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03
Tue, Nov

African champions Nigeria snatched a winner nine minutes from time through Ahmed Musa to beat Kenya 1-0 away and boost their World Cup qualifying chances in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Musa's goal gave the Super Eagles a two-point lead at the top of Group F as closest rivals Malawi were earlier held to a goalless draw by Namibia at home in Blantyre.

Nigeria, who are heading to the Confederations Cup in Brazil later this month, moved on to eight points with two games to play as Malawi failed to keep pace.

Nigeria visit Namibia next Wednesday while Malawi host Kenya at the same time in another crucial round of matches with only the group winners progressing to the third qualifying round.

It was Nigeria's first win since they unexpectedly triumphed at the African Nations Cup in South Africa in February.

They needed an equaliser in added time at home to Kenya in March to avoid a major setback on the road to Brazil and drew 2-2 with Mexico in a friendly last week before travelling from Houston, Texas to Nairobi for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.

Barcelona star, Lionel Messi and his father Jorge Horacio have denied accusations of tax evasion for more than three years between 2006 and 2009 in the region of €4m.

Messi and his father are under the investigation of Spanish tax authorities for allegedly avoiding payment of charges due from sales of the Argentina captain’s image rights by operating through companies based outside the country.

Prosecutor Raquel Amado signed a complaint and filed it with the courthouse in the Gava district of Barcelona on Wednesday.

But denying the charges, Messi wrote: on his official Facebook account: “We have learned through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. 
“We are surprised about this news, because we have not committed any infringement. We have always fulfilled all of our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation.”

If convicted, the superstar faces as much as six years in prison.

Thompson Oliha, a member of the victorious Super Eagles squad to the 1994 African Nations Cup, has died.

Oliha, who was one of the coaches at the Kwara State Football Academy in Ilorin, died this morning. He was even on the bench on Saturday when Kwara Football Academy (KFA) boys played against a Malian team. He reportedly complained of malaria and was hospitalised in the state capital before he gave up the ghost.

Kwara State Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bunmi Adedoyin as well as Lagos State Chairman of SWAN, Fred Edoreh confirmed the tragedy. 

Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi commiserated with the family of Thompson Oliha, describing him as a very influential member of the Nigerian national team in the 90s.

“He contributed greatly to the success of that team,” the minister said in a release signed by his special adviser, Julius Ogunro.

“He was a dedicated and thoroughbred professional who always put the nation first and who was member of the golden generation of Nigerian football history.

A true patriot, he was motivated by the desire to don the Nigerian jersey than by pecuniary interests. He would be deeply be missed by the sporting community in Nigeria and the world at large. I pray that his soul rests in peace.”

Former captain and coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Christian Chukwu has urged the Federal Government to fulfil its promise to late Thompson Oliha, who died at the weekend.

According to him, it is saddening that Oliha and all other players who won the Tunisia ‘94 Africa Cup of Nations have yet to receive government’s pledge of a house.

“To be honest, this is not too good,” he said. “He has not received the house he was promised for helping Nigeria win the Nations Cup in 1994. Now he has died, I don’t know if it is not too late for him to be given that house.”

The former assistant coach to Clemens Westerhof also spoke about the commitment of the late Oliha to the national team.

“Oliha was a perfect example in training and matches, as he was always hard working but found the time to exchange banter with players and coaches alike,” Chukwu said, adding that his death is sad and he will be sorely missed.

“He only left for Europe after the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations but even when he was based in Nigeria, he was still first-choice as the European-based players found it almost impossible to outwit him in training and matches.”

 

I wrote a few days ago about the shock from NSC rising to query the illegal Football Federation demands for N250Million funding on expenditures fully paid by FIFA because there is nothing else to explain such feeling since the Athletics Federation (AFN) perpetrated this fraud for many years and as the article that caused this response being penned a demand few days ago was made through Vanguard newspaper articles written by Ben Efe. However, but a pundit demands proof. Well, here you go.The electronic link is at: http://www.iaaf.org/mm/document/imported/9572.pdf (p118) and the text follows:

1 The IAAF and Area Associations

The IAAF's largest and most important system of grants to Member Federations is its support for training, travel, and accommodation costs related to the World Championships in Athletics and other World Athletic Series events. The IAAF also makes smaller grants to assist Member Federations with the costs of basic administrative facilities and equipment as well as for special projects (see Chapter 2). Eligibility and procedure policies vary according to the event and specific information is available from the General Secretary.

2 The International Athletic Foundation 

The International Athletic Foundation supports projects which promote the development of athletics. IAAF Member Federations may present project proposals for consideration by the Foundation's Council. Further information may be obtained directly from the International Athletic Foundation.”

A simple arithmetic by seven years old will say something is wrong when Solomon Ogba borrowed money to attend World Championships, turn over some copy of receipts (bogus or not) to the IAAF for reimbursements as noted above and got paid. Upon return to Nigeria, the same Solomon Ogba made demands to NSC with another copy of the same receipts (bogus or not) and got paid. The question is whether NSC knew or should have known that this is going on, either way, the news cannot be good for Bolaji Abdullahi, the Sports Minister because he was informed of such activities long before Football Federation make their request and he did nothing.

