The Nation Newspaper

Tag: sports

  • Nigerian sports in reverse?

    Nigerian sports not only appear to be in retreat but also back to the dark days.

    While Nigerians were still sad that the Super Eagles could not go beyond the round of 16 in the just-concluded FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Nigeria, on Wednesday last week, was suspended by the world football governing body from taking part in any international sporting competition due to alleged government interference in the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Apart from competitions, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, courses or training during the suspension period.

    The immediate casualty of the latest FIFA ban will be the Falconets, who will be prevented from participating in the forthcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada slated from August 5 to 24, except the suspension is lifted on or before July 15, 2014.

    Nigerians were already hoping that the Falconets would bring joy to them by doing what the boys could not do in Brazil.

    If the ban is not lifted, Nigeria will also forfeit an U-17 African qualifier match billed for July 20 in Democratic Republic of Congo.

    It is also sad that the Super Eagles players had issues with their match bonuses and welfare packages in Brazil, which many believed psychologically contributed to their early ouster from the competition.

    Another sign that all may not be too well in the Nigerian sports was the FIFA suspension that came barely two hours after Sports Minister; Tamuno Danagogo gave assurance to Nigerians that Nigeria will escape the FIFA sledge-hammer.

    This, among other issues, have continued to worry stakeholders in the sector who are wondering  whether the minister is being misled by technocrats and civil servants who want him to fail on the assignment or that he is a square peg in a round hole.

    Speaking with State House correspondents on Wednesday last week, few hours before the FIFA suspension, Danagogo said: “Nigeria is safe, I can tell you that. What FIFA wants is for the right things to be done. So far, if you look at what has happened, I think government has been very fair. Government has done everything possible not to unduly interfere.

    “The chairmen of football associations and other stakeholders, who also didn’t want the Maigari administration to continue, held their congress and the congress passed a no confident vote on that executive. That is not government’s action. It is strictly a decision of a majority of the stakeholders of football in the country.”

    Worried about the saga over the bonuses and welfare packages of the Super Eagles in Brazil, the Sports Minister said: “ Really it is an unfortunate development. It is embarrassing that issues like that keep up cropping up each time African countries go to the world stage.

    “When we got to Brazil and the players were grumbling and the grumbling is not just for this world cup, these boys are bitter that right from the World Cup in South Africa and the Confederation Cup, they had entitlements which they said FIFA paid to NFF out of which they ought to get their share. But I wasn’t in the know of all these until I got to Brazil.

    “We know that the Federal Government paid every kobo that we needed. Mr. President approved the fund which was released as at when due. So we don’t need to have any problem. FIFA even gives money for the same things that the Federal Government released monies for and the players should get their money,” he said.

    Even though the former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Amos Adamu recently had issues with FIFA, such FIFA ban never came under his tenure and the many years he was in the sports sector. He always had a way of nipping any issue in the bud before it happens.

    The FIFA ban also probably would never have come if the immediate past Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi had remained in the saddle.

    One of the successes Abdullahi claimed to have achieved before he was removed from office on March 5, 2014, apart from winning many laurels for Nigeria, was bringing peace and harmony among the warring parties in the sector.

    In March, Abdullahi, through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Julius Ogunro said: “Abdullahi settled the almost fratricidal war in the Nigerian Football Federation by making all the parties involved in the crises agree to a comprehensive peace deal.”

    It is worrisome how Nigerian football has gone back to the era of warring groups and court cases.

    Nigeria needs to urgently go back to the drawing board and try to chart a new course.

    As a way forward, government should thoroughly investigate the matter and punish anybody involved in any fraudulent practice concerning Super Eagles’ bonuses as a deterrent to others in the future. The matter should not be swept under the carpet.

    In the spirit of true democracy, it must also ensure it does not unduly interfere, whether directly or indirectly, in the affairs of the NFF in line with FIFA statute.

