Edo FA Board, Football Stakeholders Endorse Fred Newton Erhunmwunse for NFF Executive Board Membership 

By Isaac Eranga

BENIN CITY, NIGERIA: The Edo State Football Association (Edo FA) Board, alongside prominent football administrators, government officials, club owners, coaches, and respected stakeholders within and outside Edo State, have unanimously endorsed the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, for a seat on the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the Federation’s elective congress scheduled for Sunday, 27th September, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

This was made known to Social Reporters News Service in Benin City by the Media and Communications Department, Edo State Football Association.

The endorsement comes in recognition of Mr. Erhunmwunse’s outstanding leadership, visionary administration, and remarkable contributions to football development since assuming office as Chairman of the Edo State Football Association.

Leading the endorsement are Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS); Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission; Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Executive Director (Edo North), Edo State Sports Commission; Hon. Christopher Udobor Iyase, Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization and Strategy to the Executive Governor of Edo State; Mr. Osaro Egharavba (Sailover), UK-based Co-owner and Chairman of Ine Football Club; Prince Bobby Okojie, Chairman of Ugbowo Bombers FC; Mr. Alexander Okokobioko, USA-based coach and football club owner; Mr. Monday Uzorhia, UK-based football administrator; Mr. Sylvester Baye Osagie, UK-based football administrator and member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee; Mr. Darlington Ogbeifun, Proprietor and Chairman of Eagles Wings FC and Vice Chairman of the Benin City Youth League; Mr. Douglas Idahosa, Chairman of the Oredo Football Council and Head Coach of BJ Foundation FC; Mr. Precious Asemota, Vice Chairman of the Oredo Football Council and Head Coach of Ine Stars FC; Mr. Stanley Francis Osaze, Head Coach of Delta Queens FC and former Assistant Coach of Bendel Insurance FC; Mr. Rolland Inonojie, Proprietor and Chief Executive Officer of Rolly FC; and Mr. Emovon Godspower Fabulous, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Trenches Gold Cup.

The stakeholders described Mr. Erhunmwunse as a transformational football administrator whose tenure has ushered in renewed purpose, transparency, and unprecedented growth across football in Edo State. They noted that under his leadership, grassroots football has received renewed attention through the successful organization of developmental competitions, increased stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young football talents.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, they unanimously expressed confidence that Mr. Erhunmwunse possesses the experience, competence, integrity, and leadership qualities required to contribute meaningfully to football governance at the national level.

According to them, his emergence as an Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation would not only give Edo State a stronger voice in Nigerian football but would also provide effective representation for the entire South-South region in decisions that shape the future of the game.

The stakeholders further pledged to mobilize every legitimate support necessary to ensure the success of his aspiration. They affirmed their readiness to purchase the nomination form on his behalf and rally football stakeholders across the country in support of his candidature.

“This endorsement is a reflection of the confidence we have in the leadership of Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse. Since assuming office as Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to football development, particularly at the grassroots. We believe he has what it takes to serve effectively on the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Board and provide quality representation for Edo State and the South-South region.”

They added that Mr. Erhunmwunse’s election would create greater opportunities for football development, improved collaboration among stakeholders, enhanced youth empowerment through sports, and increased investment in grassroots football across the region.

The stakeholders also described the aspiration as a historic opportunity for Edo State, noting that no Chairman of the Edo State Football Association has ever been elected into the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation.

They expressed optimism that the forthcoming election presents an opportunity to make history while positioning Edo State and the South-South region for greater influence within Nigerian football administration.

The Edo State Football Association expressed profound appreciation to the distinguished personalities and stakeholders for their overwhelming vote of confidence in its Chairman and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing football development through purposeful leadership, inclusiveness, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

As preparations continue for the NFF Elective Congress in Lafia, the Association remains confident that Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse’s track record, vision, and dedication to the growth of Nigerian football make him a worthy candidate to serve on the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation.