NFF crisis: Kalu tasks Amaju on unity

As controversy con­tinues to envelop the Nigeria Foot­ball Federation (NFF), former Governor of Abia State and Pillar of Sports, Dr. Orji Kalu has made a passionate call for calm.

Kalu spoke yesterday, when NFF President, Mr. Pinnick Amaju led mem­bers of the board to his Abuja residence.
“Please, we cannot con­tinue like this. I call on all stakeholders to consider national interest above ev­erything else.
Our country is too frag­ile now for any individual or group to be threatening the only cord that gives all of us joy. Whatever it will take to achieve peace, I am ready to play a huge role,” he told the officials.
The former governor added that what should pre-occupy the stakehold­ers is how to earn a ticket to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The Eagles are defend­ing champions and we are just one leg away from elimination. Nigerians cannot afford to watch other countries do battle in their darling team’s ab­sence. Politics is around the corner. It is only foot­ball than can douse the tension,” he pointed out.
Kalu also took time to comment on Stephen Kes­hi, whose contract was not renewed after a string of poor runs.
“Well, Keshi is my friend and I advised him severally. I had wanted him to take Ike Uche to the last World Cup, but he had his reasons. Now I am sure he has also realized his mistake. We should forgive Keshi and move ahead. Maybe, we should have allowed him to con­clude the Nations Cup qualifiers,” Kalu said.