The key to all of this is the hypocrisy syndrome within NSC that ordinarily that some Nigerians consider as way of things but how do we effect change with such idiocy and expect to reach greater heights? The President talks about transformation but people at NSC clearly have different things in mind by using the media budget of about N30Million to propagate against the President Goal and Aspirations for sports. Oh, well I may not know so but I doubt if I am wrong because no one in Nigeria remain happy in the downward direction sports in Nigeria is heading.

 Way Forward

Briefly, I reiterate, funding to all sports federations must stop with immediate effect because NSC must be restructured due to good for nothing people pulling down the country rather than advancing the country in the area of sport. NSC is a supposedly a commission but it does not have any commissioner and even the Sports Minister said its workers are incompetent. Again I ask, for what purpose do we need NSC full of incompetent people being defrauded left, right and center. NSC actions had been reduced to just correct problems its staff created at greater costs to the nation along with being the paymaster to foreign organizations in the name of sports federations. Frankly, this is share nonsense based on Sports Minister account of own Ministry.

I do hope I have shed some light on why not just illegal Football Federation should be probed but also AFN and others. The hypocrisy is too great and fraud or criminal acts have no expiration date, therefore, the Federal Government must seek recovery of all funds paid to AFN, Football Federation and others. This is a matter of urgency and on another note I was informed that NSC hired former drug suspended athletes as special adviser, so no one should expect that our athletes will stop using drugs to enhance their performance as the NSC is celebrating drug violators.

 I rest

Dr. Rashid A. Balogun, CPA, LLB(Hons.), LLM(London)

One-cap Nigerian striker, Shola Ameobi has scrapped the clause in his contract that reportedly prevented his participation at the at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa, which Nigeria won.

After the recently held FIFA Confederations Cup during which the Nigerian team proved bereft of competent striking options, National Coach Stepehen keshi reiterated his love for the Newcastle striker but said he may never again don the Green-White-Green jersey due to the clause. However, an official of the Super Eagles has now disclosed that the power-playing strike could still feature for the team.

“He said the clause has been removed and he will be ready to play for the Super Eagles anytime he is called upon,” Super Eagles official, Dayo Enebi said on Friday.

“Ameobi said he would love to play for Nigeria under Stephen Keshi because he is a good coach, and above all Ameobi is very proud to be a Nigerian and will always grab the opportunity to don the green-white colours of his fatherland.”

Excited, Keshi is already planning talks with the former England junior international, saying he has qualities and vast experience that the national team can always rely on.

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally confirmed that national coach, Stephen Keshi has not received salary for five months, dating back to when he won the African Cup of Nations in February.

Speaking with BBC Sport, NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu said the situation is still under control, as the coach hasn’t yet made an official complaint.

“Between the federation and the coaching crew, we don’t have a problem. Obligations to the coaching crew are always settled, and we have the understanding of the coaching crew in this regard,” Ahmadu said.

“We’ve been working together with Stephen Keshi since November 2011 and he knows the peculiar situation of how things are with the federation. We try as much as possible to pay our obligations, likewise the coach, and we’ve had a very good working relationship. I know the coach will not bring to the fore any such matters.”

Similarly, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi and Goalkeeper Trainer Ike Shorunmu have not being paid.  And Ahmadu believes people should refrain from making a mountain out of the mole hill 

“Perhaps there are people out there that want to capitalise on such matters to create problems between the federation and the coach,” he said. 

“But I know that obligations to the coaching crew are always settled, and we do have the understanding of the coaching crew in this regard. We appreciate that understanding and right now the focus is not about what is being written in the media but it is on the CHAN qualifiers.” 

Meanwhile, the home-based Super Eagles led by Keshi trumped Cote d’Ivoire 4-1 on Saturday in a 2014 CHAN qualifier with goals from Gambo Mohammed and Ifeanyi Edeh sandwiched between a Sunday Mba brace. The second leg holds in Abidjan in another three weeks.

Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has constituted a panel to probe the crisis over match allowance involving Super Eagles of Nigeria players in Namibia.

 The footballers had rejected the allowance approved for them by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) after two away games with the national teams of Kenya and Namibia, towards qualifications for the World Cup. As a result of the protest, the footballers initially refused to board the plane to Brazil to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The NFF had offered to pay $5000 for a win and $2500 for a draw, but the players insisted on getting $10,000 for a win and $5000 for a draw. The disagreement was resolved by the intervention of the honourable minister who got additional funds to make up for the shortfall proposed by the NFF.

The panel will be chaired Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Chairman of Thisday Editorial Board and former Special Adviser to late President Umar Yar’Adua. He was also a member of the Presidential Task Force set up to ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Other members of the panel are Onoche Anibeze, Group Sports Editor, Vanguard Newspaper; Aisha Falode, sports administrator; Shehu Dikko, member of the League Management Company; Akin Oshuntokun, former MD of News Agency of Nigeria; and Garba Lawal, former Super Eagles player.

The terms of reference of the panel are to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crisis over the match bonus, develop a code of conduct for players on national assignments, and any other recommendations that may be deemed necessary.

The panel, which would be inaugurated on Thursday 11th July 2013, has two weeks to submit its report.

