Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has admonished football administrators to learn to accept defeat in the interest of society and not to “pull the house down” when things do not go their way.
He spoke in Abuja when he received FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, alongside NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, FA presidents from other African countries, and members of the NFF Executive committee and management.
His words: “The kind of global recognition we have today, as a result of this historic visit, challenges us to learn to allow peace and stability in Nigerian football.
“If people lose election, they should learn to accept defeat. People used to blame politicians for a do-or-die attitude; politicians have moved on; it is now football administrators who have this attitude!
“When you lose an election, you should be prepared to wait for the next poll. I call on those who are fomenting trouble or trying to divide the house to stop their act.
“The National Assembly (NASS) is united in moving to restore peace in Nigerian football, and creating an enabling environment for the game.”
Saraki noted that the passion and love of Nigerians for football is incredible.
“Football is a big unifying factor in our country. As governor of a state, I set up a football academy because there are so many talents out there waiting to be nurtured.”
Infantino called Nigeria “a great country on a great continent.”
He added: “I was impressed coming from the airport on Sunday and seeing so many kids playing football on both sides of the road.
“That shows Nigerians not only love football, they live football. There is great passion, and great tradition, but there is need for unity and stability.
“I was elected on pledges of reforms, transparency and to develop the game.
“I am happy that Samoura accepted to be secretary general and the Executive Council endorsed her, because her choice said something for inclusion, gender equality, diversity, and the future that we promise.”
Pinnick reiterated that the visit, the first time that both a FIFA president and secretary general would travel together on a non-football competition assignment, underscored the reckoning that Nigeria football commands globally.
He acknowledged the role of the NASS in re-defining Nigerian football development, saying peace is key to true growth.
He also recalled that months ago, the first football match was played in Maiduguri after a long time, with a huge crowd at the stadium boldly proclaiming the power of football to enable ceasefire even in war situations.