Lagos State Football Association chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed has received a significant endorsement from a leading grassroots football administrator as he seeks election as the South West representative on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee.
The endorsement came from Pastor Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Grassroots Football Federation (NGFF), who described Liameed as an experienced and well-prepared administrator capable of making a meaningful contribution to the leadership of Nigerian football.
Pastor Oscar’s support follows Liameed’s formal declaration of his candidacy ahead of the forthcoming NFF elective congress in Abuja.
In a statement titled “The Best and Well-Prepared Man for the Job,” Pastor Oscar called on football stakeholders across the South West to support Liameed, citing his more than two decades of experience in football administration, grassroots development, talent identification and competition organisation.
“I would like to use this medium to draw support for Alhaji Liameed Gafar’s application to be an executive committee member in the incoming board of the Nigeria Football Federation,” Pastor Oscar said.
“I have worked with Alhaji Gafar in many football projects for over two decades and I know that he has the skills, love, dedication, devotion and, above all, experience to fulfil such a position with confidence.”
Pastor Oscar highlighted Liameed’s record at the Lagos State Football Association, as well as his long-standing involvement with 36 Lion Football Club, which he founded.
He said Liameed’s experience extends beyond club administration, pointing to his involvement in grassroots football development, tournament organisation, coach education, talent identification and relationships with players, referees and administrators.
“He has great enthusiasm and commitment to the development of football in Nigeria, as evidenced through his work with Lagos State Football Association as well as with other organisations and projects, especially 36 Lion FC in the domestic league,” he said.
According to Pastor Oscar, Liameed has also demonstrated an ability to work across different areas of football administration, including engagement with grassroots stakeholders and initiatives designed to improve the technical knowledge of coaches.
The NGFF Secretary-General further praised Liameed for what he described as his direct investment in the development of young football professionals.
He said the LSFA chairman has supported emerging coaches, referees and administrators by helping some of them access coaching courses, refresher programmes and other capacity-building opportunities aimed at improving their knowledge and aligning their development with international standards.
Pastor Oscar also pointed to Liameed’s involvement in grassroots competitions involving clubs, players, coaches, referees and administrators, describing such platforms as important avenues for talent discovery and professional development.
He added that several players, coaches, referees and administrators who have benefited from these opportunities have gone on to contribute to football at domestic and national levels.
Another major area highlighted in the endorsement was Liameed’s contribution to talent identification.
Pastor Oscar said the administrator’s grassroots network and involvement in youth football have helped create opportunities for talented players to emerge, including players who have subsequently attracted attention at national-team level.
He argued that Liameed’s combination of grassroots knowledge, administrative experience, football contacts and talent-development expertise would make him a valuable addition to the NFF Executive Committee.
“In light of all these, I firmly believe that Alhaji Gafar will be a great asset to Nigeria Football Federation,” Pastor Oscar said.
Pastor Oscar urged football stakeholders across the South West to consider Liameed’s experience and record as they prepare to participate in the NFF electoral process.
He specifically cited the candidate’s knowledge of football association administration, tournament organisation, player management, coaching relationships, grassroots development and talent identification.
“I therefore use this medium to appeal to South West football stakeholders to make use of his expertise, links, local connections, international contacts, practical knowledge, management skills, club expertise and talent-hunt values,” he said.
The endorsement adds another significant voice to the conversation surrounding the South West’s representation on the NFF Executive Committee, with Liameed’s campaign now centred on his record in grassroots football and football administration.
As the NFF elective congress approaches, the contest for the South West position is expected to attract close attention from football stakeholders, with candidates seeking to demonstrate their experience, vision and capacity to contribute to the development of Nigerian football.
Liameed’s campaign is built around a message of experience, grassroots engagement, football development and stronger representation for the South West at the highest level of Nigerian football administration.
