David Doherty, one of the presidential aspirants for the forthcoming Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), election has expressed his utmost desire to restore the country’s football lost glory.
Doherty, a former youth international who narrowly missed the twelfth edition of the FIFA Under-20 World Youth Championship tagged Nigeria 99 stated this while unveiling his seven-point agenda.
In his agenda which was unveiled at a special event which held in the highbrow Ikeja area of Lagos on Tuesday, Doherty said he will “restore Nigeria football’s lost glory” if elected president.
The Team Nigeria UK founder also said he would focus on grassroots development, reforming women’s football and investing in the domestic league.
He further said he would implement a five-year measurable and practical roadmap for football and infrastructural development, capacity building and inclusive system that would accord relevance to stakeholders.
“I was fortunate to grow in an era during which our football witnessed steady growth because there was a deliberate plan of action by the policymakers of that era,” he said.
He also said his ambition was motivated by the belief that football could provide education, empowerment and enjoyment while promoting health and well-being and the power of teamwork.
“My vision is to bring all parts of football closer together and to inspire the nation. I see this as a unique opportunity to unite all parts of our country and then to reap the enormous social and economic benefits that is associated with the sport,” he also said.
Doherty who regretted that Nigerian football has plummeted in the past few years, also said: “The next five years will present new challenges, but I am confident that with the support and goodwill of all stakeholders, the future can be very bright.”
On his vision for the immediate future, the talent developer said: “We must position ourselves as Africa’s strongest brand and one of the most identifiable brands in world football because a strong reputation is vital to enable us to achieve our objectives.”
