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Tuesday 23 November 2010

Galadima vows to transform Caf

Galadima, booted out as NFA chairman in 2006, has entered the race for a seat on the Confederation of African Football's executive committee.

The development is likely to exasperate many Nigerians given the immense baggage he brings to the arena.

However, Galadima's candidature has the full backing of Nigeria's Football Federation and the sports ministry.

Still, it is hard to imagine that most football fans in Nigeria and beyond could stomach having him back.

But after four years of hibernation, which he spent trying to repair his fractured image, Galadima seems to have decided that the time is right to return to office.

"The continent needs a new image and I come with the experience that the football family on the continent can trust," he said.

Many would view his prospects of sitting at the top table of African football to be slim, considering his tumultuous time in office, but Galadima said winning a place on Caf's executive committee would give him the chance to help rebuild the organisation's image and salvage the continent's dignity.

Never short on ambition, Galadima said: "It's not a Galadima project but that of Nigeria and Africa. There are several aspects of the African game that require development.

"Our youth and club football needs to develop and the women's game must take a professional path as well."

Galadima's decision to throw his hat into the ring comes in the wake of last week's dramatic fall from grace of his countryman Amos Adamu.

Adamu and three other African officials were banned from all football-related activity by Fifa after being caught up in a newspaper sting.

The sanctions, coupled with retirements and expiration of terms, means nine Caf executive committee posts will be up for grabs at the continental body's next general assembly in Khartoum, Sudan, in February next year

"The entire set-up needs change, which I hope to bring on board," Galadima told BBC Sport.

"The NFF has put me forward with the backing of the sports ministry in Nigeria not because I'm the best amongst several millions.

"They are confident I can represent Nigeria and the continent to the best of my ability."

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