…Says sports administrators solidly United, no friction
By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson
Nigeria is still determined and optimistic of clinching a ticket for 2026 World Cup billed for Canada, in spite of present standing on group table.
The assurance was given by the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade at a press conference, after the opening ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba on Friday night.
“We all are determined and desirous of taking Nigeria to the World Cup.
“At this stage, we expect our friends and brothers in the media will come on top of the table, all hands on the table, support us, work with us so that we beat Rwanda, we beat South Africa, we beat Lesotho,” he said.
” We will come back,” he assured.
Speaking further, he said that Nigerians live in the most beautiful country inhabited by the most resolute people.
“Perseverance is our middle name and i know that as God lives, I am sure Eric Chelle will lead us to the World Cup Insha Allah,” he declared.
Commenting on a news report from an online medium, which suggested a rift between the Chairman NAC, Malam Shehu Dikko and himself, the DG described it as baseless.
“It is not only ludicrous, it is shameful for such a journalist to write something so stupid and narrow-minded.
“I have officially reported to the President of SWAN, but I believe it is important I clear the air here.
“There are no issues,” he clarified.
He said, ” Shehu Dikko and I have our eyes on the ball. We are concentrating on innovating.
“We are working hard to bring a system that is production-oriented and not consumption-oriented.”
He added, “Again, a story that we will never forget. It was stupidly written.
“There are no issues between Gusau, Sanusi, Shehu Dikko and I. We are a family. We are all focus-driven.
“We are a team alongside the NIS director, which is also under the sports commission we are a family any attempt to try to divide us will be met by prayers from God to go after those people so I want us to put a stop.
“We are also in good terms with all other presidents at the federations. We will work very hard to have a seamless federation elections. We just appointed today an electoral body led by an astute personality, who we believe will run an amazing election for the country to be proud of.
“We have done two elections so far that were ranked highly. This is time for us to celebrate peace in sports, this is not the time for us to issue bad blood, lies discretion unnecessarily insults from outside to you or from you to us.
“This is the time for us to work as a family, God bless SWAN, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he prayedHe informed that in view of this Nigeria has officially indicated interest and sent in bid for hosting of the 2031 Commonwealth Games.
“Right now, we are focused on how we win the next two matches of the World Cup qualifiers,” he stressed.