    While it is good news that Amos Adamu is part of the Nigerian delegation to resolve the current FIFA ban, Nigeria must definitely find a way of going back to its winning ways because taking sports, especially football away from Nigerians’ social life is like taking everything away from them. Its unifying power cannot be over-emphasised.

  • Senator David Mark and a sports policy for Nigeria (II)

    For Eagles’ Welfare

    Who approved the staggering amount of over three billion naira to Mr Maigari’s NFF?

    We assume that football federations operating from the states and the NFF at the centre are supervised by the sports minister and the state sports councils.

    For every exercise embarked on by the federation, the councils or the minister of sports are the accounting officers. Whether it is the football association or even the judo federation, funds expended on behalf of the athletes for competitions, for the promotion of the sports must in the end be accounted for by the supervising ministry or council.

    We asked those questions once my sources in the presidency disclosed that funds had been approved to the NFF and that their president with a few of their members had departed in advance of the Super Eagles to the US and Brazil. At once, we knew the money would distract the boys and their coaches and of course put the little minds at the federation on a war path with the favoured travelling few of the federation.

    Predictably, Nigeria lost the energy to fight for the ball as Mikel Obi and Captain Yobo negotiated far into the night with Maigari and the hands keeping the dollars on how to pay the boys. Nigeria joined the ranks of Cameroun and Ghana, bickering over money and losing out on the field.

    In our time in Delta, when we moved Delta from the 12th to the number one, we experimented on the Kwame Nkrumah model, the Cuban sports policy we were able to define our winning programme to suit the environment. Money was fundamentally not the motivating proponent.

    On the other far side, notice the glorious performance of the Desert Foxes of Algeria. They were the best African side and the money paid to them by FIFA was donated to the refugees of Gaza. Keshi, Amokachie, and those fat boys with ugly hair dos should be reminded that Margaret, Hauwa, Rebecca some four months ago were taking their WASC exams in a village called Chibok. As the Eagles enjoyed and got paid to play the World Cup, the Chibok girls are still in the wilderness, cut off from civilisation.

     

    Do not cry for Brazil

    As if we have not been satisfied, as if we have not been offered everything, this samba World Cup festival will not end until the final breath-taking encounter.

    From the red corner, Germany the exponent of discipline proficiency, machine power, team efficacy would collide against Argentina in the blue corner.

    Led by the spritely Leonel Messi, Argentina is coming to battle to avenge on behalf of the Americas, the annihilation meted to Brazil by the Germans.

    Argentina led by Messi is coming to war, to prove that Messi is the undisputed best player of the planet. That Argentina, not Brazil, (since Diego Maradonna, 1986) is the best football nation.

    The Germans believing in man’s ability have perfected their football just as they made the best cars, organised the best fighting forces, built the best roads and bridges. Unlike others who believe in Allah, Jesus and babalawo to decide their fate on the football pitches, the Germans believe in their discipline and can unlike others predict their matches! Football is predictable.

  • Former editor petitions Sports Minister

    Former editor petitions Sports Minister

    • Backs Maigari-led NFF probe 

    The Federal Government has been challenged to probe the the multi-billion naira finances allocated to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Alhaji Aminu Maigari, in the last 24 months.

    It has also been asked to look into the alleged fraudulent deal signed with the League Management Company (LMC) with an advertising agency.

    A petition signed by a former Group Sports Editor of Thisday Newspaper and current publisher of Gongnews.com, an online news medium, Olajide Fashikun and addressed to the Minister of Sports Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the petitioner said he decided to call for the probe of the NFF leadership “as part of the desired changes which Nigeria’s sports deserves following the years of mal-administration and loss of focus by those saddled with the responsibility of developing sports”.

    The areas that  Fashikun want the Federal Government to investigate include the $2 million paid by the Federal Government and $8 million paid by FIFA for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as some players are still claiming that they have not received their share of the participation having played in the qualifiers without playing in the finals; the $1 million reserved by the Sani Abdullahi led board for the furnishing of the Sunday Dankaro House and secretariat of the NFF in Package B at the National Stadium, Abuja; the N790 million for the 2013 African Cup of Nations; the N170 million received for the 2013 FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil and the money paid by FIFA for same.

