Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has dismissed rumours suggesting that he called for the dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board.
The speculation arose last week following reports that Okocha had criticised the NFF for appointing Eric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior football team. The reports sparked widespread reactions on social media, prompting the football legend to set the record straight.
Speaking on Lagos Talks FM, Okocha categorically denied granting any interview on the matter and expressed frustration over the spread of false information.
“I didn’t grant any interview. I don’t know why the person who wrote that story quoted me,” Okocha said.
He further clarified, “If you want to talk to me, you can call me. We might have similar opinions on certain things, but let it come from me. Even if you know that things are wrong in the NFF, you cannot say they should dissolve the NFF board. There is a process; they are elected.”
Okocha also emphasised his cordial relationship with key figures in Nigerian football, including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and former players Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal, and Augustine Eguavoen.
“I am close to Gusau, Ikpeba, Lawal, and Eguavoen. If I have anything to say, I’ll reach out to them directly. I don’t have to speak through the press. If they don’t listen or value what I’m saying, then I can go public,” he explained.