A view of an old saying essentially suggested that no one can satisfy the whole world at the same time but smart people will say that all depends on the definition of ‘satisfy’ and whether or not the review of such criteria is subjective. No, I’m not arguing with myself but the point will be made later. The time has come now that readers of current sports affairs know the inner happenings of the NSC whether through this writer’s articles or similar alternative outlets devoid of so-called ‘decorum’ by mainstream media writers. Well, just a few of those writers are really not honest with themselves that no one believed anything written by them.

The key point is that Nigerians now can distinguish between paid advertorials in disguise as sports news that were funded by the NSC N30Million budget for promotions without proof of real value to Nigerians from the real truth. In fact, recently the Auditor General of Nigeria and the National Assembly queried several fraudulent expenditures by NSC. It should be noted that auditors do not review all expenses rather a sample of them so there are likely more revelations to come in the future.

 Those expenses included advertising expenditure in a newspaper of about N2Million that was never really advertised in any media platform or format in the country. Well, this writer awaits query for the N4Million borehole and illegal payments to Athletics Federation (AFN) in a truly transparent unbiased manner just as done with the illegal Football Federation. Failure of which pundits’ belief that Sports Minister is out to create more problems for himself and the new Director General in order  to retain their cronies to fix the created problems at significant costs to the nation will become a reality.

This modus operandi ‘MO’ has been the NSC tool in awarding contracts including cleaning contracts at various stadiums as noted by the Auditor General whereas NSC has cleaners and groundkeepers on staff. What this writer is amazed about is the value National Assembly Sports Committees (Senate & House of Representative) brought to the nation’s sports when not until the Auditor General raised eyebrow likely based on real truth articles will they now recognizes NSC existence has been a giant N15Billion waste of money. Until NSC is restructured with clear terms of engagement focused squarely on the development of sports governed by at least six commissioners with accounting, financial, administrative and technical management skills the Federal Government simply ought to shut it down.

Realistically, Nigerians would have expected those similar skills in the sports committees of both arms of the National Assembly as well, if the country truly wants a sports reform as declared by the President even if Mr. President remains silent on modalities as it is now. Well, some people will say the buck stops at the Presidency and this writer says that the buck stops at all Nigerians’ laps because they chose who controls the government and must hold them accountable.

Way Forward

NSC must be restructured and every individual at NSC must be reassigned including all directors and the Sports Minister.

We know where the country has been and where the sports administrator led us, so the next challenge is how we remove all these sports administrators because to retrain each of them will be counterproductive due to delay in sports development (that needs to begin now) and the costs involved in retraining them. Definitely, the current picture will lead the country to doom. Nevertheless, production of an athlete with real world repute takes an average of six years which means the stars of tomorrow should have been discovered about the age of 12, therefore, the country best hope if the Olympics Games is the measuring stick, is 2020 Games. In hindsight the 2016 Olympics will likely bring the country two athletes’ surprise (this writer knows who they are) and those that attended the London Olympics will no longer be of reckoning.

NSC N30Million budget for propaganda or is it promotions must be STOPPED as it was not intended for any legitimate purpose.

As to funding concern, NSC, though with the Director General (DG) with accounting skills (according to the government) on paper has fired two blanks that ordinarily mean nothing unless the reader knows few things about accounting. Mr. Elegbeleye the DG resumed office with hiring a former drug cheat as his technical adviser or is it special assistant and also refused an invitation extended to him by the National Assembly, his former employer. And I ask, is this guy for real? As noted, his skills in accounting are based on the government media release as such this writer cannot vouch for such accuracy, at this time.

Full blown audit of the NSC must be performed on all expenditure reported by NSC.

I rest

Dr. Rashid A. Balogu, CPA, LLB(Hons.), LLM(London)

 

 

A menacing choice of action knows of no limit to the very end just as a fighting nursing lion will defend her cub till the end. NSC officials are fighting for mediocrity to the very end which this writer believes is near and that’s a prediction. A restructured NSC will likely be born with a brand new regime and real qualified people devoid of ghosts, spirits, ‘paper people’, paupers and the rest of unknown vagabonds perambulating as special assistants to many of those ghosts, spirits and officials. Tough choices of words but the message is clear and athletes of today and their supporters are no longer going to be muzzled or censored in a democratic society like Nigeria. Yes, their words are more expletives than what’s identified above.

Okay, let us assume the Sports Minister has good intentions for the development of sports in Nigeria and all things remain constant. Let us also assume that the grass root level is the target of such programs as the country has heard from the media in all platforms. Then, is it proper to make enquiry on how such programs will be carried out and if so, can it also be asked whether the current sports administrators can be entrusted to implement such programs with their current level of skills? Though these assumptions does not take into consideration the Sports Minister chasing children born abroad that the NSC or Nigeria never has anything  to do with their development as athletes or their welfare.

Sports Committee (House of Representatives) Can Do Better

If these queries are valid, then who should have been (or be) asking these questions directed at the Sports Minister? It is clear that only the right questions be asked and by that Nigerian people as represented in the National Assembly ought to lead the way. Ideally, the enquirer must be knowledgeable in this subject area (sports). What we’ve got in Nigeria is a hydrologist (Geofrey Gaiya) who never competed in any sport and never qualified to be as an accountant, financial or marketing expert suggesting all kinds of ill-advised hypothesis that materials before him contradicted his lines of reasoning. Imagine, he said that NSC has only one line budget where expenses are lumped whereas the budget, I suppose he had something to do with before been approved was something the National Assembly sports committee review on a daily or monthly basis when that committee seats. The question is, if the Chairman for sports committee at the National Assembly is clueless on data before him, then how do we measure the performance value for money spent on sports through NSC? Loving football or being Rangers fan can never equate skills of administration in any endeavor and sport (or sports) is a very unique endeavor at that.

