Abuja — Ahmad Kawu, a board member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), said on Monday that he would take necessary measures to popularise the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL).

Kawu, who doubles as Chairman of the league, made the promise in an interview in Abuja against the backdrop of poor funding of the league by the NFA secretariat.

"My position against the secretariat of the NFA has not changed until it realises that the development of grassroots football is the nucleus of genuine football development in the country."

He denied attacking the NFA board in his approach to the issue and apologised to his colleagues who felt betrayed that he went public in a matter the board was capable of resolving.

"I did not attack the NFA board in any of my comments in the public. I even hailed the president of NFA and the board for their understanding and support to the Nationwide League.

"I only tried to report the support given to the grassroots league through directives and approvals by the EXCO and efforts of some members of staff of the secretariat that became stumbling blocks to grassroots football development," Kawu said.

Kawu has repeatedly accused the secretariat of trampling on the growth of grassroots football in the country. (NAN)