FIFA: “An African should succeed embattled Blatter,” Nigeria’s Segun Odegbami says he can

"My life's ambition has always been to use football to make a difference in my local space and across the world," Odegbami. — “My life’s ambition has always been to use football to make a difference in my local space and across the world,” Odegbami.

“Africa must play a big role in world football,” Segun Odegbami said after declaring his intention to become the next FIFA president.

The race to succeed Sepp Blatter, who steps aside as a result of alleged FIFA corruption, is getting more inclusive.

At any rate, the presence of EUFA president Michel Platini and South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon relegates the other candidates to underdogs.

But then…

"If you do not buy a Lottery Ticket, you cant win the Lottery" SEGUN ODEGBAMI on his shocking FIFA Presidencial Bid pic.twitter.com/pGxL3lbkG9
— kayode tijani (@kayodetijani200) September 1, 2015

The candidates have until 26 October to receive the backing of five FIFA members before Elections are held on February 26, 2016.

Former Nigeria international Odegbami, 63, said he is the right man for the job.

Odegbami, who won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations as a player, is the second African to declare interest in succeeding Blatter. Liberia’s Musa Bility had entered the fray earlier.

“The current scandal at FIFA is the organisation’s worst crisis in its 111 years of existence,” Odegbami said in the statement announcing his interest in the job.

“Moving forward, FIFA thus requires a new era of leadership that can restore the dignity of the noble sport. The world is very interested in who becomes the next president of FIFA, considering the present images and state of this institution.

In his playing days, Odegbami consistently executed crisp dribbles, showed deft touches, had close control, made incisive runs on and off the ball. The abilities earned him the title "Mathematical Odegbami." — In his playing days, Odegbami consistently executed crisp dribbles, showed deft touches, had close control, made incisive runs on and off the ball. The abilities earned him the title “Mathematical Odegbami.”

“I see myself fitting into this role.

“The choice of an African, specifically a Nigerian, may look far-fetched in this pursuit, noting the international coverage of FIFA and the historical trend in its leadership reputation.

“However, a closer scrutiny of the international football environment reveals the real possibility of such change,” Odegbami said.

“Football is what my entire life has revolved around,” he said.

“My life’s ambition has always been to use football to make a difference in my local space and across the world.”