As the battle to return Nigeria to the international football community, following its recent suspension by World Soccer Governing body, FIFA, gathers steam, National Women’s Football Coordinator, Aisha Falode, has said the way out is for common sense to prevail over sentiments and personality clashes.
Speaking in Lagos over the crisis, Falode, said she is also concerned about the future of Women’s football in the country, especially as the Canada 2015 U20 World Cup beckons with Nigeria as the big hope of Africa at the tournament.
“Yes, we can fight and disagree but I know that ultimately all of us are targeting the betterment of Nigerian football, hence I will appeal to all concerned, especially Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commissioner, Hon Tammy Danagogo, those who went to court, especially Mrs Baribote and others we may not know of, who are aggrieved to tow the sober line for the good of Nigerian football and Women’s football in particular.
Aisha Falode
Falode, said she believes that the wide consultations that have been ongoing will also make world soccer governing body, FIFA, to treat Nigeria with a fatherly and tender disposition.
“We have made gains of recent in Nigerian football and that is why I am appealing to all concerned to tow the line of reconciliation for the good of football in Nigeria.
I know that the President of the Federal Republic is too busy with state matters but I will also appeal to him to use his good offices to call all concerned to sheathe their swords, we can not be quarreling with ourselves at the end of every World Cup year.
She concluded thus: Alhaji Aminu Maigari may not be the best football administrator in the world but I think we should build on the gains of his very good reign for the future of the country and especially those of our youth”.
In 2010 after the Super Eagles crashed out of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa the President of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to withdraw the team from all international competition for a period of 2 years.
Arguments were made for or against the planned self imposed ban and at the end of the day, it was jettisoned.
Then came NFF elections and a new board headed by Aminu Maigari was instituted. the board had several run-ins with different “interest group” notable amongst which was the Jarrett Tenebe group.
Aminu Maigari and his group weathered the storm and seemingly calm returned to the Nigerian football fraternity.
Fast forward to 2014 another Another world cup and NFF election year, and just like “groundhog day” the same scenario seems set to replay it self.
The Super Eagles made it out of the group stages of the 2014 World Cup but lost to France in the round of 16, by two goals to zero (2-0).
Talks of a dispute over bonus started to trickle out of the Camp of the Eagles before the game versus France but this was promptly denied by Media officer of the team Ben Alaiya.
But contrary to the stance of the Media officer of the team the players actually missed a whole day of training and it had to take the intervention of the President of the Country once again, and Mike Adenuga a renowned Businessman and sports lover to make funds available to the team via the Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo.
And it seems like the final blast of the Whistle was the signal for the Drama to begin.
Coach of the Nigerian side Stephen Keshi revealed that his contract had not been renewed so he was likely going to moved on to “pastures new”
We would recall that Keshi had not had the best of relations with his Bosses the NFF especially when it came to Salaries being payed.
He also had one of his Assistants sacked, and Keshi himself was “queried” by the Federation a few weeks to the 2014 Mundial in Brazil.
Meanwhile the embattled NFF President Aminu Maigari issued a Press release through the Spokesman of the NFF Ademola Olajire thanking the President of the federal republic of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians at large.
Meanwhile in what seems like a “poorly written script” a certain Mrs Ebiakpo Rumson Baribote wife of former NFF board member (Rumson Baribote) who as now been banned from all football activities by the Maigari led board.
Baribote through her l, T D Quidon Esq, filed a Suit No PLD/J 342/2014, asking the court to grant an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant, (Alhaji Aminu Miagari) and all the committees and congress of the 1st defendant (the Nigeria Football Federation) from further controlling, commanding or managing the Affairs of the 1st defendant and all football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed in this case.
The Jos based court in granting the Order on Wednesday July 2, 2014 stated “that interim injunction is granted restraining the 2nd Defendant, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and all other purported members of the Executive Committee and Congress of the 1st Defendant (NFF) from further controlling, commanding or managing the affairs of the 1st defendant and all football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing, and determination of the motion on notice.
the court also mandated the Minister of Sports who also joined in the Suit to
“An order of mandatory injunction is granted compelling the 4th defendant (Minister of Sports) to “appoint a senior members of the civil service in the 1st Defendant (NFF) to command , control and manage the affairs of the said 1st defendant and the football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice in this matter”.
The Sports Minister responded swiftly by appointing Lawrence Longyir Katken as Acting Secretary General of the NFF.
Katken as However gone on to dissolve some committees of the federation and he also appointed an “adviser and heads of departments”
One wonders why an “Acting Secretary General of the NFF would take such actions pending the determination of the Suit before the Jos based court.
Justice Lot had fixed July 11, 2014 for hearing on the Motion on Notice. so why not wait ?
Another niggling question is the convening of the “NFF Congress”
On the 5th of July Notice of an NFF Emergency Congress was circulated. This meeting was convened by Chairman of Chairmen of Nigeria football, Chief Effiong Johnson,
Question here is didn’t the Injunction restrain all NFF members from such activities? and isn’t this clearly a violation of said injunction?
As it states that that
“interim injunction is granted restraining the 2nd Defendant, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and all other purported members of the Executive Committee and Congress of the 1st Defendant (NFF) from further controlling, commanding or managing the affairs of the 1st defendant and all football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing, and determination of the motion on notice”.
All the Chairmen and Secretaries of the Football Associations of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja were expected at the meeting.
But we know for a fact that Not all attended or sent delegates.
The lagos FA for instance issued a statement distancing itself from the said NFF ‘Emergency Congress”
So how Valid is this Congress?.
While Not holding Brief for Maigari it is clear that the actors of this “theatre of the absurd” are so desperate to Kick him out that they have thrown caution to the winds just to achieve their goals.
Not caring that FIFA has very clear rules surrounding third-party interference in national football federations.
FIFA Emergency Committee decided to suspend the NFF from all international competition on Wednesday July the 9th.
According to a statement released on FIFA’s website, this suspension would not be lifted until “the court actions have been withdrawn,” which could lead to the Nigeria Under-20 women’s team missing out on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in August:
The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided today, 9 July 2014, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference. Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.
The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs. As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact.
A few hours before this statement was released by FIFA Ademola Olajire Spokesman of the NFF had issued a statement debunking news of Nigeria Suspension by FIFA.
But now that the nation has been plunged into this disgraceful situation one can only but pray that the main “dramatis personae” would think of a befitting end to this unnecessary distraction.
It would be unfair for the Falconets to miss out on their chance to represent their fatherland after putting in some much to get to this stage.
We must not forget also that the AFCON qualifiers are due to start in a few months time and it would not be nice for us to miss a chance to defend our Trophy.
It happened under the then military regime when we pulled out of the Nations Cup and we hope that history would not repeat itself.
Galadima, Amaju, FA Chairmen Weep Over Illegal Congress…,As FIFA Hammer Looms…,Warn Against Confronting FIFA
Aminu Maigari
The Purported removal of the Alhaji Aminu Maigari led Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has been flayed by top football chiefs in the country with most of them, including state FA Chairmen saying it was done in bad taste and it will damage the gains made by Nigerian football in the last four years.
Among those against the move are former NFA Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, Delta State FA Chairman and Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick and 33 state FA Chairmen in the country who will rather not have their names in print. It will be recalled that only three State FA Chairmen attended the Emergency Congress held Tuesday in Abuja.
Galadima in his submission, said the same brazen manner with which he was removed from office as then NFA Chairman,was again being displayed only with FIFA standing for the truth at the moment.
“If the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Commission, say they were using the Jos Court judgement to displace the present Executive Committee, then they have flouted the court order, because the court also said there should be no congress. So where did they get the powers to appoint an administrator and start to sack all management staff members, its absurd, illegal and we pray that common sense will prevail”.
He continued: “As far as some of us are concerned, the country is retrogressing instead of moving forward internationally in football.
If it has to do with funds management then we can understand and there are better ways of going about it instead of putting Nigeria in bad light for the wrong reasons internationally.”
Galadima called on the Minister to if possible to retrace his steps and look for better counsel, instead of grandstanding on the removal of the executive committee of the NFF.
“This matter is not about any individual but about the nation and the bad report and the possible damage this development will do to our football”. We hear the Minister and another official are going to FIFA headquarters when the World Cup is going on, it will amount to nothing. Lets settle at home”.
Amaju Pinnick
In his own submission, Amaju, said he has been able to tell the Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, his own feelings regarding the present logjam. He said the country’s image and football must be prevented from politics.
“What we are seeing is attempt to rubbish a very good man in Aminu Maigari, yes he may have his limitations but in reality Nigeria has not had it this good for a long time with a football administrator as Maigari has demonstrated.
The Minister might have his points of argument but Nigeria should supercede all, otherwise by Tuesday we will be banned by FIFA and that will take us several years backwards because we cannot be against international politics of the game.
Amaju said he believes that if the Presidency actually approved the removal of the Executive Committee, it was ill-advised and there must be a way to correct the anomaly and save face from the looming FIFA ban.
“We should stop making ourselves a laughing stock before the international community, because to be honest football is one of the sectors that has been thriving in the country and we must make it better instead of fighting ourselves.
