Awwalu Baba Jada match fixing scandal is a test for NFF and IMC

Metaphorically, litmus test can be referred to any single factor that establishes the true character of something or causes it to be assigned to one category or another. Often it refers to something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that can be used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable or not, it can alternatively be said to be integrity test.

Nigeria football and particularly league football have in recent years come under serious criticism, incidentally both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NPFL are new and are coming on the heels of the cries of poor Management and corrupt practices.

Both football authorities (NFF and IMC) are now greeted with the match fixing scandal in the NPFL where Auwalu Baba Jada openly reveal that he coordinated the fixing of matchday 38 games of 2021/2022 season involving Wikki Tourists vs Katsina United and Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars to save Lobi Stars from getting relegated.

Mr Jada confessing about his match fixing openly as a motivational speaker.
There have been allegations of corrupt practices in the league but there have never been such overwhelming evidence like the Baba Jada viral video. Fortunately or unfortunately this is the first assignment of both the NFF and the IMC and the culprit in the video happened to be a member of the IMC.

The situation put the authorities on the spot to prove that there is a new sheriff of Nigeria football in town or it’s business as usual.

Though the scandalous video have been in the open for over two weeks now and the principal actor Baba Jada suspended from all football activities by NFF and IMC pending the outcome of investigation. Beyond the suspension, nothing much is been heard of who is investigating and how the matter is been investigated.

Soccer Africa Crew discussing about Mr Jada and match fixing
Now that the meeting between IMC and Club Owners is in view to prepare for 2022/2023 season, the match fixing scandal should be topical on their agenda and a reaffirmed commitment of the IMC to dig to the bottom of the matter and names associated with the match fixing be mentioned and punished appropriately. Nothing short of this will show responsible leadership, especially from NFF that is the FIFA affiliate.

The whole world is watching us, the whole world is watching the NFF, the whole world is watching the IMC. I watched Super sports famous presenter Thomas Mlambo and former Media Officer of the Super Eagles Perterside Idah discussed the match fixing scandal on the show Soccer Africa on super sports with vehemence and an image of mockery. All eyes are on us.

A sincere action will define the integrity or otherwise of the new NFF and IMC. It’s indeed a litmus test for Gusau and Elegbeleye to prove their mettle or leave us with another 4 years of misery, hopelessness and international disgrace.