~Edo FA Chairman’s Grassroots Revolution, Digital Reforms and Partnership Model Strengthen His Bid Ahead of September 27 NFF Election
As the September 27 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress in Nasarawa draws closer, football stakeholders across the South-South and other parts of Nigeria are increasingly rallying behind the candidature of Edo State Football Association Chairman, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse.
For many of his supporters, the growing backing goes beyond regional considerations or football politics. They point to what they describe as visible reforms and achievements recorded by the Edo FA since Erhunmwunse assumed office in November 2023.
Erhunmwunse emerged as Edo FA chairman after a competitive election in November 2023, securing 15 votes against his closest challenger.
With the NFF election approaching, his supporters believe his record in Edo State provides a compelling case for entrusting him with greater responsibility in Nigerian football administration.
One of the major achievements highlighted by his supporters is the transformation of the Edo FA’s administrative system.
Under Erhunmwunse, the association introduced football-management software aimed at making its operations more seamless and increasingly paperless. The system covers areas including the registration and identification of clubs and players.
The Edo FA also unveiled a new website in June 2024, with a focus on player data and football administration. The initiative was designed to improve access to football records and create a more organised database of clubs and players across the state.
For stakeholders, the digital transition represents the type of administrative modernisation they believe Nigerian football associations need to properly identify, track, develop and ultimately promote the country’s vast pool of young football talents.
Another major reason cited for the support behind Erhunmwunse is his emphasis on grassroots football.
His administration has backed age-grade competitions designed to expose young footballers to competitive football while creating pathways for talent discovery.
Among the most prominent initiatives is the Bright Osayi-Samuel U-13 Football Championship, established in partnership with Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The competition was designed to take youth football development across Edo State’s three senatorial districts, with reports indicating strong participation from teams across the state.
Erhunmwunse has also attracted other Edo-born professionals to grassroots development.
Super Eagles forward Isaac Success joined the Edo FA’s youth-development programme and donated a trophy for an U-15 competition, while publicly commending the association’s efforts to revive grassroots football.
Stakeholders also point to Erhunmwunse’s efforts to bring Edo-born footballers, former players and other football personalities into the development process.
Rather than relying solely on the FA’s resources, his administration has pursued partnerships with professional footballers, former internationals, philanthropists and corporate organisations.
The partnership-driven strategy has helped produce competitions and development programmes supported by individuals and organisations outside the traditional football-administration structure.
For supporters, this model demonstrates an ability to mobilise resources and expertise around football development—an approach they believe could be replicated at the national level.
The Edo FA under Erhunmwunse has continued to organise state competitions, including league and cup programmes, while creating opportunities for both younger players and veterans.
In January 2026, new trophies were donated for the 2025/26 Edo FA Cup, with the donor publicly expressing confidence in the association’s leadership and its commitment to grassroots development.
Another boost came when Hon. Esosa Iyawe supported the Edo FA Cup with football jerseys and praised the association for what he described as its contribution to the growth and development of football in Edo State.
For Erhunmwunse’s supporters, such external contributions demonstrate that the association has created an environment capable of attracting individuals and organisations willing to invest in football development.
Beyond player development, the Erhunmwunse administration has also placed emphasis on coaching and technical development.
The association’s leadership scorecard highlights certification programmes involving CAF and other recognised coaching pathways.
Stakeholders argue that sustainable grassroots football development depends on properly trained coaches who can identify, nurture and develop emerging talents.
They therefore regard investment in the technical workforce as an important component of the Edo FA’s broader development philosophy.
Erhunmwunse’s supporters also point to recognition he has received outside Edo State.
In April 2026, he received a Special Recognition Award at the Sportsville Awards for his contribution to football development.
The recognition was also acknowledged by the National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Samuel Ikpea, who described Erhunmwunse as deserving of the honour.
For South-South stakeholders, the argument is straightforward: if a football administrator can introduce digital reforms, strengthen grassroots competitions, attract former and current professionals into youth development, expand partnerships and improve the visibility of a state football association, his experience should be brought to the national table.
They believe Erhunmwunse represents a new generation of football administrators capable of combining grassroots development with modern administration, technology, partnerships and commercial thinking.
His supporters therefore see the September 27 election as more than another contest for an administrative position. They regard it as an opportunity to bring tested ideas and experiences from the state level into the wider Nigerian football system.
The Edo FA chairman’s leadership philosophy is built around five major pillars: digitalisation, grassroots development, talent discovery, partnerships and creating football opportunities.
Those pillars have become the foundation of the argument being advanced by his supporters.
With the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27 in Nasarawa, Erhunmwunse enters the contest with a record from Edo State that his backers believe gives him credibility beyond political and regional calculations.
For the South-South and other stakeholders rallying behind Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, the message is clear: an administrator who has demonstrated what he can do at the state level should be given the opportunity to contribute to the bigger Nigerian football project.
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