Former Green Eagles captain and leading football activist, Segun “Mathematical” Odegbami, has hailed FIFA’s intervention in the Nigerian football crisis, describing it as a necessary step toward enforcing upcoming reforms.

A joint four-man FIFA-CAF delegation on Tuesday concluded a crucial two-day fact-finding and assessment mission in Abuja.

The delegation was sent by the world football governing body to address the governance and administrative crisis enveloping the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Odegbami, who was among the key stakeholders at the meeting, stated that the discussions were conducted in a convivial atmosphere.

Sharing his thoughts on his Facebook page, he wrote: “What a day today has been. The meeting with members of the FIFA and CAF delegation went pretty well.

“Members of the Nigerian football fraternity were brought together today in a friendly spirit like old friends. They discussed without any rancour during the session that I attended.”

He also commended the delegation for showing a deep understanding of the leadership challenges facing Nigerian football.

“The FIFA delegation, in their few remarks during the conversation, demonstrated that they know the main issues with Nigerian football pretty well.

“The meetings have added to their knowledge and would enrich their report to FIFA. They, obviously, were very well briefed.”

Odegbami concluded by emphasising the positive outlook of the visit. “This particular FIFA intervention is a blessing, a necessary step to take in order to enforce any reforms that will come soon. Reforms are coming with or without a Normalisation Committee.” (Daily Trust)