Shaibu, Enabulele, football stakeholders rally behind Erhunmwunse for NFF executive board

BENIN CITY – Momentum is building ahead of the September 27, 2026 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress as the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association (Edo FA), Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, has secured unanimous endorsement from the Edo FA Board and a broad coalition of football stakeholders for a seat on the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The endorsement, announced at the weekend, brings together leading figures in sports administration, government, football management and the Nigerian diaspora, who described Erhunmwunse as a visionary football administrator whose leadership has repositioned football development in Edo State.

Among those backing his aspiration are the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele; Executive Director (Edo North), Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Frank Ilaboya; Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization and Strategy to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Christopher Udobor Iyase; UK-based Co-owner and Chairman of Ine Football Club, Mr. Osaro Egharavba (Sailover); Chairman of Ugbowo Bombers FC, Prince Bobby Okojie; USA-based coach and football club owner, Mr. Alexander Okokobioko; UK-based football administrators, Mr. Monday Uzorhia and Mr. Sylvester Baye Osagie, a member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

Others are the Proprietor and Chairman of Eagles Wings FC and Vice Chairman of the Benin City Youth League, Mr. Darlington Ogbeifun; Chairman of the Oredo Football Council and Head Coach of BJ Foundation FC, Mr. Douglas Idahosa; Vice Chairman of the Oredo Football Council and Head Coach of Ine Stars FC, Mr. Precious Asemota; Head Coach of Delta Queens FC and former Assistant Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Mr. Stanley Francis Osaze; Proprietor and Chief Executive Officer of Rolly FC, Mr. Rolland Inonojie; and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Trenches Gold Cup, Mr. Emovon Godspower Fabulous.

The stakeholders said Erhunmwunse’s endorsement followed a careful assessment of his achievements since assuming office as Edo FA Chairman, noting that his administration has restored confidence in football governance through transparency, inclusiveness and sustained grassroots development initiatives.

They credited him with expanding youth football competitions, strengthening collaboration with football stakeholders, attracting strategic partnerships and creating platforms for discovering and nurturing young talents across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the endorsers, the stakeholders said Erhunmwunse possesses the competence, integrity and administrative experience required to contribute significantly to football governance at the national level.

According to them, his election into the NFF Executive Board would not only give Edo State stronger representation but also ensure that the South-South region plays a more influential role in shaping the future of Nigerian football.

The stakeholders further pledged to mobilise nationwide support for his candidature, including purchasing his nomination form and engaging football stakeholders across the country to ensure his successful election.

“This endorsement reflects the confidence we have in Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse’s leadership and capacity. His commitment to grassroots football development, institutional reforms and stakeholder engagement has transformed football administration in Edo State. We are convinced he has the vision and experience to make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Board,” they said.

They added that Erhunmwunse’s emergence would open new opportunities for football development, youth empowerment, investment in grassroots football and stronger collaboration among football stakeholders nationwide.

The stakeholders also described the aspiration as historic, noting that no Chairman of the Edo State Football Association has previously been elected into the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Reacting to the endorsement, the Edo State Football Association expressed appreciation to the distinguished personalities and stakeholders for their overwhelming vote of confidence in its Chairman.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting football development through purposeful leadership, innovation, inclusiveness and strategic partnerships, expressing confidence that Erhunmwunse’s proven track record and vision make him a worthy candidate for election into the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Board at the forthcoming congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State.