I AM TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE GROWTH OF FOOTBALL IN NIGERIA- GAFAR By Akeem Busari.
Hopes for a better year for football in Nigeria, in 2016 and beyond,has further been raised by Alhaji Gafar Olawale Liameed, President of Lagos-based 36 Lion football club, has restated his total and unalloyed committed to the growth and progress
of Nigerian football during an interview in his office, in Lagos.
“For over 15 years, we have been using 36 Lion football club, as a platform to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country,” he stated.
Explaining the problems faced by club owners and administrators, particularly at the grassroots level, the boardmember of Lagos FA, pointed at the lack of quality facilities and the huge financial implications of running a local club as the major factors affecting the development of football.
“It is not easy at all,” he explains. “For nine years,I single handed sponsored my team through the national amateur leagues to the professional cadre, We spent an average of N24million a season. And I wouldn’t lie, that was the nine most difficult years of my life” Gafar disclosed.
According to the hugely experienced football administrator, “despite the daunting challenges, we remain resolute and determined to continue doing what we know best. And that is using football as the platform to continue our contributions to the
socio-economic development of the country,” he added.
Speaking further, he revealed plans to help raise the bar in the development of youth football, beginning with the establishment of a top class sports complex. “It is our desire to provide quality training facilities for our youth players.
We have concluded plans to set-up a complex that comprises a gym, swimming pool, four good playing
pitches, accommodation and of course, a skills acquisition centre.
“We understand that there is life after football and that is why we have also decided to equip the youths for life” Gafar, also
fondly referred as the Lion King, concluded.
Akeem Busari
newfanzone 