Let us be clear here, this writer is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30years auditing background along with legal skills (Master of Laws) to complement it and finds it very painful when novices challenges what appears to be wrong to everyone by posing as if they are an authority on the such subject due to their status or acclaimed status. The subject of sports has two directions in all countries and they the administrative and the technical (one can imagine this is the case in various industries). The technical side of things generally can be acquired through participation or directed practical training in that particular (or more) sports area while the administrative skills can be learned academically complemented by practical training. The point is a nurse is not a doctor and an engineer is not an accountant unless he/she gained such skills later.

This writer experienced this knowledge deficit nonsense on a visit to a particular large Bank branch in Lagos where the Manager was in fact a local language graduate who argued about what a ledger is or should be with his staff while this writer waited for assistance. Well, to cut the story short, this writer made sure that Manager obtained a position elsewhere and that staff heads that Branch within six months.

Status of Sports

The Sports Minister returned the same people that for over 20years never acknowledged problems bedeviling sports in the country and simply lacked the skills either administratively or technically. His view was based on the fact he thinks things are changing for the better due to lies by various federations and some reporters hyping Nigeria’s chances even as the truth confronts them.

Case in point, the President was deceived recently due to African Youth Championship results shrouded with age falsification allegations surrounding Nigeria’s team while truth writers suggested the dearth in Nigeria’s team based on the team performance. Fast forward, on the on-going World Youth Games, Nigeria’s boys and girls simply are not in the same league as the rest of the World. So, how do we see 2020 Olympics Games when our youth simply don’t measure up now? Waste of time and money unless changes are made right now.

Again, this writer will advise the President through this medium to immediately address all concerns because the NSC really serves no purpose rather causing more future problems. Imagine, Sports Minister sets up various panels to look into problems he created when he assumed office at huge costs to country. There were scandals from the London Olympics on athletics team selection and coaches, for example, a female marathon entrant accused NSC of bribery to be on the country’s team where the Minister set up a panel made up NSC staff and a jurist along with a police officer. There were scandals in the Football (bonus row, etc.), Volleyball, Swimming and Handball (currently in court) federations since Bolaji Abdullahi assumed office and his efforts has being to restore status quo which never delivered world ranked teams to begin with. Again, where is the country heading in sports?

Way Forward

Again, NSC serves no purpose at this time and must be shut down or significantly restructured.

National Assembly Sports Committees are simply clueless and why does it take Public Accounts Committee to lead in responding to Auditor General’s report and not Sports Committee.

I rest

Dr. Rashid A. Balogun, CPA, LLB(Hons.), LLM(London)

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has described Enugu Rangers forward Alhaji Gero as a quality player deserving of his maiden invitation to the senior national team to engage Cote d’Ivoire in the second leg of the CHAN qualifier.

“I saw a lot of qualities in him; that was why I invited him,” Keshi said. “I expect him to bring in competition to those who are already in the team.”

Gero featured at the recently held FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, where the Flying Eagles gallantly lost out to Uruguay in the quarter-final, after suffering a first-half red card to a defender.

 

Club president Sandro Rosell confirmed on Friday that the 44-year-old will undergo further cancer treatment, making it "impossible for him to continue as coach"

Tito Vilanova has resigned as coach of Barcelona, the club has confirmed.

 Rumors emerged on Friday that the 44-year-old, who took over from Pep Guardiola prior to the 2012-13 season, was set to step down from his role after suffering another setback in his battle against ill-health.

 Club president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta called a press conference at Camp Nou on Friday evening, where they confirmed Vilanova must undergo further cancer treatment which would make it "impossible" for him to continue in his role.

 "After looking at routine tests, there is [now] an option to continue treating his disease which means it will be impossible for him to continue as first-team coach of FC Barcelona," Rosell told reporters. "I want to ask for the maximum respect for him and his family.

 "We have got together with all of the players and the coaching staff and we have decided not to play tomorrow in Poland [in a friendly against Lechia Gdansk]. It is a very big blow, a huge blow. But Barcelona has overcome many obstacles in in its history and this will be no exception."

 The Barcelona squad, including Lionel Messi, was present in the front two rows of seats of the press conference as Rosell delivered the news.

Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has congratulated the home-based Super Eagles for qualifying for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) taking place in January 2014 South Africa.

The team qualified for the championship for the first time ever after a 4-3 aggregate win over the home-based Elephants of Cote’d’Ivoire. Although the Eagles lost the return leg 0-2 against the Ivoirians, their superior 4-1 victory in the first leg, which took place in Kaduna earlier, was good enough to ensure qualification for the team.

 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) introduced the CHAN in 2009 and it is strictly for home-based footballers in the national teams. The Honourable Minister commended the players and technical team for a job well done and assured the team of support as they proceed to the championship.  

 “I congratulate the coaching crew and all the players for the hard work, discipline and brilliance which ensured that Nigeria has qualified for the CHAN for the first time,” he said. “I am particularly pleased with the performance of the footballers who gave their best in and out of the field. This goes to show the depth and quality of the Glo Premier League.”

