NAN-S-6
FIFA
By Ehugunetor Igbaugba
Benin, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) Some football fans in Benin have commended the football world governing body, FIFA for approving increase in the number of participating teams in the 2026 World Cup.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Benin that the increase making the number of teams 48 instead of 36 was a “good omen that will enhance the growth of the game’’.
They also said that they agreed that the new format when implemented would expose hidden talents.
They called on those protesting the new format to consider the innovation from the view of the overall development of the game.
Godwin Izilein, former Super Falcons and U-17 national teams coach, said that continents like Africa and Asia stood to benefit more from the 48-team format.
He said that the two continents had been at the receiving end of football developments across the globe.
According to him, the continents have more, if not better, the likes of Ronaldo and Messi who need exposure.
But for the reason of the limited number of participating teams, they have not had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the global fiesta.
“Yes, these countries now have a brighter chance of qualifying for the World Cup just like Nigeria and other Africa countries.
“They have had to kill themselves to have the chance of qualifying for the Mundial with the present format.’’
On his part, Frank Ilaboya, the Edo FA boss, said the new format was a good one for football, noting that football was a dynamic game and anything done to enhance its dynamism was appreciated.
Ilaboya said that the countries that had never played at the World Cup now had a greater chance of doing so.
“Although we (Nigeria), have severally qualified for the global stage, but it also stand to benefit us more with the 48-team format.
“It is a good one for Africa and other smaller nations.
“We must commend FIFA President for this bold step. He has shown that he truly has the interest of the game and that of the development of smaller football nations at heart,’’ he said.
Similarly, Bernard Joeman, a coach and club owner, described the action by the FIFA boss as apt, especially against the backdrop of the overall development of the game.
It will be recalled that the world football body had during the award of World Football Player of the Year, announced the approval of the new format of 48 teams. (NAN)
ESI/FF/PDE
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Peter Ejiofor)