Shaibu charges factional players’ unions to reconcile differences

The Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Reconciliation Committee and Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called on members of the All Nigerian Football Players Union (ANFPU) and the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) to settle their differences smooth running and progress of the unions.

Addressing members of the two unions at a meeting which was held in Benin, Shaibu urged both groups to be united and act in good faith to address challenges facing both retired and active football players.

“We are happy to have you here as we work together, collaborate and unite to fight our challenges, ensuring that we move forward as players and ex-players.

“As members of this committee, we are expected to work with members of the two unions and reconcile our differences. We have strong unions that will take care of both retired and active players.

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“For the future of upcoming players, we have to be united and have a strong management system for players. These unions have to fill the gap. We are divided now and need to be united for us to be able to produce an NFL President whenever the opportunity comes knocking.”

Speaking for PFAN, ex-international Edema Fuludu said the unions have a duty to protect and safeguard players from molestation and abuse, whether in terms of contract management or physical exploitation.

President of ANFPU, Abdul Sule, said the reconciliation meeting is good as players and ex-players have faced different challenges over time.

“The disagreement has lingered for over three decades, hindering us from coming together as one force to face challenges we have dealt with over time. Nobody had risen to put a stop to the issues.”