FIFA boss President hails Kurt Okraku 'knowledge and leadership' over WAFU B presidency

Published on: 27 May 2021
FIFA boss President hails Kurt Okraku 'knowledge and leadership' over WAFU B presidency
Kurt Okraku with Infantino

FIFA President has hailed the election of Kurt Okraku as the President of the Union of West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone B insisting his 'knowledge and leadership' will steer the zonal body to greater success.

Gianni Infantino said the 'passion and experience' of the Ghana FA will be immensely beneficial to the football talent-rich region that has not yet hit its full potential.

The leader of world's football governing body assured Okraku of his full support as he begins the journey to transform the region.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss was unanimously approved as the new leader of the regional body by the all seven member associations during the Wafu B 14th General Assembly in Accra on Saturday.

The 49-year-old took charge following the decision of the incumbent Djibrilla Hima Hamidou to step down from the position, one year before the end of his mandate.

The President of the Niger Football Federation stood down from the leadership position during Saturday’s event, paving the way for Okraku to continue the remaining term of office which expires in 2022.

The Ghanaian stood unchallenged as all the seven countries in the zone approved him as their new leader before elections are held next year and the decision of the zone has been praised by Infantino.

"I would like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to you on the occasion of your nomination as President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, at the 14th WAFU Zone B Ordinary General Assembly, held on Saturday 22 May 2021, in Accra," Infantino said in a congratulatory message to the Ghana FA boss.

"Your knowledge and leadership, in particular at the helm of Ghana football, your passion and experience, will undoubtedly have an important impact on the development of our beautiful game in the region.

"Convinced of the potential of football in Africa, you can count on my personal support and the help of FIFA to achieve this goal.

"I wish you and your team good luck and every success for all the challenges that lie ahead, in creating and witnessing a lasting legacy for the future of football in Ghana, West Africa and on the continent.

"Looking forward to meeting you again soon, I send you, dear President, my best wishes for goodhealth, as well as to your family, friends and loved ones."

Present at the meeting was Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, CAF Presidential Advisor Jacques Anouma as well as FIFA Council Members Melvin Amaju Pinnick and Mathurin de Charcus and other federation heads.

Okraku hailed members of the zonal body for unanimously approving him as their new leader insisting he will work with his colleagues to ensure the continuous success of the region.

Hamidou, who is a member of the CAF Executive Committee, said he was stepping down to concentrate on his duties with the African football governing body as there are capable people to steer the affairs of Wafu B.

The meeting was graced by Federation/Association Presidents and General Secretaries from Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and host Ghana.

Hamidou was elected by acclamation during the General Assembly of the zone held on Friday, 14 September 2018 in Niamey.

Okraku was elected as the President of the Ghana Football Association two years ago.

The famous former sports journalist holds an MBA in Football Management from the prestigious Liverpool University in the United Kingdom.

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