The call for Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu to join the race for the FIFA Presidency is fast gaining momentum with major stakeholders in football adding their voices.
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Some of the voices are those of former FIFA and CAF Executive Committee member, Dr. Amos Adamu and ex-England International John Fashanu who have thrown their weights behind the candidature of the former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who during the week declared his intention to contest for the vacant FIFA presidency office.
Dr. Adamu, who spoke from his base in Lagos stated that, the intention of Dr. Orji Kalu to contest is a good development for Africa and the world at large.
“It is not out of place to have an African FIFA president as the opportunity has created itself. Dr. Kalu is highly qualified for the position as it takes someone with clout, great personality and managerial acumen to occupy such position as big as the president of FIFA. Kalu has all these, so why not support him for the big assignment.
“I want to call on the Nigerian sports authorities to support Orji Kalu, as he is good for the job. I have been in CAF and FIFA before and I know how it works. I can say authoritatively that Kalu is good for the job and if we all put our weights behind him he would emerge victorious.”
Adamu, who is also a former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, noted that, Kalu’s qualification for the topmost FIFA job is not in doubt.
“He did the magic through Enyimba FC when he propelled the team to Nigeria’s first ever CAF Champions League title. He helped the team to win a second title that had been elusive to Nigeria.
“If he is given the opportunity to serve in FIFA as president, Kalu would achieve greatly in global football with Africa getting the most of it in the area of development.
“FIFA presidency is all about politics, and Orji Kalu is a very good politician who is capable to withstand whatever antics anybody wants to play at the highest level.”
Adamu added that: “What Kalu needs is an organised campaign and enough financial mobilisation to travel around the world to campaign to relevant national federations and continental bodies. Once these areas are perfected the sky is the limit.”
On his part, Sports Ambassador and Founder, Football Academy, John Fashanu on Friday, added his voice to the project by promising his unflinching support.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source close to Fashanu said, the footballer of international repute has been reaching out to people silently and seeking their support for Kalu to emerge as the next FIFA President, adding that Fashanu has been sending messages to his colleagues in the football world to drum support for the African Pillar of Sports. Efforts to reach Kalu’s aide, Kunle Oyewumi, proved abortive as his phones were switched off and he did not respond to text messages.