The Minister and the NFF must find a common ground to resolve this issue for the good of the country. We even hear they want to bring back some characters whose only source of livelihood is football, we must not go there because we know the antecedents of these men”.
Also, 33 State FA Chairmen said they are shocked at the turn of events but will play the waiting game to ensure that they don’t run foul of FIFA rules and also thread the path of honour.
Jonathan, Adenuga Boost Eagles Ahead France Clash…Maigari Hails President…,Mikel Says Its Fight To Finish.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Sunday lifted up the spirits of the national team, the Super Eagles, when he said all their outstanding Brazil 2014 World Cup appearance fee have been ordered cleared by Sports Minister, Hon Tammy Danagogo.
He also promised to clear any outstanding that the team may incur in the course of the championship, including outstanding FIFA grants to the NFF, that will be off-set later by the soccer ruling house. The Minister made this declaration while addressing players and officials of the national team at their Brasilia Palace Hotel camp in the Brazilian capital.
He was in the company of the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, His Excellency, Adamu Azimeyeh Emozoza and top officials of the embassy, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, his vice, Chief Mike Umeh and Technical Committee Chairman, Barr. Chris Green.
The President, said Nigerians from all works of life have implicit confidence in the abilities of the team to excel at the ongoing World Cup, and promised to be in Brazil later in the week to cheer the team to victory. Already, Senate President David Mark is expected on Wednesday in Brazil and a precursor to the President’s arrival. The Minister said the President was particularly thrilled by the team’s outing so far even in the defeat to Argentina, urging the team to remain focused and not fear of non-payment of any outstanding due them.
The Minister, also announced that Nigerian business mogul, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr, has sent through him the sum of $250,000 to boost the team ahead of their clash against France on Monday. “He said this is a token and if the team goes ahead and shock the world he will join Mr President to shock the team” he declared amidst thunderous ovation from the players and their officials.
NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said the country was very lucky to have a President like Goodluck Jonathan , who takes personal interest in the activities of the national team, assuring the President that the team will not let the nation down at this crucial point. Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo and Head Coach Stephen Keshi spoke in similar vein.
Later at the FIFA Media briefing, Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi, said the game against France is one that the team needs to make a statement that Nigeria has arrived at the soccer map of the world. “It’s a great opportunity for us and the weather will affect both sides but we hope to do what we have to do to win the match”, he declared.
First Row (L-R), (1) Shehu Dikko of LMC, (2) Gov. Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, (3) Senate President David Mark and (4) Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River State. 2nd Row(L-R), (1) Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil Adamu Azimeyeh Emozozo, (2) Minister of Sport/Charman NSC, (3) SA to Senate President, and (4) FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed.
Jonathan Promises To Shock Eagles If…As Mark Motivates Team In Brazil
Promises of a bounty reward came from the highest office in Nigeria Friday, when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said he will shock the national team if they are able to make a major impact at the ongoing World Cup being hosted in the South American country of Brazil.
Speaking through Senate President David Mark, who led a powerful Federal government delegation to wish the Eagles well in the championship, Jonathan said it was time an African country wins the World Cup, adding that the African champions are motivated enough to do the magic. “When we won the Olympics gold medal at Atlanta 96, we defeated countries like Argentina and Brazil, so I believe we can have a repeat performance at this year’s World Cup, with the talents available to us in this team”, he said.
The Federal Government delegation which includes Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, Youth, Bonny Haruna, Culture, Chief Edem Duke and host Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, who also declared that he has absolute confidence in the abilities of the team to cause upsets in the championship that will remain indelible in soccer annals. Also in attendance were two state governors including that of Cross River, Senator Liyel Imoke, where the team played all its qualifiers for the World Cup, Chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Sen. Adamu Gumba and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon Godfrey Gaya.
Senator Mark assured that the government was ready to do all it can within available resources to make the team comfortable in the championship, adding that he will personally remain to attend all the team’s games in the opening rounds of the championship. He praised the good conduct of the players so far and thanked the Mayor of Campinas, Mr Donas Donizete, who was also present for his support for the team.
Earlier, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who introduced the huge presence of dignitaries, said he was thrilled that such a delegation was in town to motivate the players and officials of the team. The NFF also had in attendance Vice President, Chief Mike Okeke Umeh and Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee, Barr. Chris Green. Maigari assured that with the caliber of players paraded by the African champions, Nigerians and indeed Africans will not be wide of the mark if they start thinking of winning the World Cup.
Responding, Head Coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi said he was happy to see top government functionaries visiting the team before they kick their first ball of the tournament as that has been a motivating factor for him in his playing days, which saw him captaining the squad for 14 years.
Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, assured Nigerians once again that the team will not disappoint at the tournament, while calling for prayers and positive attitude from all and sundry.
Mark presents Yobo with flag
After the speeches, Senator Mark presented Yobo, with the national flags, while Keshi also received a flag for the team, same as Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, that will be displayed on the team’s bus during each game they played. All the 23 players also received the national flags from dignitaries present, with all of them assuring that they will not let the nation down. After the eventful occasion, the August visitors went into a private session with the players and coaches during which sundry issues concerning the team’s welfare were discussed.
Campinas Goes Wild For Eagles…As Team Departs For Curitiba
Friday’s open day at the national team’s basecamp in Capinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil turned out to be another exciting time for Brazilians soccer fans to show their love for the Super Eagles as they turned out in their thousands to cheer the team at their training ground in Estadio Brinco de Ouro da Princesa.
Open days are normally organized periodically for fans and the media to have an intimate experience with the team at their team base camp and what an experience it was for the fans of the Nigerians side, their players and officials. Apart from the thousands who were able to gain access into the arena, others lined out the route to the stadium as the team drove in from their Vitoria Hotel abode.
At a point, the situation almost degenerated as police battled to cage the fans who were by now running onto the pitch where players and the technical crew were doing their business to have a closer look at the Super Eagles.
No violence was however recorded during the over two hours that the team trained at the venue. At the end of the session both the international press and their Nigerian counterparts that includes such heavyweights as Kunle Solaja, Mumini Alao, Akinloye Oyebanji, Paul Ogazie, Tony Ubani, Kunle Salami, Kayode Tijani, Christian Opara, also had their turns to interact with the players and officials and left with very positive positions.
The national team is scheduled to depart for Curitiba, Saturday morning at about 10:30am local time, which is about 2:30pm Nigerian time, the Brazilian city will host the Group F game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria playing against Asian representatives, Iran,
…Capinas Residents Turn Out Enmasse …American Airlines Give Team Special Treat
The Super Eagles arrived Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday night at about 10:40pm to a rousing welcome from Miami, United States, where they equally got a rousing send forth from staff of American Airlines, which flew the team to Brazil.
The staffers were brandishing various posters wishing the Eagles goodluck and were led by their station Manager, who also ensured that the team had easy immigration passage to the airline. It was a very emotional scene for the players who were not expecting such from the airline staff but there were still more to come.
After eight hours of flight, the plane finally touched down at the Sao Paulo International Airport, with Sports Minister, Hon Tammy Danagogo leading NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, to welcome the team. Maigari was to announce that the Federal Government delegation led by Senate President, David Mark, will arrive Sao Paulo later on Wednesday to deliver President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s address to the team and also wish the team the best in the Mundial.
After light entertainment at the airport the team drove to it camp base in Campinas, where they will train at the Estadio Brinco De Ouro da Princesa. Once there, residents of Campinas turned out in their hundreds to welcome the team also with posters wishing the team the best in the World Cup. “We are totally overwhelmed by this wonderful reception, Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi said while addressing journalists in front of the Vitoria Hotel, where the team is quartered.
The team will begin training on Wednesday by 4pm local time as it gears up for its first game against Iran next Monday.
Keshi Debunks Echejile Must Stay Report…Ejike Arrives Sao Paulo
Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has debunked news making the rounds that he has insisted on keeping injured Elderson Echejile in camp against medical advise, adding that he never spoke to any Nigerian journalist on the matter.
Reacting to the story, Keshi said he was pained that Echejile, who is a very key member of the squad will be missing out after putting in so much but there was nothing he could do to hasten the healing process.
“We have spoken to the medical team and the NFF and we have agreed, so I was a bit shocked when I got a call from some of my friends back home that I insisted on an injured player. It’s a fallacy because I never spoke to anyone about Echejile”.
Ejike Uzoenyi, the Rangers International winger who was named by Keshi as replacement will arrive Brazil by 4pm local time from Nigeria.
Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said all logistics to receive and reintegrate him into the team quickly have been made. “I guess when he arrives and start training Nigerians will finally come to the reality that we will miss Echejile in this World Cup”.
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda and the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo will be the special guests at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the NFF/FIFA Regional Technical Centre in Bauchi on Tuesday, 13th May.
Also expected at the occasion are Director General of the NSC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, top officials of the Bauchi State Government, NFF President Aminu Maigari and members of his Executive Committee and NFF Management.
Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, his assistant Daniel Amokachi and former Eagles’ skipper Jay –Jay Okocha are among other prominent Nigerians expected at the occasion.
FIFA Development Officer for West Africa, Mr. Sampon Kablan is expected in Abuja on Monday evening, with project consultants, Sports Solutions also to be represented.
