September 11 2021.
CREDIT: Wale Ajayi
Chairman of Katsina state football association, Aminu Kurfi, popularly called Balele by his admirers is the new moving train of Nigeria football.
In 2014 and 2018, the former chairman of Katsina United, listened to superior arguments and decided to give peace a chance as he stepped down on both ocassions, to allow Kano state FA Chairman Sharif Inuwa an easy return to the executive committee of the Nigeria football federation.
When asked by friends and colleagues, Balele said he is bidding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Ahead of the 2022 NFF Elections, there were rumors that Balele is being considered by the north as their sole candidate for the presidential seat but the Kurfi born politician who has been tipped by many to become governor of Katsina state in the nearest future, was quick to dispel these rumors linking him with the NFF top job, rather he is now focused on becoming the North West candidate on the board.
An economist with over 20 years experience in football management, Aminu has taken his time to learn the ropes. He has wined and dined with key stakeholders of the game and has now decided to involve himself fully with the administration of football at the very top.
A die-hard supporter of NFF president Amaju Pinnick, a very good friend of LMC chairman Shehu Dikko and brother to Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Balele is seen as the new moving train of Nigeria football. He is too wealthy and has a disposition that places him above his contemporaries.
He is a strong member of the ruling party (APC) and has very close ties with the current emir of Daura and the present minister of petroleum. He is an easy going man who does not like oppressing people with his wealth.
However, he is not willing to step down for a third time after eight years in the wilderness.
He played a key role in Amaju's second missionary journey as NFF president and has helped in no small measures to facilitate flight arrangements and other logistics for the Super Eagles in the Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
In a telephone chat with NSM MEDIA, a top official of the NFF said, "from outside, Kurfi has been very helpful, perhaps this is the perfect time to bring him even closer and tap from his wealth of experience as we plan to reposition Nigeria football".
News that Balele wants to contest in the forthcoming NFF executive committee election is causing serious commotion in the camp of the opposition. From Kano to Zamfara, Maiduguri to Katsina, there is palpable fear everywhere as rhe name Balele is sending jitters across board.
The election is still months away but the moving train has taken off in good time, ready to announce his intention as the next big thing in Nigeria football.
At the last NFF AGM held in Edo state, Balele singlehandedly paid the return tickets of all 44 NFF delegates and has assured them that he is willing to do more for the good of the game.
*JOIN THE MOVING TRAIN NOW OR YOU WILL BE LEFT BEHIND*.