Erudite administrator and coach, Marcellinus Anyanwu, has declared interest to vie for the post of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Marcelo’s declaration has jerked up the number of those jostling for same position ahead of the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 30, 2022.
Marcelo, a youth specialist coach and Arsenal U-17 team coach at the Arsenal Soccer School in Dubai, declared his intention to contest for the NFF numero uno job on his social media handle.
The former MFM FC assistant coach said his conviction to contest the poll when it was thrown open was during enhanced consultation with various football stakeholders where it became evident that he had the qualities required to be the President of the NFF.
He said that he was coming to build a strong pillar and establish a formidable structure towards a sustainable and successful football federation in Nigeria.
Marcelo said, “We are going to engage experts that understand the regiments of football and most especially the grassroots coaching.
“We will be engaging tutors around to world, to train our coaches.
He promised to collaborate with health insurance scheme to accommodate the retired international footballers, inclusive of former international male and female footballers.
“We are going to provide life insurance for all former international footballers. We will make sure that their health is guaranteed.
“We will partner with the National Assembly to pass a bill that will encourage sitting governor in building infrastructure, then we now engage multinational companies to invest in Nigeria football.”
The Imo state-born tactician whose role model is Marcelo Lippi became the first Nigerian to be appointed as a coach at the Arsenal Soccer School in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has endorsed the candidacy of one of their own and seasoned coach/ football administrator, Marcello, as the next president of the country’s football house.
The foremost grassroots football development body in it’s statement of endorsement described Marcelo as the most qualified person to take over the mantle of leadership from the outgoing Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
According to the statement, Marcelo who doubles as Kaduna State YSFON, Nigeria Football Supporters Club and Nigeria National league Brand Ambassador as well as youth team football coach at the 2011 National Sports Festival held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is a firm believer of grassroots football development and a core driver of infrastructural facilities for an enabled and enhanced football environment, describing him as the man to take Nigerian football forward.
The body while explaining that it took the decision after looking at the profiles of other candidates said, “Marcelo, the head scout and consultant of Gulf United football club Dubai 2nd division club in United Arab Emirate has a very rich football administration back ground and we believe he’s the best person to take over from Amanu Pinnick.
“This is a man with impeccable character and an administrator per excellence. He was once coach of MFM Football Club, expert coach for U-14 female football club and Arsenal Soccer school both in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as well as served as sports coach/facility manager of Universal Sports Club, Sharja, United Arab Emirates, Head coach of German school sharjah United Arab emirate among other numerous positions he has held in the football community both locally and internationally and this wealth of experience and many more he will bring in the running of Nigerian Football.”