He also noted that the success of the team has demonstrated that the Eagles’ AFCON win was not a fluke and an indication that Nigeria is about to dominate African football for a long time to come.

 

A hunting lion cannot be said to lack high mathematical intelligence in predicting movements of its prey just as humans, more so, we learnt in the modern age that quantum physics can explain key aspects of any ‘matter’ in our universe, regardless of how minute it is in size or weight to us. However, an occasional anomaly will occur but such occurrence can also be predicted by some unknown variance missed by the observer. However, the necessary key to mitigate such anomaly is the obligation we placed on ourselves in implementing relevant practical agenda with all human efforts directed towards it just as the hunting lions.

It was argued that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is doing its best in turning around the country’s sports fortune and this writer doubt whether spending monies on toothless panels constitute an effort. The nation sports’ buffs queried the quality of individuals appointed by Bolaji Abdullahi (sports Minister) to such unnecessary panels but  there’s no suggestion about lack of credentials, however,  the question that was  asked was simple; to what extent can they (panel members) reverse the negative trends’ character of the country’s sports? The answer is quite clear, They can’t do ‘nada’. It is also clear that the NSC agenda must focus on purging every anomaly of the system because they have grown to become the custom practiced by NSC.

The Past

For whatever reason, the British and old Military regime immediately after the country’s independence established (what was then known as) community centre in certain areas of the country at that time. One of such areas is Abule Ijesha borders by Army Military Sports Camp, Yaba College of Tech, UNA (near Shomolu), University of Lagos and St Finbarr’s College.

The products of that area includes; Rashid Balogun (this writer also a former athlete), Tony Osheku (former athlete & foremost athletics Coach), Raymond King (former Super Eagles Goalie), Mike Dominick (former junior eagles star), Hakeem King Joe (former world boxing champion), Bremna (former junior Eagles and Super Eagles star), Muda Lawal (former Super Eagles star) and from those that schooled in the vicinity as a youth; Sunday Uti (Olympic bronze medalist) and Super Eagles stars Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu, Godwin Odiye and others.

In those days, street by street relays were common to the chagrin of some parents (personally, this writer's father leads the way in maintaining discipline of all children in the area directing them to go to community centres but I ain’t my daddy but very proud of him then and now). At the community centre in Abule Ijesha; there were table tennis competitions and practice among youths, daily football games (also what was called set where boys choose whom they want on their team while the unselected wait until a certain time to eliminate a player on the losing team) along with inter-club championships, Volleyball and basketball were also played there. Swimmers uses a free flowing pond called ‘Odo ogbe’ in Onike and Rowe Park. Boxers used Military sports center on Morocco Road.

The area boast of Archie Moore (former World Boxing Champ. At both Olympics and professional level for USA) as a coach, Coach Mommoh of the army who refused promotion and demoted to private for remaining loyal to his youth team comprising Bremna, Mike Dominick, Hakeem Balogun (younger brother of this writer), Raymond King and others. Football clubs in the area included Mommoh Boys FC, Seven Planners (Muda Lawal team), etc. YES, Glory days indeed and this writer challenges anyone to match the record of this area in the entire country.

One word that can describe these activities is ‘Community’.

Now

As this writer wrote severally on the current affairs of the country’s sports fortune, it is quite unnecessary to repeat them here as the story continues to build on a daily basis. But the challenges of the media are going behind the result of a game and explain how those performances were achieved with qualitative reasoning rather than propaganda spin by the NSC and sports federations. Selling sports’ results may sell very well but to what benefit can the country derive from the new swimming record for men when females from Egypt have better records? Again for what benefit can a report that a Nigerian male ran a “2hrs. 20mins” new national record for the marathon when Kenyan girls are running faster? This writer is very sure that Nigerians got the point because to expose the rot that the country woeful result means globally could better position the country in the future.

Recently, Bolaji Abdullahi noted that the country will henceforth concentrate on six sports, this is clearly ill-advised considering for years now the country relied only on football with its own budget line item exceeding over N3Billions annually with no tangible (World Cup) result. What the Minister should be discussing is how to fund the youth directly in all sports rather than wasting scarce resources on illegal six sports federations.

Advocacy for the status quo is nothing other than a mere selfish foolish act of deception that few media pundits are using Facebook to chide the youth of today that seeks better welfare and training packages. Although, this writer may not agree or disagree with certain views but the youth and others are constitutionally protected to speak or write without fear of retribution but they must not be offended with opposing views.

Way Forward

The Sports Minister keeps shouting about British system and in fact wasting monies for that purpose just as his predecessors did the same thing with Germany, Cuba and when Australia hosted the Olympics and did very well. Such models presuppose adequate facilities and manpower and they are based on restructuring past weaknesses in certain areas of their country’s sports fortune. Even at that, what was being restructured clearly outpaced Nigeria total medal counts for all Olympics games the country participated in.

In fact many swimmers in one Olympics delivered to their respective countries more medal each than Nigeria in all its Olympics outing and this writer simply ask, is it not better to zoom-in this sport and get just two swimmers from the age of 8 and train them abroad than waste N8Billion on good for nothing sports federations? Colloquially, more bangs for our buck because an athlete (swimmer) can potentially flood the country with about 10 medals.

