By Ben Efe
The direction the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare is taking Nigerian sports came into focus during the week, when he summarily dissolved the boards of Olympics sports federations and others under his supervision. The sports minister’s dissolution of the boards at this moment was largely seen as a political move to settle scores with perceived ‘sports political’ opponents.
A case that readily comes to mind is that of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, where surprisingly a lingering dispute that could have been tactfully resolved has ended in the files of Nigerian Supreme Court.
“Though the tenure of the sports federation boards will expire in July 2021, the minister seem to have jumped the gun to get at his perceived sports political opponents.”
FROM THE GOLDMINE BY Enefiok Udo Obong
The news was received with mixed reactions. The Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, had been cleared by FIFA’s Review Committee to contest for a seat in the Council of the world football governing body at the 43rd Ordinary General Assembly of CAF slated for March 12, in Rabat, Morocco. While a seat in the exalted chamber of football’s world governing 37-member council is not new to Nigeria, it has been extremely rare as only two Nigerians had ever been involved in this exclusive club. the Late Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo and more recently, Dr. Amos Adamu have taken their turns in that hallowed highest decision making body in global football.
FIFA Refuses To Disqualify Pinnick From Council Election Despite Corruption Petitions peoplesdailyng.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from peoplesdailyng.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Though he had represented England at the age-grade level, and was a part of the England U-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017 and made 11 U-21 appearances, Ademola Lookman has never hidden his wish to player for the country of his father. It was indeed a dream come true when he was cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria
World football governing body FIFA during the week approved the applications of Fulham striker Ademola Lookman to play for Nigeria.
Lookman, who was a key part of the England U-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017 and made 11 U-21 appearances, made the decision to switch his international allegiance to the birthplace of his parents last year. National coach Gernot Rohr has stressed the importance of regular club football in selection for the Super Eagles and Lookman has been impressive since joining Fulham on loan from RB Leipzig, scoring three goals in 15 appearances – mostly recently against league leaders Manchester United last week.
“I can’t wait for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to finally resume next Sunday, December 27.
“It’s been a really long time but we’re glad to have overcome all glitches that have delayed the commencement of the 2020/21 season,” he wrote.
It was gathered that the league kick-off was delayed to ensure all the clubs involved in the competition begin the season on equal footing.
It will be recalled that four clubs, Plateau United, Enyimba, Rivers United and Kano Pillars were representing the country in continental competitions.
However, Plateau United and Kano Pillars have been booted out of CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup respectively.