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Former Nigeria skipper Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami has said he will run for the FIFA presidency, declaring the world football governing body needs a new era of leadership to restore dignity to the sport after recent scandals.
The FIFA poll to replace Sepp Blatter, who quit in June, takes place on February 26, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland.
“The current scandal at FIFA is the organisation’s worst crisis in its 111 years of existence. Moving forward, FIFA thus require a new era of leadership that can restore the dignity of the noble sport and that of this esteemed international institution with global followership,” said the 63-year-old Odegbami, who describes himself as an “African candidate”.
“Times like this call for all concerned members of the global football family to contribute to the actualization of renewed objectives for FIFA by electing a deserving and qualified person, with the right character that can achieve the desired goals and restore confidence and integrity to the organisation and its activities.
“The world is very interested in who becomes the next President of FIFA, considering the present image and state of this institution and I see myself fitting into this role.”
Odegbami won 46 caps and scored 23 goals for Nigeria. He has bagged a national honour from his country and has worked with both clubs and the country’s team.
He has severally contested for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The deadline for candidates to formally present their nominations through their home football federations, with other supporting documents, is October 26, 2015.
He has already conveyed his intention to the Nigeria Football Federation, as required by the electoral guidelines and FIFA Statutes, as well as to the federal government seeking their support.
Candidates will also undergo an integrity test, through FIFA’s ad-hoc election committee.
