By Amaechi Agbo
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has thrown his weight behind the candidacy of Anambra State Football Association Chairman, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, for the South-East seat on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee.
Soludo, expressed confidence in Iloenyosi’s capacity to provide effective representation for the South-East at the highest level of Nigerian football administration, while pledging the full support of his administration to the former Super Eagles defender’s ambition.
The governor described Iloenyosi as a credible candidate with the experience, commitment and understanding required to contribute meaningfully to the administration of Nigerian football.
“Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi has demonstrated commitment, competence and passion for the development of football in Anambra State. We are proud of what he has achieved, and I want to assure him that the government and people of Anambra State will give him our full support as he seeks to represent the South-East on the NFF Executive Committee,” Soludo said.
Soludo stressed that the South-East deserves a stronger and more effective voice at the highest level of football administration in the country.
“The South-East deserves a strong and effective voice in the administration of Nigerian football. Iloenyosi understands the game, he understands our people, and I believe he has what it takes to provide the kind of representation our region deserves,” he added.
The governor also highlighted Iloenyosi’s background as a former international footballer and his experience in football administration as key attributes that could serve the region well on the NFF board.
“He is not coming into this race as a stranger to football. He has played at the highest level and has also gained valuable experience in football administration. That combination gives him the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the NFF,” Soludo stated.
Iloenyosi, popularly known as “D’General”, formally declared his intention to contest the South-East position earlier this year, with his campaign centred on stronger regional representation, grassroots development and creating better opportunities for football stakeholders across the zone.
The former Super Eagles defender was recently returned unopposed as chairman of the Anambra FA, further strengthening his standing within the state’s football community.
Soludo said the government’s support for Iloenyosi goes beyond his individual ambition, describing the NFF race as an opportunity to strengthen the voice of Anambra and the wider South-East in Nigerian football.
“This is not just about one individual; it is about giving the South-East a stronger voice and ensuring that our football talents, clubs and grassroots structures receive the attention they deserve. We believe Iloenyosi can make that difference,” the governor said.
He further assured Iloenyosi of the state government’s backing as he pursues the NFF board position.
“As a government, wherever an Anambra son or daughter is pursuing a legitimate ambition that will advance the interest of our people, we will support such a person. On this particular journey, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi has our full support,” Soludo declared.
The governor’s endorsement represents a significant boost to Iloenyosi’s bid and adds political and institutional momentum to his campaign ahead of the NFF elections.
Reaffirming his confidence in the Anambra FA chairman, Soludo added:
“I have confidence in his ability to represent us effectively. We will stand with him, we will encourage him, and we will give him every legitimate support required to pursue this ambition.”
With the governor’s public endorsement, Iloenyosi enters the race with the backing of the Anambra State Government as he seeks to secure the South-East’s place on the NFF Executive Committee.
“Iloenyosi is carrying the aspiration of Anambra and the wider South-East, and he should know that he is not walking this road alone. He has the full backing of the government of Anambra State.”
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