Dr Christian Emeruwa, a former NFF presidential aspirant in 2022 and currently Head of Safety and Security at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has categorically denied reports linking him with the position of General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In an exclusive chat with SavidNews, Emeruwa made the clarification in a strongly worded statement amid growing permutations over who could emerge as part of the new leadership structure of Nigerian football following the mass resignation of the NFF Executive Committee.

“I wish to state clearly, categorically and without any ambiguity that I, Dr Christian Emeruwa, have never been interested in becoming the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and I have no interest whatsoever in occupying that position,” he said.

Emeruwa recalled that when he presented himself for the NFF presidency four years ago, he was offered the opportunity to become General Secretary but declined because that was not the reason he entered the race. “I declined it then because becoming General Secretary was not the reason I entered the race for the leadership of Nigerian football. Four years later, that position has not changed,” he stated.

He expressed concern that, despite his consistent position, his name continues to feature in what he described as “permutations, postulations and speculative reports” linking him with the NFF Secretariat.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have not sought the position, I have not expressed interest in it, and I have not authorised anyone to canvass, negotiate or speak on my behalf regarding the position of General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation,” Emeruwa declared.

He specifically addressed a recent report by journalist Sam Audu linking him to the position, saying he had personally contacted Audu to make his position clear and had requested a retraction of the report.

“Regarding the recent story written by Sam Audu linking my name once again with the position, I have personally called Sam and made my position unequivocally clear to him. I have also informed him that I am awaiting a retraction of the said story,” he said.

Emeruwa’s statement comes at a critical time for Nigerian football, with the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee triggering discussions over the federation’s next leadership structure and proposed reforms.

As FIFA, CAF and the National Sports Commission engage on a roadmap for comprehensive reforms, Emeruwa appealed to the media, football stakeholders and the public to stop associating his name with the NFF General Secretary position, stressing that his stance has remained unchanged. “My position four years ago was clear. My position today remains the same. I DID NOT WANT THE POSITION THEN. I DO NOT WANT IT NOW. I HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN BECOMING THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE NIGERIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION,” he concluded.