Regards to the federal government, which has consistently financed the Super Eagles events even though their loyalty seem to be to FIFA. In 2018 the government supported the NFF with N3.2 billion for the World Cup which was hosted by Russia. FIFA in addition released $1.5 million while CAF in support released $1m each to five countries that represented Africa at the tournament. Lagos state donated N100m Delta state gave N80m, Abia state that has one of the worst roads and infrastructure gave N20m, Rivers gave N100m, Akwa Ibom gave N70m, Plateau gave N30m, Federal lnland Revenue gave N40m, CBN – N3Om, NNPC – N50m, Arthur Eze N25m including other corporate organisations and individuals that supported the NFF to enable them bring the World Cup to Nigeria.
But the Super Eagles eventually crashed out in the group stage. The Football Supporters Club got N50m from former President Goodluck Jonathan for unity support of the country’s clarion call for successful outing. All the country got in return was the appeal of late Sunny Okosun: for us to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery which greed is part of. What happened to the money which was not completely used for the purpose it was meant remained silent.
The federal government has again donated N12 billion to the Super Eagles for this year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) which opened in Ivory Coast on 13th January and to end on 11th February, 2024. The Minister of Sports Development Senator John Enoh has affirmed federal government’s recognition of the importance of the event.
He said, “l met them on Tuesday to let them know that the ball is in their court. They have no reason whatsoever not to deliver. It is not Mr. President but me and the whole Nigerians are actually waiting for them to deliver. We may not be at our best place yet, we have over 25 players and none of them is coming from the local league. The Super Eagles are in group A with the host country Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Eguitorial Guinea. We hope to make the best out of it, we have the full backing of Mr President.”
Enoh is one man that understands budget padding in the sports system, thus the reason he is stepping on toes and saying “enough is enough” for there to be proper accountability and reality of purpose. He has extended his searchlight to address directives of junior officers above their superiors and the choice of wrong managers in sensitive sectors of sports while insisting that favouritism should be based on merit.
The signature tune of the minister is on proper placement of referees and technocrats. His insistence on effective delivery is already re-awakening all the managers of sports to start seeing sports sector from the digital world as a purely natural talented field for destined youths that need nurturing. Enoh has courageously broken most uncontrollable cabals and, most importantly, rejected financial gifts that are detrimental to his integrity. He has also brought the managers of sporting activities to respect the authority that assigned him the portfolio to effect changes in sports development as well as restructure the sector to equate the vision and mission seen in other countries.
According to him, “The less privileged is the reason I am in public office”. The minister has seen the huge investment made by government on the stadia facilities but abandoned by persons who do not see wealth in their maintenance. The minister has set the template for accountability and ideas that will place sports right in the global world despite mixed feelings of some people as he does not seem to smile without a cause.
Although soft spoken but his intelligence attracts him to intellectuals that invite him to deliver papers on success stories and development. Despite the challenges of funds in the system since his assumption of duty, he managed to appreciate his immediate staff during the past festive period which, significantly, expressed togetherness in diversity. Among his priorities this year is his attention on the referees to ensure they adhere to the guidelines and conditions that will recognise them as deserved.
It is also be noteworthy if the minister pays attention to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), which has been in contention with their stakeholders based overseas but monitor international events that will be beneficial to them. The federation is the most sensitive that manages the track and field events especially for the country’s representation globally. They, however, took a bold step on January 6, 2024, to address their mixed feelings with particular interest to audit their finances and caution shady characters. It will be laudable if directives are given to other federations to do likewise.
Meanwhile, 2024 in the sports ministry is a year of eventful season which the country is mandatrilly expected to participate in. The African Cup of Nations, All African Games will be hosted in Ghana in March, Olympics and Para-Olympics Games from July to August, National Youth Games in Delta state in September and the National Festival in Ogun state at a confirmed date.
However, the minister has officially received with delight from the management of African Homes the completion and handover of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium training pitch under the Adopt-A-Facility initiative. Remarkable to the minister’s x-ray of sporting activities with clear road map, he was chosen from a stellar cast of notable Leaders of Africa Origin as the African Sustainable Enterprise and Responsibility Award of SERAS held on 15th December, 2023. In preparation for the All African Games slated to hold in Ghana, he will met with presidents of the various federations on January 11, 2024 on a successful outing. To further express his goodwill to Super Eagles, Enoh advised Nigerians to pray that the god of soccer will be on our side”.
Nwokorie is press officer, Ministry of Sports Development, Abuja
