President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday acknowledged that “majority of Nigerians are married to football”, to the extent of “renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’” when matches fall into periods of power outage.

He therefore challenged football administrators to fashion out strategic programmes to develop the game.

Buhari was speaking when he hosted Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, and Fatma Samoura, FIFA secretary-general.

“Majority of Nigerians are married to football,” he said.“In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’ to watch the game.”

He reiterated that his government would pay keen interest to accountability and transparency to fast-track football development in the country.

“Accountability is serious business and I welcome you (Infantino) into the club of accountable chief executive officers,” he said.

Congratulating the duo on their election, particularly Samuora, the first African and female to be elected FIFA secretary-general, he welcomed Infantino’s programme to reform the world game through transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.

Buhari pledged Nigeria’s support to FIFA president’s reform agenda, noting that they are similar to those his presidency had outlined to resuscitate Nigeria.

“We will take the development of football very seriously and I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to behave itself and organise effective competitions for the good of the game,” he added.

In his remarks, Infantino asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.

“I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa. However infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen,” he said.

The FIFA officials were accompanied by Solomon Dalung, minister of youth and sports; Amaju Pinnick, NFF president; and Habu Gumel, president of Nigeria Olympic Committee.

Almajiri1:
Left for buhari, he would ban nollywood and football from Nigeria cos his alfas told him it breeds bad morals.

Ebukaidoko:
MR TALKATIVE, Always Talking No Action

Liberty101:
You are interested in sports but the government under your watch can't Carter for our Olympic team .

Nansense !

Oladimejyy:
Almajiri or what is your name your mate are in aba farming nd u are here typing nonesense...GUY GO AND FARM IN ABA

Megatone:


Ndi ofe mannu again......

Always come to the rescue for the DULLARD IN CHIEF......

Continue, we go soon see who go tire......

Always bringing tribal comments when not needed.....

blueto:
Yes, and it is because you have failed to maintain and improve on the megawatt attainted by the previous govt. your botched administration have deprived Nigerians of adequate power supply and sufficient income to procure their generating sets. Even to purchase fuel is now difficult for those who could do so in previous administration.

Oladimejyy:
Is it not your family that caused it

Jonathan, Not Buhari Is Responsible for improvement in power supply... http://thenationonlineng.net/why-power-supply-improved-under-buhari-by-nebo/

blueto:


The last time I checked, Power improved under Buhari in 2015 due to Jonathan's efforts


So how did Jonathan mysteriously cause the recession in power? Zombiesm is silly.

blueto:
Yes, and it is because you have failed to maintain and improve on the megawatt attainted by the previous govt. your botched administration have deprived Nigerians of adequate power supply and sufficient income to procure their generating sets. Even to purchase fuel is now difficult for those who could do so in previous administration.

veekid:
When is Buhari selling this country?

drss:
rent generator to watch football - buari dullard.
well wetin we expect from pesin wey him brain don expire finish
once a dullard always a dullard.

engrflames:
Mr Dullard so you're aware of the hardship your administration has brought upon Nigerians, shame on you

engrflames:
Mr Dullard so you're aware of the hardship your administration has brought upon Nigerians, shame on you

blueto:
Yes, and it is because you have failed to maintain and improve on the megawatt attainted by the previous govt. your botched administration have deprived Nigerians of adequate power supply and sufficient income to procure their generating sets. Even to purchase fuel is now difficult for those who could do so in previous administration.

Ebukaidoko:
MR TALKATIVE, Always Talking No Action

Oladimejyy:
children of kuvuki land(igbo) are ..........