Chikelue Iloenyosi, chairman board of trustee of the All Nigeria Football Players Union (ANFPU), says the welfare of the association members is more important to him than personal gains.
Iloenyosi, the national coordinator of ANFPU, made this declaration in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The former Super Eagles player said he is working towards ensuring that some members of the association are part of the contingent that will be in Cameroon through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to cheer up the team to a successful outing at the tournament.
The former Udoji United defender while wishing the members of ANFPU a happy new year, he also emphasized on his commitment to seeing to the growth of the association across the nation.
“I want to use this opportunity to send my warmest regard to members of the All Nigeria Football Players Union (ANFPU) across the world as we begin a New Year of prosperity,” Iloenyosi said.
“That being said, I’m also using this medium to inform all members that the union is working hard to ensure that slots are allocated by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to enable members travel to Cameroon for the AFCON tournament.
“In this regard, the NFF is presently working on the number of slots that would be made available.
“Therefore, pending when this will be resolved, I’m informing the house of my decision not to travel to Cameroon because the interest and welfare of my members is more important and paramount to me.
“By virtue of being the SSA to the NFF president, by now I should have been with him for the tournament but, I have decided not to until the slots are out.
“However, once approved I will give out my slot to someone else.
“Meanwhile, my decision to stay back in Nigeria is not unconnected with the huge responsibilities lined up for the union in the New Year (especially January and February) as efforts are being geared towards giving the union a solid footing across the country.
“We shall communicate the house on any developments regarding the AFCON trip.
“I want to sincerely thank all members for their dedication and sacrifices that has brought the union this far. God bless you all and stay safe!”
The 41-year-old had 15 caps for the Nigerian senior national teams in 2000.
He was also part of the 2000 Sydney Olympic team.
