FIFA chief wants two more Africa slots in expanded World Cup

“I don’t know why Infantino will choose to come to Nigeria as I believe he doesn’t know the present state of Nigerian football”, the former Aalborg BK defender told Vavel Nigeria.

Africa should be given two more places at the World Cup finals if the tournament is expanded to 40 teams, Federation Internationale de Football Association chief Gianni Infantino told reporters on a brief trip to Nigeria on Monday.

The FIFA President said he had the mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the organisation as well as develop football.

FIFA’s Secretary General Fatma Samoura has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to reconcile their political divisions and build a lasting stability as they bid to restructure the body.

More than 20 football federation presidents from Africa are now in Nigeria including the GFA boss Nyantakyi and are scheduled to meet with the visitors later on Sunday, July 24.

Saraki, who owns a football club, the ABS FC of Ilorin in the Nigeria National League (NNL), said the passion and love of Nigerians for football is incredible.

Earlier, the FIFA boss called Nigeria ‘a great country in a great continent, ‘ adding: “I was impressed coming from the airport on Sunday and seeing so many kids playing football on both sides of the road”. In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as “I better-pass-my neighbour” to watch the game. A lot can be done.

“In a big country like Nigeria you are bound to see opposition that you see”.

“I don’t think there is any crisis in football management in Nigeria”.

This will be Infantino’s first visit to Africa since he was elected president at an extraordinary general assembly in Zurich on 26th February 2016.

There are presently 32 finalists for the World Cup with Africa represented by five teams.