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Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission Ibrahim Bio has charged the interim board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), headed by Aminu Maigara to run an open administration. Bio, who spoke during a visit to his office by the new NFF leadership, said the administrators need to do more to reposition the game in Nigeria. “I congratulate you on behalf of Nigeria’s teeming football followers, for purging yourselves and for the pledge to be focused. But I must tell you that there is so much to be done. Every Nigerian is passionate about the game of football and it is a big task resting on your shoulders,” he said. “We had no business playing the kind of football we played at the World Cup. We have abundant talents in Nigeria and we don’t have to be scurrying to Europe to get players anytime we have a competition. We should be able to groom two or three standard senior teams that we can call up to duty at any period in time.” On Nigeria’s recent face off with world football governing body, FIFA, Bio said: “There is no reason to be suspicious of one another. We should be able to work together seamlessly. “Every Nigerian wants to see his team do well in every match. Going to the World Cup, we thought we had a team that could at least reach the quarter finals. But what we got was disappointment, despite the physical presence and support of Mr. President, several ministers and several governors.” 2012 opportunity The sports minister told the NFF the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which comes up in 2012, presents an opportunity to excel. “I believe that you should be able to use the 2012 Nations Cup competition to prove that we have abundant talents in this country. On the board’s decision to hold elections in December instead of August, the minister said, “As far as government is concerned, we have no objection to the three-month extension that you are seeking for your board’s tenure. “That is good because you want to open up the democratic space, which is courageous and commendable. My charge to you is to be focused, transparent and accountable”. In a speech earlier, Maigari, who was accompanied on the visit by NFF Executive Committee Members, Stephen Gyebgon and Patrick Ekong as well as Secretary General Secretary, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, said the interim executive would strive to ensure that football in Nigeria is given a new lease of life. “We also thank dozens of millions of Nigerians for their prayers. We have had our first board meeting since the change and we assure Nigerians that we will work towards getting Nigeria football back on the right course. “Already, we have slashed the cost of form for the elections and expanded the scope for every interested Nigerian to participate. We have also called for an Extra-Ordinary General Assembly for Friday, 9th July in Abuja that will bring forth a lot of ideas,” he said. Source: 234Next.com