BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

A change of guard is expected today in Benin City as Amaju Pinnick steps down as the chieftain of the Nigeria Football Federation for a new president.

Coincidentally, It is exactly eight years since he was first elected on 30 September 2014 in Warri Delta State. He thus become the man with the longest tenure in office, either cumulatively or in one stretch since the football body was formed 21 August 1933.

His long tenure contrast sharply with that of Alfred Osula who was chairman of the then NFA for just 21 days.

Osula was in charge from 30 December 1963 to 20 January 1964. Next to him was Col. C.K. Lawson who ruled at NFA for 39 days in 1971 before he was removed.

Pinnick has exceeded the former longest tenure of Sunday Dankaro who was in charge from 1974 to 1980. The NFF secretariat is named after him in Abuja.

Jostling to take over are two of his immediate lieutenants, Seyi Akinwunmi, an attorney, and Shehu Dikko, the second vice president who also ruled the now disbanded League management Company.

In what was initially an NFF XI, a candidate, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, pulled out of the race earlier in the week. Now, there are 10 contestants.

So joining the vice presidents who are eyeing elevation are current Executive Committee members Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande.

From the secretariat are two former staff members of the NFF, Musa Amadu, the immediate past General Secretary  and Head of Safety and Security of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Christian Emeruwa.

Also in the hunt for the exalted post are Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Adam Mouktar Mohammed; former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Peterside Idah; former Chairman of Kano Pillars FC and respected technocrat,  Abba Abdullahi Yola and; UK-based David-Buhari Doherty.

According to a media release by the NFF,  Paul Yusuf from Plateau State is disqualified as a result of invalid nomination; the same axe that swept Marcellinus Anyanwu from Imo State out of the race.

Among the contestants into the NFF Board, only

Yusuf Ahmed known as ‘Fresh’ is assured of his seat, even ahead of the election as he will replace Ibrahim Musa Gusau as Chairman of Chairmen.

He awaits who will be his president and also the first vice president.

For the latter position, Enyimba strongman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu who till now is a board member is seeking to climb up the ladder as 1^st Vice President to replace an equally top-position seeking Seyi Akinwunmi.

Joining the Enyimba Pillar in what is a triangular battle are Obinna Ogba, a serving senator as well as member of the out-going board  and Chinedu Okoye.

Emeka Inyama, a pastor, just like the Biblical Paul, is seeking a second missionary journey into the NFF board. He was on the board led by Aminu Maigari and his tenure spilled over into the early years of Pinnick’s first tenure.

Jostling to be board members are also four former international footballers – Chikelue Iloenyosi (Anambra), Karibe Ojigwe (Abia), Daniel Amokachi (Benue State) and Benedict Akwuegbu (Plateau State).

Joining them in the potentially explosive contest are Jude Benjamin Obikwelu (Anambra State)  Emmanuel Ochiagha (Imo State).

For North Central are Mohammed Alkali (Nasarawa State);  Margaret Icheen (Benue State);  Idris Abdullahi Musa (Kwara State)

Current Member of Board, Ms Aisha Falode tops the list of candidates from the South South region, with Kenneth Nwaomucha (Delta State); Gregory Abang (Cross River State);  Roland Abu Omomoh (Edo State); Poubeni Ogun (Bayelsa State);  Jarret Tenebe (Edo State) and; Essien Udofot (Akwa Ibom State) also vying for seats from that zone.

Current Member of Board, Ganiyu Majekodunmi leads the list of contestants for seats from the South West, with Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Ondo State);  Ayodeji Ogunjobi (Osun State); Olawale Gafar Liameed (Lagos State); Afolabi Taiwo Olugbenga (Osun State); Ayodeji Adegbenro (Ondo State) and Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi (Osun State) also in the race.

North East candidates are current Member of Board, Babagana Kalli (Borno State); Sajo Mohammed (Adamawa State) and Timothy Henman Magaji (Taraba State)

Current Member of Board, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State) is the only candidate from the North West.

The elections will commence after other items on the agenda for the 78^th Annual General Assembly have been dealt with. Winners would be sworn in immediately after the elections.