By our reporter 16.9.2026
Former Super Eagles striker Benedict Akwugbu has been tipped to be the man Nigerian football is looking for to give it a new lease of life.
Following the resignation of the entire NFF executive board after Nigeria failed to qualify for the men and women’s FIFA World Cups, stakeholders have been clamouring for fresh blood with fresh ideas to move the country’s football to a higher level.
Among those who believe Akwugbu can do a good job are former Flying Eagles star Sambo Choji and former Secretary of defunct Gabros International Football Club of Nnewi , Barrister Iyke Igbokwe.
Sambo Choji said Akwegbu who played in the Nigerian league with clubs like Mighty Jets, JIB Rocks, Plateau United, before going to Europe has everything it takes to make a good administrator at the NFF.
“Sentiments aside Benedict Akwuegbu is the most qualified to be NFF president. He has played football at the highest level including cadet , AFCON 2000 and Korea Japan 2002 FIFA world cup.
“He is passionate about the game and has a track record of funding three football clubs and taking fellow players along. Akwuegbu knows what to do to reposition Nigerian football.
“He is also well educated beside his success on and off the pitch”, stated Sambo Choji on the former top scorer of Grazer AK of Austra who scored 12 UEFA goals in various top clubs across the world.
Barrister Iyke Igbokwe appealed to ex footballers and other stakeholders to queue behind Benedict Akwuegbu who has a BSc Hons degree and into respected Nursing programme in London.
“We have seen enough of politicians and others masquerading as club chairmen. The time to have a full fledged ex international footballer investing in football, helping past and present footballers and other true stakeholders has come.
“Akwuegbu has been a successful player and making his mark at Akwuegbu United ,FC Mbaise.and Academies beside earlier stints at Plateau United and Heartland FC. Beside being a genuine club owner after playing at the highest level, he is young , dynamic and humble. The cap fits him most “, concluded Barr Igbokwe.