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Callistus Ebare Eyes NFF Board Seat as Lafia Elective Congress Nears
When stakeholders of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) gather in Lafia on September 26 for the Elective Congress, one name expected to command significant attention is that of Callistus Omonfoma Ebare.
Ebare, a seasoned football administrator and media strategist with over two decades of involvement in the game, is contesting for the South-South representative seat on the NFF board. He is positioning himself as a unifying figure with a clear mission: to foster growth, strengthen unity, and deliver meaningful transformation in Nigerian football.
A graduate of the University of Benin, where he majored in Physical Education, Ebare’s journey reflects a blend of academic grounding and practical experience. His understanding of football extends well beyond the pitch, shaped by years of engagement across both technical and administrative spheres.
He began his professional career in 1995 at DBN TV as a corps member, steadily rising to become Sports Manager. By 2003, his leadership abilities saw him appointed Acting General Manager, where he was tasked with establishing the station’s Abuja operations—an early demonstration of his administrative competence.
In 2006, Ebare moved to Africa Independent Television (AIT), where he was appointed Manager of Sports, a role he continues to hold. His tenure at AIT has been marked by consistent coverage, strategic content direction, and a strong influence on sports media narratives in Nigeria.
His expertise earned further recognition in 2014 when he was appointed Senior Adviser on Media to the NFF President, reinforcing his role at the intersection of football and communication. He currently serves as a member of the NFF Organising Committee, contributing to the planning and execution of major football activities in the country.
Ebare’s global exposure is equally notable. He has covered multiple FIFA World Cup editions—2010, 2014, and 2018—gaining firsthand insight into international best practices in football governance and tournament organisation. His Africa Cup of Nations coverage spans 2000, 2008, 2010, 2019, 2023, and 2025, reflecting sustained engagement with the evolution of African football.
Beyond media coverage, he has also played key roles behind the scenes, including serving on media sub-committees for major tournaments such as the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria and the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 collaboration. These experiences have further sharpened his organisational and administrative capabilities.
With a résumé that blends media intelligence and football administration, Ebare is campaigning on competence, experience, and a deep understanding of the game’s ecosystem. As the NFF approaches a pivotal electoral process, his candidacy is seen by many as a potential catalyst for a more structured, unified, and globally competitive future for Nigerian football.
For the Edo State-born administrator, the ambition remains clear: to bring his wealth of experience into the boardroom and help steer Nigerian football toward sustained growth and transformation.
