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| Bye Bye Cerezo |
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| Alhaji Suleiman bye bye |
I was not amused at the sacking of Alhaji Suleiman as the Nigeria's sports minister. This politician's appointment was marred in controversy from the first day of his appointment. It is amazing that our government still does not understand the pivotal role of sports in Nigeria, and they continue to relegate the appointment of individuals to this critical ministry.
The success or failure of Nigeria's sporting representatives in the international league of nations, is pivotal to the confidence of investors, and the ability to showcase our human capacity and capital to the world at large. The sporting platform is one very crucial way of delivering dividend on our ability to "excel" and beat our chest at the international arenas.
When will our leaders realize that the proper management of sports transcends politics. It is one area that affects the welbeing of the citizenry, supports the integration of the various peoples of the country and aligns the cure values of what it means to be part of this great country, Nigeria.
The selection of a minister to manage this ministry is key, and the type of people drafted to this ministry should not be those who are nominated to please the whims of party stalwarts and very uncontrollable state governors. The last three appointees to this ministry have been terrible failures. And if President Goodluck Jonathan doesn't get it now, then Nigeria is set to have its status and position as a true African Sporting Giant eroded forever.
We have seen a marked decline (over the years) in our Tennis, Table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, athletics, and now football. Every area of our sporting prowess has been badly diminished and it is in free fall that it will take a major REFORM program to re-energize and uplift.
Nigeria has stopped producing sportsmen and women, we have stopped encouraging young men and women in finding dignity in working hard to become world champions. I remember in the 1980s, over 10 Nigerian professional boxers were ranked in the top 10 in their weight classes. From Obisia Nwakpa, Davidson Ande, Joe Lasisi, Eddie Nduku, Dele Jonathan, and co. These men were either soldiers, paramilitary officers and excelled as sportsmen. They found fame, and worked hard to reach the top of their profession in their careers. In Weightlifting, we had Oliver Orok, Ironbar Bassey, etc...
Ever since the end of the era of Nduka Odizor, and co. Nigeria has never recovered its Tennis pedigree. Whatever decay that has killed off these other sports, has began to infest our football. When people without pedigree or any visible plans or roadmap, and driven by political and selfish interests are in charge of our football, then the infestation will definitely lead to decay in no time.
A visionary leader, will drive for REFORM and an overhaul of the ministry and its formation, direction and deliverables, by ensuring that a strategically minded technocrat (is appointed as permanent secretary) and a driven apolitical and informed individual (with the political anointing and goodwill) is appointed as Minister.
The minister for sports is not AN ARBITRATOR for FOOTBALL. His only business in football is to ensure that any team representing NIGERIA, does so utilizing a streamlined and corresponding/identical template. As ambassadors of the country, the individuals and teams must be treated and catered for with the utmost professional care, that is usually accorded members of a presidential delegation. Nigerian sports people must look forward to representing our country, and the development of grassroots sports, must be the key focus, to ensure that the feedstock to feed our national teams must be designed, outlined and executed.
If President Goodluck doesnt not see the opportunity of properly investing in sports as a means to creating over 5 Million jobs that will drive economic development, then I lose faith in his government's capacity to manage and arresting the restiveness in Nigeria. Sports is a key area that engages people and provides employment in all countries that have been able to tie, sports and economic development.
On any given Saturday or Sunday in most countries in the world, over 2 million people are engaged in either volunteer or paid (part time or full time) positions in sports. I am amazed that one of the quick win areas the Jonathan dream team has not tapped into, in its Enterprise Development Programs and Job Creation initiatives, is SPORTS. They better try to "WIN-US" over quickly...
So, another one bits the dust, who is the next politician, our oga will give us...... I dey look ooo (and laugh)
I missed the call of my friend Chris Green on Saturday. I was expecting him to read me a riot act over my opinion on his committee's performance in the just concluded CAF U-23 championship. I stand by my statements that I hold him responsible for the dismal outing of our national team....
So, this fiasco will definitely put paid to the continued stalwart-ship of Augustine Eguavoen. It is a shame for us to again, disgrace this country like this. This disgraceful showing has again exposed the lapse in administration, not coaching (definitely) of football in this country.
What this means in effect, is that ALL Nigerian national teams will not be in any accredited international tournament in 2012. ALL National teams. Chris Green and his committee members should be advised by the powers that be to RESIGN...... Governors should call their wards on this board and advice them to drop their resignations with immediate effect. This is really a serious cause for concern. Where is Elegbeleye (another interesting character), why have we not heard his voice on this issue??? Are we expecting another Maigari's "it is the will of God" speech... Emeka Inyama, whose continued desire to be on every foreign trip, and express his opinion from abroad, what does he have to say now???
It is really easy to blame Austin for the disgraceful outing, but the truth be told that the NFF should learn that "unintelligent expenditure of government funds" does not translate into success and results. It is simply called WASTEFUL EXPENSE. And who are these boys in the NFF/NFA/NSC accountable to?? who do they report to, with a clear expenditure report?? Does Ekeji request for them to account for the estacode and funds released??? Na Wa oooo!!!!
So the weakest link is hereby identified as AUGUSTINE EGUAVOEN, and as Anne Robinson of the famous BBC "weakest link" program would say "after an abysmal performance as coach of the U-23, Augustine, you have been identified by the NFF/NFA as the man to take the blame, you are the weakest link; goodbye"............
And another one bites the dust...........this time, I dey laugh ooooo (because you cannot continue to work against yourself and expect a different result every time.....) No REFORM No Success (and am not talking about the Dominic Oneya's report) .........
I hear that Nigerian footballers are going on strike....... Guess our boy is about to "cry wolf again"........NANF President, we hail thee......
MTN has finally been granted the title sponsorship of the NPL.. ........ Or have they?????? Lets wait and see GLO pull its government magic....... We dey laugh ooooo..... "Barry wonder".....
See you soon....
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