yet unborn.
He expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles and Leicester striker, Kelechi Iheanacho’s hat trick against Sheffield United in the English Premier League.
“I am happy with Kelechi Iheanacho. His hat-trick is a sign that given the right encouragement, he will hold his against other world-class players”, Chief Elochukwu said.
He maintained that although he is not an advocate of a foreign coach, Nigerians should allow Coach Genot Rhor to invite and select Super Eagles players.