The NSC must recruit athletes for direct electronic funding schemes through the finance Ministry. Federations can no longer receive any fund from NSC due to lack of NSC control as a result of their independence from national government interference, accountability, transparency, in addition to accusations that those federations short change athletes on issues of government transfer payments.

The Ministry of Education must take over National Institute for Sports (NIS) as the NSC simply lacked the skills to handle any form of education because churned attendees of such institute has yet to deliver any athlete of prominence in NIS history.

Patronage of the Director General of NSC and Bolaji Abdullahi must end and detail list of visitors to NSC ought to be published and archived as the official record. This is necessary either as a security necessity or paper trail for auditors in terms of asset protection.

Finally, it should be obvious that Bolaji Abdullahi simply cannot handle this Ministry and all he has been doing is based on ‘trial and error’ that is becoming too costly for any country to progress because correcting a faux pas raises eyebrow on how the error was made in the first place. That is the trend that NSC continues to follow regardless of costs, therefore, NSC must be restructured with new set of qualified (academically, professionally and athletically) people along with at least six commissioners as opposed to none as it is now. Yes, Nigerians can guide a horse to water but they can’t force it to drink BUT THEY CAN MAKE IT HOMELESS AND NO WHERE TO GO FOR NEXT MEAL.

I rest

Dr. Rashid A. Balogun, CPA, LLB(Hons.), LLM(London)

Cross River State Government has condemned in strong terms, the purported protest by the Football Association of Malawi Chief Executive Officer, Suzgo Nyeirenda, alleging spurious claims of security challenges and substandard hotels ahead of their last Group stage World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria and Malawi slated for 7th September 2013 in Calabar.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to Governor Imoke, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, who debunked the alleged security threat maintained that the report was untrue and unfounded and that the state is very perplexed by such a protest and demand.

 “It is common knowledge that Calabar, and indeed Cross River State is the safest and most peaceful state in Nigeria, without any incidences of acts of terrorism.  There has been no travel advisory issued against the State by any country or organization to the best of our knowledge” Ugbe explained.

He recalled that the Super Eagles, and the National U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets have played all their Qualifying matches towards AFCON 2013, Brazil 2016, and the African U-17 Championship, Morocco 2013 in Calabar, from June 2012 till date, making a total of over 9 internationally organized matches, without the city recording any security incidence.

The Commissioner maintained that,”Our hotels in Calabar and Cross River State are of World Class standard, which has increasingly attracted Conferences and events, (both national and international) to the State, making the State the No.1 tourists’ destination in the country”.

He expressed shock over the protest by Football Association of Malawi when countries like Rwanda, Liberia, Kenya, Namibia, Mali, Guinea, Niger, have played matches in Calabar in the past one year without having any cause to complain about neither the security nor the hospitality.

“It is also on record that we have hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship twice in 1999 and 2009, and on occasions, FIFA and the countries that were in the Calabar centre commended the organization and the standard of the hotels at the centre.  Newer hotels have even been built since then” he further stated.

Ugbe explained that Calabar hosts annually the biggest festival in the continent of Africa, the “Calabar Festival”, which climaxes with the biggest street party in Africa, “Carnival Calabar”, with over 500,000 revelers and spectators on the streets of Calabar, without any security challenges.

Saying, “We wish to state here clearly that Cross Riverians are peace loving and hospitable people, hence the State has become the preferred destination of choice for many, offering the warmest welcome in Africa” and asked FIFA to disregard such claims as they are baseless and without substance.

 

 

 

 

An imminent age purge in the Nigerian U-17 Golden Eaglets is threatening to hamper the country’s successful representation at this year’s edition of the U-17 World Youth Championships, billed to hold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October.

Officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have recommended that players placed on Grade 5 by a recent MRI scan should be decamped rather than risking FIFA’s hammer at the championship.

FIFA accepts Grade 5 for the U-17 World Cup yet there are fears that some of the players currently on the grade could have grown past it by October when the tournament will be staged.

With the possibility that Nigeria’s MRI machine might be inferior to what would be used at UAE, NFF officials split the Grade 5 players to A and B, those in A holding a better chance of scaling the age test in Dubai.

“The final decision to do away with players on Grade 5 has thrown the Eaglets into more confusion as it means many more players will now have to be decamped,” an official, however, said.

“We don’t wish to take unnecessary risks and so this decision. It simply means the coaches have to draft capable replacements for the players to be affected by this.”

The draws for this year’s tournament will be held on August 26 in Abu Dhabi. Nigeria is one of Africa’s hopes of good participation at the final, having reached the final of the African U-17 tournament, losing only to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties

The official handover of the rehabilitated Main Bowl pitch of the National Stadium Abuja to the National Sports Commission by Julius Berger PLC, the contractor that fixed it, will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2013.

As part of activities marking the handover, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will take on local side, Amakson Soccer Academy, in a friendly match. Secondary schools in Abuja will also participate in athletics competitions.

Side attractions will include performances by Whizkid, Ice Prince Zamani and White Nigerian.  Leading comedians in Abuja will also perform on Tuesday starting from 3pm.

The contract to rehabilitate the Main Bowl pitch of the National Stadium Abuja was awarded to Julius Berger in January this year, after a disruption of power supply to the stadium affected the regular wetting of the pitch which made it to be overgrown by weed. 

The scope of work completed by Julius Berger includes, removal and replacement of the topsoil; planting the approved specie of grass, well watered and nourished until roots are established; and maintenance of the pitch, including watering and trimming of the grass. It also provided new water sprinklers for the stadium.

Last week, the Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi gave assurances that the Commission has a plan for the regular maintenance of the pitch and also stating that there will be regular activities at the stadium after the handover.

Julius Ogunro

A (Media and Strategy) to HM Sports

 

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday visited members and officials of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who arrived at the east African country earlier in the day only to be mobbed by Ethiopians who openly fraternised with them.

Chelsea FC of England star, Mikel Obi was the star of the attraction, as hordes of fans descended on him, posing with him for photographs, ahead of the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for Brazil 2014 World Cup, which holds in Addis Ababa on Sunday afternoon.

Visiting the players on Saturday during a training session, President Jonathan, who was in the country for the Extra Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), charged them to gun for victory and prove Nigeria’s status as a global football super power.

 “Surely you will make it; the spirit is there. I wish you success. It is a determining match. We have been going to the World Cup, but this year, we are not just going to the World Cup, we will make an impact,” he said.

“The world will begin to know that we have arrived as a nation. We will give you all the encouragement required. Thank you for what you are doing for us.”

 President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari thanked the president for the visit and promised victory in the encounter

“I assure you, we will be able to deliver and we will deliver,” Maigari said. “We will do our best. We have a good team. Goodluck Jonathan is the only President who has created time amidst his tight schedule to be with the super eagles twice. This is the biggest motivation and we will make you proud. We will be in Brazil.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday produced a rare away win in the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Ethiopians went ahead in the 56th minute after Behalu Assefa attempted to send a cross into the opponent’s area, but Vincent Enyeama misjudged the ball, which was adjudged to have crossed the line by the time he caught it.

Nigeria Striker Emmanuel Emenike proved why he has been the offensive heartbeat of the team since the 2013 African Cup of Nations, when he unleashed a screamer in the 67th minute that the Ethiopian goal-minder had no answer to.

The Fenerbahçe forward the earned Nigeria the victory on the stroke of full time, when he stepped up to calmly convert a penalty that was awarded after a defended bundled him down in a potentially goal-bound move.

The second leg holds in Calabar, Cross River State, on 16th November 2013.

 

The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced a 10-year ban for former General Secretary of the federation and Executive Committee member, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and another 15-year ban for former Chairman of the Nigerian Premier League (NPL), Chief Victor Baribote.

According to a communiqué released to the media on Monday, the decision to suspend the duo was taken at Saturday’s meeting of the Executive Committee in Addis Ababa, venue of Nigeria’s victorious Brazil 2014 World cup qualifier against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.

The Executive Committee also resolved to constitute a four-man committee to probe bribery allegations against Chairman of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee (O&D), Olaleye Adepoju and Chairman of Enugu State Football Association, Chidi Ofor Okenwa.

“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation met at the Saro-Maria Hotel in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia on Saturday, 12th October, 2013 to discuss pertinent issues in Nigeria football and decided as follows:

“The Executive Committee praised the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for finding time out of a very heavy schedule during the African Union summit in Ethiopia, to attend training session of the Super Eagles on Saturday, 12th October 2013, which hugely inspired the players to defeat Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup final elimination fixture, first leg in Addis Ababa on Sunday, 13th October 2013.

“The committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Barrister Chris Green, approved a 10-year ban from all football-related activities on one-time NFF General Secretary and former NFF Executive Committee member, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.

“Similarly, the committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Chief Emeka Inyama, approved a 15-year ban from all football-related activities on former NPL Chairman, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote. These decisions by the Executive Committee are subject to ratification of the Congress of Nigeria football at the next Annual General Assembly, as contained in the NFF Statutes.

“Also, the NFF resolved to constitute a four-man committee to probe bribery allegation against the chairman of the Organissiang and disciplinary Committee (O&D), Olalyeye Adepoju as well as Chidi Ofor Okenwa, chairman of Enugu State Football association.

“The Executive Committee resolved to set up a four-man committee to investigate an allegation of bribery against a member of the Executive Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju. Barrister Chris Green is chairman and members are Chief Inyama, Hon. Shehu Adamu, Alhaji Muazu Kawu and Brigadier-General Emma Okaro (rtd), with Alizor Chuks as Secretary.”

 It announced also that in the meantime, Barrister Adepoju is suspended from chairmanship of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the Federation.

 “Committee resolved to set up a four-man committee to investigate a petition against Mr. Chidi Ofor Okenwa, chairman of the Enugu State Football Association. Vice President, Chief Umeh is chairman, with Chief Inyama, Alhaji Yusuf Fresh and Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande as members, with Danlami Alanana as secretary. The committee has two weeks to submit its report,” the communiqué continued.

 On other matters, the Executive Committee ordered the Nigeria National League to deduct three points and three goals from Gabros International FC’s campaign in this year’s competition, as a direct result of the club’s failure to pay CHF2,000, being cost of arbitration in a case against Hertha BSC Berlin FC of Germany.

 It expressed confidence in the ability of the U-17 National Team, also known as Golden Eaglets, to record a successful outing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emrates between 17th October and 8th November 2013.

