Ubah thanks CAF President, Pinnick, Others on his appointment into AFCON Organizing Committee

I am pleased to convey to the general public and every lover of football across the continent the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to appoint me into the Africa Cup of Nations’ Organizing committee.

The African Cup of Nations has over the decades become an unmissable and fascinating international sporting event with its origin dating back to 1957 when the football tournament was adopted as a driving force to unite the continent at the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) official launch in Khartoum. The appeal of the tournament has spread rapidly, especially with the increasing number of African players now playing in top global leagues.

Coming at a time the fundamental role played by football in the unity and socioeconomic development of Africa has gained considerable recognition, my appointment is a welcome and embraceable development which highlights the commitment, sincerity and efforts of CAF under the leadership of Ahmad Ahmad in engendering a general sense of well-being as well as substantive development in the African football landscape.

At this juncture, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick for the key role he played in ensuring that Nigeria is amply represented in the scheme of things within CAF as well as for his accommodating spirit that made this feat possible.

I would also like to specially thank the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, the 1st Vice President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, the 2nd Vice President, Constant Omari Selemani, the 3rd Vice President, Fouzi Lekja and the entire governing body for their confidence and trust reposed in me. I have always seen it as an additional privilege to be able to contribute to the growth and advancement of the football sector in Africa. I very much look forward to working with you all over the coming mandate and promise to spare no effort as a show of appreciation for finding me worthy.

To the Honourable Minister of Sports, Comrade Solomon Dalung, I wish to thank you for providing an enabling and conducive environment for Nigerian football to thrive so far. I am very grateful.

I would also like to extend my warm regards to other Nigerians serving in various positions: Mr. Amaju Pinnick, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Alh. Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Chief Obinna Ogba, Dr. Peter Singabele, A. U. Mustapha, SAN, Mrs Chisom Ezeoke, Mr. Samson Adamu and the entire team that makes the NFF tick as I affirm my unalloyed fidelity to the goals of teamwork, progress and development in my service to the committee.

Finally, to the Nigerian Press, Social Media community, Fans of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, football enthusiasts and supporters of the Ifeanyi Ubah brand, thank you for the unwavering support so far. Without you all, this milestone in recognition of my immense contribution to the growth of football in Nigeria would have been a mirage.

Turning to the future, I also wish to use this medium to call on the Nigerian Government for the integration of sports into our national development plans, as the sector constitutes the fulcrum which would stir the long-expected leap in human development. We must endeavour make a concrete commitment to invest in football and sports in general, particularly in the most rural areas where children do not have access to sports infrastructure or physical education programmes, this is a lifetime investment.

Thank you.

Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah