Veteran sports journalist, Chris Eseka has backed Chief Mike Umeh in his ambition to become the next President of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Eseka who is a pioneer in sports marketing in the country said he had known Umeh since the early 1990s adding that the achievements of the Anambra State-born football administrator stood him out among the field of contestants in the race for the NFF Presidency.

“Umeh’s years in the administration of football can be traced back to the early 1990s when he was the Team Manager of the Super Eagles and when he eventually got into the board of the Nigeria Football Association.

“Umeh guided the boys to the Nations Cup triumph in Tunisia, qualified for the World Cup and as first timers, got to the second round. It was no mean feat,” Eseka recalled.

The former Sports writer noted that Umeh’s love for football was underlined by the enormous resources he put into the administration of the game in the country. “He spent his personal money and time to ensure football developed smoothly in the country.”

“After his successful stint with the national team, Umeh became the chairman of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and his record there speaks volumes

“His second coming on the last board saw a lot of achievements also. The Eagles won the Nations Cup, first in 19 years and outside the shores of this country, qualified for the World Cup and got to the second round. Umeh is a man who loves football and I feel, we should just honour him with the presidency of the NFF.”

Eseka, however, acknowledged the quality of the other candidates vying for the same position, saying, “they are Nigerians and are entitled to run. They also want to serve like Umeh but none can match his achievements,” he said.

“They are good and are sure to bring something new to the game but in terms of pedigree, achievements and love for the game, I feel Umeh stands head and shoulders above them.”

Eseka said Umeh’s levelheadedness and readiness to serve made it easy for Alahaji Aminu Maigari to have a smooth regime.”Maigari would call Umeh in the middle of the night for an assignment billed for the following day and he would be there for him. He never complained and was always ready to serve without looking at what comes to him in return.”