“Executive Committee approved the appointment of a retired FIFA-graded referee, Mr. Sani Zubairu, as Consultant to the NFF Referees Unit. Committee approved confirmation of the appointment of Management Staff of the Federation, with a four-year contract spanning March 2011 – March 2015.

“The Executive Committee approved the promotion and confirmation of Members of Staff based on results of the last promotion/confirmation examinations. The Committee approved Thursday, 28th November as date for the 2013 Annual General Assembly of Nigeria football, with Warri, Delta State as venue.”

Those who attended the meeting were Aminu Maigari (President), Mike Umeh (Vice President), Emeka Inyama (Member), Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member), Ahmad Muazu Kawu (Member), Effiong Johnson (Member), Christopher Green (Member), Muazu Suleyman (Member), Ayodeji Tinubu (Member), Shehu Adamu (Member), Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member), Yusuf Ahmed Fresh (Member) and Musa Amadu (Secretary).

Olaleye Adepoju (Member) and Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member), who were absent, offered their apologies.

{fcomment}

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Golden Eaglets on their stunning victory over their Mexican counterparts in the ongoing Under-17 World Championship taking place in the United Arab Emirates.

The Eaglets defeated Mexico 6-1 in their first match of the group phase on Saturday, Kelechi Iheanacho grabbing four goals to emerge current highest goal scorer at the tournament.

“As the nation celebrates yesterday’s victory however, President Jonathan urges the Eaglets to remember that they have just overcome their first opponents in a long tournament and must therefore stay focused on winning their subsequent matches, getting to the finals and claiming the championship once again for their fatherland,” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said.

 “The president calls on the Eaglets to avoid all possible distractions and continue to display the exhilarating soccer skills, commitment and dedication, which overwhelmed the Mexican team yesterday, in all of their subsequent matches.

 “He assures the Eaglets and their handlers of the steadfast support and encouragement of the Federal Government and looks forward to another victory when they take on the Swedish youth team on Tuesday.”

 

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on Tuesday managed to maintain their stranglehold atop their group in the ongoing World Youth FIFA Under-17 Championship, after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Sweden.

The Swedes got on to a flying start in the 11th minute when Valmir Berisha profited from goalkeeper Dele Alampasu’s misjudgement of the ball to tap in from close range.

Against pre-match predictions, Berisha buried in the Scandinavians’ and his second of the day when he beautifully headed in an Anton Saletros cross inside the penalty area in the 19th minute.

But Nigeria responded in fantastic fashion, netting a clinical goal-of-the-tournament-contender just two minutes later. Star forward Kelechi Iheanacho lobbed a wonder pass to on-running Isaac Success, who hit a first-time volley that goalkeeper Sixten Mohlin had no answer to.

The Eaglets evened the score very early into the second half in a manner similar to the Swedes’ first goal. Musa Yahaya hit a speculative effort from outside the penalty zone, goalkeeper Mohlin saving the ball but sprawling after it in vain as it trickled in between his legs into the net.

Sweden reclaimed the lead in the 65th minute through substitute Mirza Vadzic, who was barely a minute on the pitch when he slid home an effort parried by the Nigeria goalkeeper.

But that was not the end of the seesaw drama, as Taiwo Awoniyi, who came on midway through the first half to replace injured Isaac Success, guided in a header that was too strong and fast for Mohlin to save, 10 minutes from time to end the match three goals apiece.

The result leaves Nigeria comfortably atop the group with four points, same as Sweden’s, but with a superior goal difference after Saturday’s 6-1 drubbing of defending Champions Mexico that saw Iheanacho bag four goals.

Eaglets next play Iraq, the group’s whipping boys, on Friday in the group-phase finale, beginning from 2pm Nigerian time.

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on Friday qualified for the knockout phase of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates, after drubbing group whipping boys, Iraq 5-0 in the final Group F encounter.

 In the match played at the Rasheed Dubai Stadium, Dubai, Manu Garba’s boys scored two goals in the opening four minutes, and then added two more to bring first-half scores to four nil. A fifth goal in the final minute of regulation time confirmed Nigeria’s dominance in the match and worthy winners of the group.

In the other Group F match played simultaneously, Mexico defeated Sweden by a lone goal to clinch second place behind Nigeria; while losers of the day, Sweden managed to qualify with four points as one of the best third-placed losers.

 The Eaglets’ display attracted plaudits from President Goodluck Jonathan, who congratulated them and urged them to maintain the exemplary dedication, commitment and resilience they have exhibited thus far in the competition until ultimate victory is achieved.

“The president urges the Eaglets and their handlers to prepare very well and hone their acknowledged skills and soccer artistry even further to overcome all their remaining opponents in the competition and bring the Under-17 World Cup back home to Nigeria once again,” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati wrote in a statement.

“He assures them of the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they continue in the competition and trusts that they will keep on giving Nigerians great joy and pride with victorious performances in coming matches.”

The Eaglets — with the record of highest number of appearances at the final of the U-17 World Cup, winning three and losing three — next play Iran, who finished second behind Argentina in Group E, in a round-of-16 clash on Tuesday 29th October 2013 in Al Ain at 5pm Nigerian time; and will be favourites to advance to the quarter finals.

 

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