Senator Obinna Ogba has explained his decision to contest for the position of First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, saying his experience and knowledge of Nigerian football make him well suited for the role.
Ogba, a retired referee and Chairman of second-tier club Abakaliki FC, is among those expected to vie for a position on the NFF Executive Board at the federation’s elective congress scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports said his primary objective is to contribute to efforts aimed at reviving Nigerian football.
“I’m interested in the First Vice President position,” Senator Ogba said when discussing the forthcoming NFF board elections.
“The reason is that, from the look of things, the (NFF Presidency) is with the North. Otherwise, I would have gone for the Presidency (of the NFF), you know.
“But the important thing is that one gets the opportunity to be part of it, and I just want to contribute my own quota to get our football back on track once again.
Ogba Highlights Experience
Ogba maintained that his long involvement in football administration and governance has equipped him with the capacity to serve on the NFF board.
“Of course, I have all that it takes to make things work again as far as Nigerian football is concerned. I have the prerequisite experience, I have the knowledge, and I have the capacity. In any way you look at it, I believe I have all it takes to be on the Executive Board of the NFF.”
The First Vice President position is currently occupied by Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, a South-Easterner and respected football administrator.
Anyansi Agwu previously served as Chairman of Enyimba, during which the Aba-based club won the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004.
He also oversaw the club’s success in several other competitions and has served on the NFF Executive Board, including as Chairman of its Technical Committee.
Retired referee and former Anambra State Football Association Vice Chairman, Barrister JBC Obikwelu, who currently chairs the NFF Disciplinary Committee, is also reportedly interested in the vice-presidential race.
Ogba, however, remains confident despite the competition.
“It’s a contest. All of them are into football. Anyone who wins is okay by me. But we know those who are ‘tested’ and ‘trusted’. And we also know those who have been there and don’t have anything to show for it.
“I’ve been there (in football) all the days of my life so far,” Ogba said.
Senator Lists Legislative Achievements
The Ebonyi State Football Association Chairman also pointed to his legislative contributions to the Nigerian sports sector as evidence of his credentials.
“Today’s National Sports Commission, NSC, is my baby. It is a product of the bill that I sponsored when I was in the Senate, which I single-handedly wrote, and it was passed by the National Assembly.
“And Mr President then, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, signed it into law. I also had a bill establishing a university of sports in Nigeria which has been signed into law.
“But the Government’s reasons for not having kick-started it yet are best known to them. But all I know is that it is already an Act of the National Assembly and, whether they like it or not, it is already a law.”
Ogba Laments National Teams’ Poor Form
Ogba also expressed concern over Nigeria’s recent performances at international level, particularly the struggles of the Flying Eagles, Super Falcons and other junior national teams.
“They have not done well at all. That’s the bottom line. They have not done well by any standard of assessment.
“Nigeria is not known to be so dismal in international football at whatever level — youth or senior levels,” he submitted.
