I will take over CAF with Nigeria’s backing – Ahmad
P@josh_flexy
resident of the Malagasy Football Federation, Mr. Ahmad Ahmad has said he will become the next president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) with the supports of Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt.
Mr. Ahmad made this assertion while speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday after his separate meetings with the Senate President; Bukola Saraki, Minister of Youth and Sports; Solomon Dalung and the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick.
Incumbent CAF supremo Issa Hayatou, the former 400m and 800m champion of Cameroon and who has been in office since 1988, is being challenged by the head of Madagascar’s FA.
The duo will go head to head at the 39th Ordinary Congress of CAF in Addis Ababa on 16th March 2017.
“When I see Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt supporting me, I know I can win the election,” he said.
“I’m here to respect Nigeria because Nigeria is a very big country and a very big nation of football. If you want success for your job, you have to be with Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt.”
Speaking about Nigeria’s supports in particular, Ahmad said it was a huge boost to his candidacy, adding that he would work with Nigeria as the country has a lot to contribute to African football.
He thanked Nigeria for endorsing his candidature, promising not to disappoint the country when he becomes CAF president.
Ahmad said he decided to stand for the highest position in African football because a group within CAF felt it was time for change in the body.
“They need someone to stand, I accepted to stand. I give an opportunity for people who want to change. This is the first time in the life of our federation that one candidate is having a manifesto.
“My vision is very clear, I believe football is for everybody not only for one people or a few group of people.
“Time is changing, everything is changing, countries are changing their head of football, we have to change too.
He said his administration, when on board, will focus on good governance, transparency, reinvestment, adding that “the money for football have to go into football and nothing else.”
Ahmad also said, his administration will consult widely over the number of countries to participate in the AFCON finals.
He lamented that the present bad governance was responsible for the dwindling number of spectators watching matches at AFCON championships in recent years, promising to introduce policies that would change the ugly trend when he becomes President.