The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded Wednesday’s decision by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) to deploy Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi to take full charge of the National Sports Commission.

In Budapest, Hungary for this year’s FIFA Congress that commences on Thursday, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said President Jonathan’s move was the best thing that had happened to Nigeria sports in a very long while.

“Mr. President has taken a wonderful step. It shows clearly that His Excellency has been following events in the sports sector, and the excellent role that Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has been playing in ensuring peace and then, progress. Without peace, there can be no progress or growth.

“The NFF is very happy with Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi being fully committed to the National Sports Commission. In such a short time as Supervising Minister, and even with the distractions/challenges of having another full Ministry to take charge of, he has done so much to put things right,” said Maigari.

Maigari commended Mallam Abdullahi’s dispassionate handling of matters and personal commitment to bringing to an end, needless crises and conflicts that had hampered the development of the Nigeria game for almost two years.

He added: “I am delighted. The NFF has been working very well with Mallam Abdullahi and we will continue to work wonderfully well with him to lift Nigeria football to higher heights.”