    The petitioner further wants the Federal Government to probe the $1.5 million grant given by FIFA to prepare the team, the Super Eagles for the 2014 World Cup; proceeds from the sponsorship deals with Globacom, Guinness, TomTom, Peak Milk and Adidas; N1.288 billion being the sum of the monthly subvention received from government from January 2013 to June 2014; N850 million received from government for the preparation and participation of the Super Eagles in the first round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the $8 million and $6 million expected revenue from FIFA for playing in the first round and qualifying for the round of 16 respectively.

    He noted that if “Nigeria football must be saved and helped to progress without committing the same error in the future, and as a measure to prevent this from repeating itself, given as a deterrence, you must act in good faith”.

    Fashikun, in the petition dated July 4, 2014, said since Football, is one of the 26 sectors under the purview of the minister and  for the fact that Nigeria are too emotional and passionate about football it was urgent that a probe be initiated to address the anomalies in the system.

    He said: “It is sad and unjustifiable that monies taken from the public till is being fritted away for unnecessary and under developmental purposes. That is why I am demanding from the Minister of Sports, an independent committee to probe the allegations or an investigation by a competent statutory institution”.

    The petitioner stated that had the NFF board used the funds available to them judiciously “the eventual protest of the players that embarrassed the nation would have been avoided. The cost of that embarrassment cannot be quantified in money matters”.

  • School holds maiden sports meet

    Obisesan (Blue) House won the maiden inter-house sports competition of Maxfem International School, Alagbado with a total of 134 points.

    Yellow House, named after the Femi Oguntola family, came second; while Red House named after Mr Tayo Idowu (T-Money), and Green (Olawumi) House came third and fourth respectively.

    The houses competed in the 100, 200metres, and 4 by 100 metres relay races, as well as the sack race, balloon race and others.

    In his address, the proprietor of the school, Mr Femi Oguntola, said participation in sports and other physical activities offer children a chance to enhance their pscho-social development.

    “Inter house sports is an extra-curricular activity aimed at helping pupils and students of Maxfem International School regain their sporting endowment,” he said.

    The chairman of the occasion and patron of Red House, Mr Tayo Idowu, said the long awaited competition was interesting. He said the school is one of the best private schools in Alagbado and told potential parents to enrol their wards for an enriching practical experience and quality education waiting for them to tap.

    Also speaking, a parent Mrs Alakinde, observed that sports eliminate mental exhaustion in children.

    She appreciated the management for a well organised event and promised to continue to support the sports development curriculum of the school.

    Captain of the winning house, Jide Ojedokun, attributed their success to the ‘God factor’. He said the Almighty gave him and his team strength to inculcate best in the pulpils.

    House mistress of Yellow House, Miss Bukola Akinbolusere expressed joy at the result assuring that the house will aspire for gold medal in the next competition in 2016.

    The event also featured tug of war and staff race as well as invitational relay from eight secondary schools across Lagos.

  • Atilade calls for more investment in sports

    Atilade calls for more investment in sports

    The Southwest Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Arch Bishop Magnus Atilade, has called for more investment in sports in schools, saying it will help in advancing unity and fair play among the youth.

    Atilade made this known at the 17th inter-school competition of the New State High School, Mushin, Lagos.

    Green House emerged winner of the competition with of N50, 000 cash reward. Blue and Yellow houses came second and third with N20, 000 and N10.000 respectively.

    The event featured among other sporting activities, march past, 100-400 meter race, rag race, football, long jump and other sporting activities.

    Atilade said the need for more investment in sport is germane for the advancement of unity and fair play among the youth.

    He said that the drive toward unifying Nigeria across religious, ethnic and tribal divide can be better strengthened through proper investment in sport among young people.

    ‘All over the world, the values of love, team building, equality and fair play are always hallmark of sporting activities which is germane for our national development’, he noted.

