Two technical officials of international football body, FIFA presently in Nigeria, will tour Bauchi on Thursday in connection with the second phase of FIFA Goal Project in the country.
Francesco Bruscoli, who is a FIFA Senior Development and Programmes Manager for Africa, and Development Officer for West Africa, Kablan Sampon, met senior officers of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Tuesday and had a tour of the FIFA Technical Centre in Abuja, which was financed in 2005 under the FIFA Developmental Goal Project.
Nigeria is eligible for fresh FIFA grants under the second phase of the Goal Project. While the original proposal was for FIFA to fund a new football headquarters that will house the Nigerian federation, NFF sought FIFA permission for the money to be used in spreading technical centres across the country, given that a new headquarters was built last month courtesy of the Presidential Task Force on World Cup 2012 set up by Late President Umar Yar’Adua.
The proposed centres which will be mini version of the technical centre in Abuja are planned for Bauchi, Lagos and Onitsha.
Italian Bruscoli, who entertained questions from reporters, said they were in Nigeria for talks with football officials as they were aware of the nation's massive population and landmass hence need to ensure even spread of the goal project to cater for the need of football lovers in the country.
Bruscoli said that they will discuss extensively with Nigeria and tailor whatever infrastructure to be installed in Bauchi will serve the interest of football in that part of the country and fast track the provision of facilities in line with the objective of FIFA.
“Our time is limited as we will only be going to Bauchi. There is no final decision on what Nigeria intends to have on ground, but what we have on FIFA website is a regional technical centre which includes a playing surface suitable for all weather conditions. We will reach a final decision with the Nigerian federation,’’ Bruscoli said.
By Olawale Ajimotokanin
