By Gbenga Jolaosho
AbujaDirector General of the National Sports Commission, Malam Alhassan Saleh Yakmut, has commended the Nigeria Football Federation with regards to living up to its responsibilities to the various National Teams.
Speaking on yesterday in Abuja, the NSC boss rubbished the report by a national sports paper of Monday, June 29 which claimed that the NFF had abandoned the U-23 team preparing for a 2016 Olympics qualifying fixture against Congo and the Men’s Football Tournament of the 11th All-Africa Games.
“It is mischievous for anyone to say that the NFF has abandoned the U-23 men’s football team. The National Sports Commission and the NFF have been taking good care of the team. My office has been in constant touch with the Nigeria Football Federation which has been doing its statutory duty in ensuring that the team gets all it needs in its pursuit of bringing honour to the nation.
“How can we abandon a team as important as the U-23 team, when they are right now on a double -pronged attack to win gold at the All-Africa Games and also pick one of the tickets for the Olympics? That report is outright falsehood. Mind you, this team has been in camp since November 2014, even though in phases, and has been given all the support to first pick the All-Africa Games football ticket which I am happy it has done, and now battling for the very important Olympic ticket.
“From my interaction with the Head Coach, Samson Siasia, I am happy with the programme he has outlined towards winning the All-Africa Games gold and qualifying for the Olympics.”
The Director General disclosed that the closed camping for the All-Africa Games will commence effectively on Monday, July 6, and assured Nigerians that all will be done to ensure that the country shines at the Games.
Yakmut was accompanied by Arc. Ahmadu Gambo (Deputy Director, Facilities and Stadia Development, NSC), Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme (NFF Deputy General Secretary) and Mr. Siji Lagunju (NFF Assistant Director, Technical).