    Atilade, who is also the proprietor of the school, said sport can help those with poor start and equip youths and children with the information, skills, personal and social resources, and support needed to make important life transitions.

    Atilade noted that sport is already being used worldwide to advance child and youth development and education, suggesting that its benefits are already appreciated.

    He reinstated that investment in physical education and sport will make it accessible to all children who attend school regardless of their physical ability, gender, and ethno-cultural background.

  • Rowing federation VP says sports have potential to develop youths

    Rowing federation VP says sports have potential to develop youths

    The Nigeria Rowing, Sailing and Canoe Federation (NRSCF) said on Tuesday that the sport had the potential in spite of unpopularity in the country.

    The Vice-President of the federation, retired Commodore Isaac Mankilik, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the sports deserved serious attention and patronage. He expressed optimism that with time it would get the needed attention from sports enthusiasts.

    Mankilik said that all the sports in the federation were multi medal winning that needed the same attention that other sports were getting.

    “The sports are not yet popular but I can tell you they have great potential in becoming key sports in the country. One of the things we are doing is to get athletes right from the grassroots and recently we were able to retrieve our boats that have been at the port for 11 years. And it has increased our drive to increase our rate of discovering more talents,” he said.

    NAN reports that the International Canoe Federation had in 2003 donated 11 boats to the federation to assist in the development of the sports.

    According to the vice-president, funding is a fundamental challenge of the federation. However, Mankilik said that the NRSCF was trying to get sponsors for its programmes.

    “Indeed, funding is an issue, we recognise that fact and we are trying to partner corporate bodies to bring in sponsorship and not to solely rely on government grants. So, we are not resting on our oars but going to corporate bodies to sell the sports. And before long a lot of interest will be shown to the sports,” said the official.

    NAN recalls that the federation had in February organised a clinic for 29 coaches across the country as part of efforts to improve the sports.

  • Para-athletics coach appeals to sports authorities to employ youths

    A Lagos State Para-athletics coach, Adenuga Adegboyega on Wednesday appealed to states sports’ authorities to employ athletes who excelled in competitions organised by local government councils.

    Adegboyega told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such opportunities would go a long way in encouraging grassroots athletes. He said that when the athletes were gainfully employed, it would reduce the number of miscreants among those that were talented in sports.

    “Youth employment, especially for winners of competitions is a means to encourage them to be more committed,’’ Adegboyega said.

    He said some youths performed credibly well in different sports during competitions organised by local governments across the states and it was only proper to retain such talents.

    “When an athlete proves his or her worth at grassroots competitions, I think it is better to make provision to retain them and monitor their development by employing them. Competitions organised at the local government help to identify future stars and if we do not provide them with employment opportunity, they will shift to other areas,’’ Adegboyega said.

    He advised the authorities to endeavour to create an enabling environment for youths in their domain to exhibit their skills as a way of enhancing grassroots development in the state.

    The coach further urged the youths to be focused and develop their skills in areas where they were gifted by going for training. He urged the youth to be obedient to the technical officials in charge of sports.

  • I almost resigned several times – ex-Sports Minister

    Ahmed: Best sports minister by standards

    The sacked minister of sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Saturday  recounted his ordeal as a member of President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet before being fired a fortnight ago.

    He said severally he came close to throwing in the trowel but the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed encouraged him to hang on.

    The immediate sports minister spoke  in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at a reception organized for him to welcome him back home.

    He added that he was not surprised by his sack, saying as “a political appointee you expect that you can be relieved of your post anytime.”

    Said he: “Several times I came close to walking away but you always encouraged me to hang on there. I thank you very much and I pray that almighty Allah will continue to guide you, abide by you and he never bring you down. You are my brother and my friend, but I’m not thanking you only for this day. I am thanking you for standing by me throughout very difficult periods.

