Sports
Athletes Decry Poor Menu, Water At UNILAG Venue
The Kaduna State contingent to the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) on Monday decried the poor menu provided by organisers of the festival at the Games Village at the University of Lagos (Unilag).
They also complained of poor distribution of water at the Fagunwa Hall of the university.
Some of the athletes who spoke to newsmen said that there was need for the replacement of some bad electrical fittings in the hostels.
Some of the athletes also said they may be compelled to sleep outside the hostels because of the harsh smell of the painting that was still fresh.
Ezekiel John, a hockey player, said the upper floor of the hall could not have a better water distribution system, noting that something had to be done so that athletes would not have to go downstairs whenever they needed water.
“The upper floor of the Fagunwa Hall has a problem with water. We are forced to always move downstairs each time we need water.
“That is not good enough, the officials should please correct the situation. The quantity of food given to us is also very little and not enough for me,’’ he added.
Moses Itodo, who also complained of the poor menu, noted that a nutritionist ought to have been hired and not just mere caterers.
“We were given yam and tea this morning, which is not good as breakfast. We ought to eat something light because it helps us to move and also stay fit.
“I did not eat the yam and egg because I needed something that will keep me alert. A nutritionist who knows the rudiments could have planned better dieting for the athletes,’’ he said.
Paul Mac, assistant coach (Hockey), complained about the number of athletes per room, saying that they were up to five in a room.
However, Enesi Junior from Kaduna State, a Technical Official for Cricket, commended the surroundings, saying that he could not have expected anything less from a school environment.
“The environment is okay. I have observed that what Lagos State has offered is better than what it used to be in terms of cleanliness.
“The accommodation is splendid because I could not have expected less from a university environment,’’ he said.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino last Thursday, in Abuja, revealed how Nigeria can be made a destination for top Grade A football matches and FIFA competitions.
Infantino gave the insight when the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare took him on a tour of the renovated main bowl of the MoshoodAbiola National Stadium.
The FIFA boss, who was visibly happy with the re-grassed pitch at the stadium, said well-maintained stadia with good pitches were key to hosting grade A matches.
He said FIFA was ready to work more closely with Nigeria to develop the game and host more grade A matches in the country.
“We (FIFA) have to make sure when a country, when a government with the President, the minister and private persons are investing in football, in stadia, we work with them to give something back.
“It’s obvious that stadiums like this (MoshoodAbiola stadium) and others in Nigeria deserve the best quality games.
“They deserve top national team games, top club games and it’s not just about Nigerian football or African football, it’s about global football.
“We are working together to see what kind of new opportunities, competitions we can bring for men and women to fill this stadium and make the heart of the stadium beat for the fantastic spectacle that all of the Nigerian love, which is football,” he said.
Earlier, the minister said the Federal Government will continue to invest in sports development and facilities.
Tidesports source reports that the FIFA President, in the company of the minister, had earlier visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Statehouse, as part of his engagement.
Former Nigerian goal keeper, Andrew Aikhomogbe has called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to resolve every outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr before the next World Cup qualifiers against Central Africa Republic (CAR).
Aikhomogbe made this known on the backdrop of the football body’s recent deal with Baba Ijebu.
Although the financial details of the deal was not disclosed, Aikhomogbe in an interview with Newsmen from his base in Cairo, Egypt, stated that the NFF should use this platform to offset Rohr’s salaries and bonuses.
“It’s a big delight to know that the Nigeria Football Federation have signed a deal with Baba Ijebu and this will serve as an opportunity for them to use part of the money to pay Rohr’s salaries and bonuses.
“There is no better time to motivate him than now before Nigeria’s next 2022 World Cup qualifiers against the Central Africa Republic (CAR) on October,” he said.
Enyimba FC Goalkeeper, John Noble has stated that the players of the People’s Elephants will be key to the success of the newly appointed coach of the team, Finidi George.
Finidi, signed a two-year deal with Enyimba and oversaw his first full training session with the team on Thursday after a cameo appearance on Wednesday.
Speaking in a chat with Tidesports source, Noble gave his assessment of the coach in his first session under the manager and believes the former Super Eagles winger has what it takes to lead the team to the next level.
He added that the Enyimba players will be the ones to hand Finidi George his success at the club.
Sports4 days agoAisha Buhari Cup: FIFA, CAF Presidents Grace Kick-Off, Falcons Win 2-0
Sports5 days agoYouth Basketball Festival Has Discovered Talents – Coach
Editorial4 days agoThat Desecration Of NDA
Politics4 days agoPerspective On NASS 2% Budget Spending
Rivers4 days agoKYC Alleges Sabotage Over Trans Kalabari Road
Niger Delta4 days agoJonathan Wants NARD To Suspend Strike
Niger Delta4 days agoC’River LG Staff Protest Unpaid Salaries
Sports5 days agoFormer Kenya’s Minister Pays Fine, Skips Jail
You must be logged in to post a comment Login