THE Ibrahim Galadima-led Nigeria Football Association, NFA, moved one step forward towards being in charge of Nigerian football when it announced yesterday that it would move into its new office in Abuja next week. The association which had been in limbo following the Sports Ministry's clampdown and doggedness to remove Galadima after he was a re-elected for a second term said that it would announce a new secretary-general of the FA to take full control of the secretariat.

The former glass house had been under lock and key thereby making it impossible for Galadima or his new EXCO to function. Also yesterday, the Galadima-led EXCO denounced the appointments of new coaches to the national teams made by acting Secretary-General of the FA, Fanny Amun, describing it as "illegal".

Galadima who spoke on our hotline yesterday said that it was laughable for Amun to be blowing hot and cold over matters of football, noting that he had no jurisdiction to appoint or sack coaches. "It's laughable because it is not the secretary that appoints National coaches but the board of the NFA. Fanny Amun is a staff of the Ministry of Sports and he has no right over football matters".

The former Kano Commissioner of sports said that a Scribe would equally be announced soon to stop the confusion that Amun is causing. "We have the full backing of the world-governing body, FIFA. And they are aware of all that is going on in Nigeria. They have been informed about our new office and the search for a new Secretary", Galadima said. One of the staunch members of the Galadima FA said that Fanny Amun had gone beyond his powers by sacking and appointing coaches to the national teams. "We have not sacked any of the coaches or re-assigned them. There is only one NFA in Nigeria and it is the one recognised by FIFA", the member said.

Amun had retained Austin Eguavoen as the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles but dropped Goalkeeper trainer, Amusa Adisa with Eagles co-ordinator Sumonu Bello-Osagie. Those he appointed included Godwin Uwua, Moses Kpakor. They were among the 18 coaches appointed to handle various national teams in the country. The NFA has declared the appointments "laughable since he has no jurisdiction".