    “What else can I say, apart to say that the almighty Allah will reward you for the love you have shown to me today. I have never seen anything like this in my life. And in my wildest imagination I did not expect that a day like this will come. As stood in the vehicle waving to the tumultuous crowd all the way from the airport to the Emir’s I kept asking myself what is it that I have done to deserve this and that is why I want Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed very sincerely.

    “I want to thank all the people of Kwara state for of love. I don’t think I know one percent of people that came out to welcome me today. I don’t think I have in any way done anything for one percent of them.

    “What I can say is that what we are celebrating today, that is what God has made possible for me to do in the last three years that you have sent me to Abuja as a minister, I dedicate to all the youths of Kwara state. We, who were born towards the end and after the end of the Nigerian civil war, are the generation that are mostly here today. That is the generation that I belong and what we have done in the last three years has shown that our generation given the opportunity is capable of achieving great things,” Abudulahi said.

  • Excitement at Wellspring Sports meet

    Goodness House may have won only seven gold medals compared to the 12 won by Grace and Praise houses each, and the 11 by Favour House at the Eighth Inter-House Sports Competition of Wellspring College, Omole, Phase 2, Lagos.

    However, the house still impressed in some the events, particularly the Tug of War.

    The pupils, who participated in the event, lived up to their weight by ensuring that they pulled the other teams down during the competition held at the Agege Stadium. It was one gold medal among the seven that members of Goodness House would really treasure.

    On the whole, the inter-house competition provided a lot of excitement for the pupils and their teachers as well as parents and guests despite a chilly weather and downpour towards the end of the event.

    At the end of stiff contest in football, high jump, hurdles, badminton, javelin, short put, sprint races, and other track and field events, Grace House stood taller than others with 12 Gold, nine Silver and 14 Bronze medals.

    Praise House followed closely in the second position with the same number of gold and silver medals but only eight bronze medals.

    Favour House came third with 11 gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze medals, while Goodness House was fourth with seven gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals.

    Praising the efforts of the houses, Principal of Wellspring College, Mrs Oluyemisi Oloriade said integrity in participation was more important than victory and aligned with the school’s philosophy of doing things right.

    She said: “I am aware that you have put in your best in your various house trainings to be victorious today and are ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish that. But remember this: any victory achieved here that lacks the blessing of honour is no victory, indeed, and is capable of ruining whatever moral standard we have achieved over the years. So, in your dealings, let fair play be the guiding principle and honour, the goal. In fact, it is better to lose honourably than to win dishonourably.”

  • Union de Douala Arrived Lagos with 25 man delegation

    Ahead of  Sunday second leg of confederation cup in Warri , A25 man delegation of Union de Douala Football Club, Cameroon arrived Lagos yesterday afternoon aboard Arik Airline and were received by the Officials of Warri Wolves before taken them to the hotel where they will spend the night.
    According to the Media Manager of Warri Wolves, Union Douala team will fly to Warri aboard the same Airline to Warri before their crucial encounter with the host team, Warri Wolves at the Warri City Stadium on Sunday.
    Speaking on their arrival, Etu assured the visiting team of a warm reception in Warri and a conduicive hospitality throughout their stay in Warri.
    “Our visitors arrived Lagos on Thursday afternoon but they will move to Warri on Friday and get what it takes to stay in Nigeria before their match with us on Sunday.  We assure them of a warm reception in Warri and they will go home with a good memory.”
    Meanwhile, Etu has appealed football fans across Delta State and its environs to come and cheer Warri Wolves to victory in this crucial match. Etu said Union Douala parades good players who are capable of doing anything but with the support of the fans, the task of up turning the first leg result which ended in favour of the Warri based team could become difficult.
    “We want the fans to come out in thousands to support the team. We should not underrate the visiting team because they play good football. But we know that with the fans behind us, it will be difficult for them to wreck any havoc. We are determined to do the Natikon proud and by the Grace of God, the team will not disappoint .  They have intensified their training since they returned from Douala and with the level of commitment from the boys, the fans will have something to cheer.