Sports
Sports Dev: SWAN Thumbs Up RSG’s Commitment
A Rangers player (left) in contest with an opponent in a league match
The National Full Coun
cil meeting of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike and his administration for the commitment and support demonstrated within a short period towards national sports development and the welfare of Rivers athletes and players.
SWAN made the commendation in a communiqué released at the end of its 2015, National Full Council meeting tagged Rivers 2015 held at the Ernest Ikoli (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt last week.
The four days event was the second time the state would host the meeting in recent history.
SWAN in the communiqué also thanked Chief Wike, his government and the good people of the state for their magnanimity and hospitality shown in hosting the meeting.
The Full Council meeting raised concern over the non-payment of salaries and entitlements due sports men and women engaged by various governmental and corporate organizations as well as individual sports club owners and called on their employers to pay up these arrears to reduce the hardship on Nigeria’s sports men and women.
The meeting also noted that the tendency for conflict between the office of the Minister of Sports/Chairman, National Sports Commission, and the office of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, and called on the government to come clear on what structure it wants to use in administrating sports between the ministry system and the commission system with a view to eliminate conflicts and ensuing order in the administration of sports.
It also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that persons who may be appointed to administer Nigeria Sports are distinguished technocrats with the passion, professionalism, experience and competence in sports management.
It called on the National Assembly to expedite action in the consideration and passage of various bills on sports as this will help in solving some of the problems militating against the administration and development of sports in the country.
The meeting wished all athletes to the Brazzaville 2015 All Africa games a successful outing at the continental event and called on Nigerians to pray for them.
It called on Nigerian athletes and administrators to begin now to prepare for the 2016 Olympic Games.
SWAN called on the Cross Rivers State Government and the National Sports Commission to re-engage themselves with view to restoring the programe of the National Sports Festival and by extension of the national sports calendar which appears to have come to Jeopardy after the last festival in Lagos.
Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and the League management company LMC were commended for the improvements they have brought to bear on Nigeria domestic football, especially, the premier League, and urged our sports administrators not to relent in their efforts.
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.
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