Why South-South Football Stakeholders Are Rallying Behind Fred Newton Erhunmwunse

Why South-South Football Stakeholders Are Rallying Behind Fred Newton Erhunmwunse

Ohis Asein

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, a growing number of football stakeholders across the South-South and other parts of Nigeria are throwing their weight behind the candidature of Edo State Football Association Chairman, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse.

For many of the stakeholders, the support for Erhunmwunse is not merely about politics or regional considerations. Rather, they point to what they describe as visible achievements recorded by the Edo FA under his leadership since he 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 September 27 election approaching, supporters believe his record in Edo provides a strong argument for giving him a bigger responsibility within Nigerian football administration.

From Traditional Administration to Digital Football Management

One of the major achievements frequently cited by his supporters is the transformation of the Edo FA's administrative system.

Under Erhunmwunse, the association introduced football-management software designed to make administration more seamless and paperless, including the registration and identification of clubs and players.

The Edo FA also unveiled a new website focused on player data and football administration in June 2024. The initiative was aimed at improving access to football records and creating a more organised database of players and clubs in the state.

For stakeholders, this represents the kind of administrative modernisation that Nigerian football associations need if the country is to properly track, develop and market its enormous pool of young talents.

Grassroots Football at the Centre

Another major reason for the support is Erhunmwunse's emphasis on grassroots development.

His administration has supported age-grade competitions designed to expose young footballers to competitive football while creating pathways for talent discovery.

Perhaps the most prominent example 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 football development to young players across Edo State's three senatorial districts. Reports around the tournament showed strong participation, with dozens of teams taking part.

Erhunmwunse has also attracted other Edo-born professionals to grassroots football. 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 in the state.

Bringing Former and Current Professionals Back Into the System

Stakeholders also point to Erhunmwunse's ability to bring Edo-born footballers, former players and football personalities into the development process.

Rather than leaving grassroots football solely to the FA, his administration has pursued partnerships with professional footballers, former internationals, philanthropists and corporate organisations.

The strategy has helped create competitions and programmes supported by individuals and organisations outside the traditional football-administration structure.

That partnership-driven approach is one reason supporters believe Erhunmwunse can contribute beyond Edo State if given a broader responsibility in Nigerian football.

Strengthening Competitions and Creating Opportunities

The Edo FA under Erhunmwunse has continued to organise state competitions, including league and cup programmes, while also creating opportunities for veterans and younger players.

In January 2026, new trophies were donated for the 2025/26 Edo FA Cup, with the donor publicly expressing confidence in the leadership of the association 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 the growth and development of football in the state.

For his supporters, such external support is evidence that the FA has succeeded in creating an environment where individuals and organisations are willing to invest in football development.

Coaches and Technical Development

Beyond players, the Erhunmwunse administration has also placed emphasis on coaching development, with its leadership scorecard highlighting certification programmes involving CAF and other recognised coaching pathways.

Stakeholders argue that grassroots football cannot develop without properly trained coaches, making investment in the technical workforce an important part of the Edo FA's development philosophy.

Recognition Beyond Edo

Erhunmwunse's supporters can also point to recognition outside the 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.

Why Stakeholders Want Him at the National Level

For South-South stakeholders, the argument is simple: 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 FA, his experience should be brought to the national table.

They believe Erhunmwunse represents a new generation of football administrators who can combine grassroots development with modern administration, partnerships, technology and commercial thinking.

His supporters therefore see the September 27 election not simply as another contest for an administrative position, but as an opportunity to bring tested ideas from the state level into the wider Nigerian football system.

A Candidate With a Record to Defend

The Edo FA Chairman's own leadership philosophy is built around five major pillars: digitalisation, grassroots development, talent discovery, partnerships and football opportunities.

Those pillars have become the foundation of the argument being made by his supporters.

With the NFF elective Congress scheduled for September 27 in Nasarawa, Erhunmwunse now enters the contest carrying a record from Edo State that his backers believe gives him credibility beyond political calculations.

For the South-South and other stakeholders rallying behind Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, the message is clear: give an administrator who has demonstrated what he can do at the state level the opportunity to contribute to the bigger Nigerian football project.