Sports
SWAN Wants Govt’s Insistence On Scholarships For Falconents
The Oyo State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has urged the federal government to insist on scholarship for the Falconets.
The government had on the arrival of the silver-winning team at the just-concluded female U-20 World Cup in Germany on Aug. 2, rewarded them with university scholarships.
But the players seemed not comfortable with this, preferring monetary and material rewards.
SWAN Chairman, Salem Akindele-Rock, made the call on Friday in Ibadan while reacting to the action of the Falconets.
“The undue monetisation of our reward system has, over the years, eroded the value system of athletes, hence the lack of patriotism being experienced by the moneybags among them,’’ Akindele-Rock said.
He described the decision of the federal government to award scholarships to members of the team as a laudable initiative that could check age cheating in cadet competitions.
Akindele-Rock said that since majority of them claimed to be between 16 and 18-years-old, it was alarming that they shunned scholarship opportunities to improve their lot.
“For people who claimed to be teenagers to say that over 90 per cent of them were out of school means that female football in Nigeria is either for drop-outs or overage players.
“The nation should stop giving fish to athletes who performed well but should teach them to fish through education so as to remain productive after their active years in sports,” he said.
The chairman, however, observed that being the first African team to make it to the final of any FIFA organised female competition, they needed to be encouraged beyond scholarships.
“The government can go beyond scholarship awards by providing them with further assets like shares or landed property.
“Other Nigerians should follow through sundry rewards which can include cash,” he added.
He urged athletes to think of their sustenance after their career and empower themselves academically, rather than looking at immediate rewards.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
Sports1 day agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Editorial1 day agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road
-
Sports1 day agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports1 day agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
News1 day agoSERAP Sues Govs, FCT Minister Over Security Vote Spending
-
Niger Delta1 day agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form
-
Sports1 day ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports1 day agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali