The Nigeria Football Federation has been given the go-ahead to host its 78th Annual General Assembly and elections of a new Executive Committee to manage the business of the country’s top football governing body for the upcoming four years, according to a Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday.

The coast is now clear for an interesting contest between ten prominent people running for the NFF presidency and a dozen other prominent people competing for seats on the Executive Committee, as the court ordered a stay-of-execution of an ex parte injunction secured by some fellows a fortnight ago to stop the elections.

Additionally, on Thursday shortly before noon, FIFA personnel arrived in Benin City in preparation for the polls that day.

Read Also:NFF Electoral Committee Clears Emeruwa, Others

Both Gelson Fernandes, a former Swiss international player who serves as FIFA’s Director for Africa, and Solomon Mudege, FIFA’s Head of Development Programs for Africa, were in a happy mood.

Mudege said: “We are happy to be here and to witness another milestone in the history of Nigeria Football.

“We believe it is going to be an interesting Congress with the elections.”

Former vice president Barr is one of the 10 candidates vying to succeed Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the head of Nigerian football.

Seyi Akinwunmi (1st VP), Mallam Shehu Dikko (2nd VP), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, a former member of the executive committee and chairman of chairmen, and Hon. Al-Yahaya-Kwande Suleiman

Barr, the General Secretary who just left his position, is another. Musa Amadu with Dr. Christian Emeruwa, the Confederation of African Football’s Director of Safety and Security.

Chairman of the FCT Football Association Mallam Adam Mouktar Mohammed, former Nigerian international goalkeeper Peterside Idah, noted technocrat and former Chairman of Kano Pillars FC Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola, and UK-based David-Buhari Doherty are other candidates for the prestigious position.

During the week, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, a former NFF first vice president, withdrew from the contest.

Due to an invalid nomination, Mr. Paul Yusuf of Plateau State was disqualified, and Mr. Marcellinus Anyanwu of Imo State was also eliminated from contention.

Three candidates—Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, a current board member; Senator Obinna Ogba, also a current board member; and Mr. Chinedu Okoye—will compete for the position of first vice president.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will be replaced as Chairman of Chairmen by Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed “Fresh,” a current Board member, because he was the only one to obtain the paperwork and receive clearance.

Pastor Emeka Inyama (Abia State), Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi (Anambra State), Mr. Karibe Pascal Ojigwe (Abia State), Mr. Jude Benjamin Obikwelu (Anambra State), and Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha are running for positions on the Executive Committee from the South East (Imo State).

Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, a resident of Nasarawa State, and Rt. Hon. Benue State’s Margaret Sheen; Hon. Mr. Daniel Amokachi (Benue State), Mr. Benedict Akwuegbu, and Idris Abdullahi Musa (Kwara State) (Plateau State).

Ms. Aisha Falode, a current board member, is at the top of the list of South-South candidates, followed by Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha (Delta State), Mr. Gregory Abang (Cross River State), Mr. Roland Abu Omomoh (Edo State), and Barr. Mr. Jarret Tenebe (Edo State), Roubini Ogun (Bayelsa State), and Rt. Hon. Also competing for seats from that zone is Essien Udofot (Akwa Ibom State).

Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, a current board member, is at the top of the list of candidates from the South West, followed by Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Ondo State), Mr. Ayodeji Ogunjobi (Osun State), Alhaji Olawale Gafar Liameed (Lagos State), Mr. Afolabi Taiwo Olugbenga (Osun State), Mr. The Osun State candidate Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi is also running.

Alhaji Babagana Kalli (Borno State), an existing board member, and Barr are candidates from the North East.

Timothy Henman Magaji and Sajo Mohammed (both from Adamawa State) (Taraba State)

The single contender from the North West is Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State), a current Board member.

The 78th Annual General Assembly’s agenda’s other topics will be addressed before the elections start. After the elections, winners will be sworn in.