Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has expressed firm belief that the stock of Nigeria football will assume upward mobility again if Nigerian businesses commit to supporting the game.
Oliseh spoke in Lagos last Monday, at a colourful closing –gong ceremony on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
With Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema on either side, Oliseh said it would not be too difficult to recreate a golden generation for Nigeria football if Corporate Nigeria rises to the support of the NFF in the latter’s determination and real efforts to innovate robustly and take the Nigeria game to a new high.
He said: “The NFF has promised to give me total support in my developmental programs that are aimed at returning us to the glory days. I cannot achieve much without their support. But I am also aware that they cannot support me the way they would want to without adequate support and funding from Corporate Nigeria.
“We are starting from a near-zero point. There is nothing much on ground to develop on. But I have confidence that if we all work together, and we have patience, and we have support, we will get there.”
NFF President Pinnick called the visit, including the closing gong by Oliseh, a significant symbolic event that is meant to open the door for a more substantial project – the desire of the NFF to see Nigeria’s top clubs quoted on the NSE.
He said: “We consider this opportunity a priceless privilege. The NSE is a place for high integrity, transparency and accountability, and these are the values we want to drive in Nigeria football.
“We are determined to reposition Nigeria football and work with relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable football culture. We want to win matches but building the culture is more important.”
The NFF boss explained that the administration’s capacity building programs is intended to update all workers in football on modern dynamics of the game.
“The NSE has a pivotal role to play to help us achieve our dream of having Nigerian clubs quoted on the Stock Exchange. The way to go now is private sector. We want the support of Corporate Nigeria for our programs so that we can reduce the burden on Government.”
NSE CEO, Oscar Onyema expressed belief that Oliseh will shine brilliantly in his second calling (as Head Coach) as he did in his first calling (as a player).
“All of us here, NSE Board Members, Management and myself, believe that you will be a success. You have what it takes and you look like someone who is ready to conquer everything on his route to the top.
“Yes, I believe that it is time that Nigerian clubs come to the market. Clubs like Manchester United (England), Juventus and AC Milan (Italy) are quoted on the Stock Exchange. Nigeria is the biggest black nation in the world and the excitement that football generates in our land is incredible.”
Onyema had the support of NSE Board Members and Management, including Mohammed Mohammed, Ade Bajomo, Bola Adeeko and Olumide Orojimi, while Pinnick was accompanied by NFF Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, Board members Ibrahim Gusau and Sunday Dele-Ajayi, as well as NFF Head of Communications Ademola Olajire, LMC’s Head of Special Projects Harry Iwuala and Oliseh’s solicitor, Churchill Oliseh.