NFF President Aminu Maigari said on Thursday: “The NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are immensely grateful to Governor Yuguda for providing the very large expanse of land for this project. As we have said several times, this project will be replicated in all the six geopolitical zones of our country, to speed up development of the game at the grassroots.”
A FIFA Goal project, the NFF Regional Technical Centre, Bauchi was consummated last year with the provision of land by Governor Yuguda, FIFA’s expressed satisfaction that the Goal Project in Abuja is being put to excellent use and the visit of two FIFA officials to the project site in Bauchi.
The mission of FIFA’s Goal Programme is to “promote the independence and professionalization of its Member Associations through provision of tailor-made projects, such as the construction of association headquarters, technical centres, natural and artificial turf pitches and football schools.”
Its goals include promoting the game of football together with its fundamental principles and social, educational and cultural values around the world; seeking parity in the standard and infrastructure of football in individual countries; establishing modern, functional and transparent football administrations and; promoting sustainable long-term development of the Member Associations and encouraging solidarity among them.
The South South geo-political zone of the Nigeria Football Federation at the weekend held a meeting in the oil city of Warri, Delta State to re-appraise progress or otherwise made in Nigerian football and came out with a five-point communiqué.
The meeting which was attended by all State Chairmen and Secretaries of the zone was held at the high brow PK Guest House in the GRA Area of Warri. At the end of the meeting, the zone said it was satisfied with the forward movement Nigerian football has recorded so far under the leadership of Alhaji Aminu Maiagari and therefore appealed to the congress of Nigerian football for the continuity of the forward looking and lucky leadership.
The body hailed the appointment of one of their own Dr. Tammy Danagogo, as the Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), which it said is well deserved and wished him a good outing during his tenure.
The congress also appealed to all South South Governors, which comprises of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states to provide standard football pitches for the game of football to thrive in the area, going by the abundance of natural talents in the zone.
The congress, while congratulating Barr. Christopher Green for his outstanding representation of the zone in the Executive Committee of the NFF called for the sustenance of the leadership of the NFF ahead of the August 2014 election into the board of the NFF.
Benjamin Akobo, who signed the communiqué, said he was thrilled so far by the success of the present leadership of the NFF and called on the congresses of other geo-political zone to sustain a winning team for the development of Nigerian football.
The congress says it’s also interested in a credible World Cup outing come Brazil 2014 by Nigeria’s Super Eagles and believes that the support of the NFF will see to that.
Sports Minister, Dr Tammy Danagogo has promised the Flamingoes will receive a presidential treat if they advance beyond the quarterfinal at the on-going FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
The Nigeria’s Sports Ministry’s boss, Danagogo stated this while addressing the players and officials of Nigeria at the team’s final
training session on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning) in Costa Rica, praised the Nigerian girls for doing the country proud, booking a quarterfinal ticket.
He commended the Bala Nikyu’s girls’ superlative performance especially for the massive victory recorded in their last group D
clash against free-scoring Mexico and progress into the last eight of the age grade competition.
“I’m very happy that you (Flamingoes) are doing well. Everybody in Nigeria is focused on you. Everybody stays awake to make sure they watch you play. They pray for you and wish you well. So far so good, you have not disappointed Nigerians, Mr President, me as new Minister of Sports and NFF too. The President requested me to come to see you and know how you are faring and to tell you that he is fully behind you.
“A lot of us were a bit jittery because they (Mexico) have been winning as you were winning, we thought they will be a difficult team
for you to crack but to my pleasant surprise you appeared stronger against Mexico than earlier opponents. The President is highly impressed with you. If you qualify beyond quarterfinals, the President will host and honour you like some other teams who made the country proud,” he assured.
Danagogo, however challenged the players to sustain their winning momentum and spirit, vowing that if they return home with the trophy, the country’s President and the Ministry of Sports will treat them as heroes.
“In most of the sports, we’ve been doing well and he wants you to repeat that same feat against Spain. If you win the gold, he will make you heroes; get presidential handshakes and others things will follow. If you win gold, you will be treated like heroes and getting to the finals, your story will change for the better. I know you will win, if you can repeat your feat,” he stated confidently.
The Minister, who admitted his trip to Costa Rica, was his first official trip as Sports Minister, made a personal pledge to reward the players, should they win the tournament.
“If you do well, I want to assure you that not only President that will honour you, but the Ministry of Sports under my leadership
promises to appreciate. It’s a promise I want to keep, so keep your own side of it,” he vowed.
Nigeria will take on Spain on Thursday evening (Friday morning in Nigeria) in the quarterfinal at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
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