The article discusses the idea that just because someone has played football, it doesn't mean they can effectively lead in football administration, like running the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The author, Paul Lucky Okoku, agrees that playing football alone is not enough for leadership, but he argues that this principle should apply to everyone, not just footballers. Okoku points out that being successful in other professions—like journalism, business, or politics—doesn't automatically qualify someone for leadership either. True leadership requires skills such as competence, integrity, and accountability. He emphasizes that leadership should be judged based on performance and results, not just on titles or past experiences. The article highlights ongoing issues in Nigerian football, such as players not receiving their bonuses and salaries on time, which have persisted for decades. This raises questions about the management and leadership in football, suggesting that these problems indicate a deeper leadership failure. Okoku argues that both former players and non-players should be evaluated equally when it comes to leadership roles in football. He believes that the focus should be on individual qualifications and past performance rather than making assumptions based on someone's background. In summary, the article calls for a fair assessment of all candidates for leadership in Nigerian football, insisting that competence and accountability should be the main criteria, regardless of whether someone is a former player or not.
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