Sports
NISport D-G Assures On Dev Of Institute
The Director-General of the National Institute for Sport (NISport), John Dadi-Mamud, says the management of the institute is poised to improve the lot of the institute, but blamed the paucity of funds for the delay in its numerous programmes.
The DG, who spoke against the backdrop of the oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Sports to the National Stadium Lagos, said that the visit would open new doors of opportunities.
Tidesports source gathered that the House Committee on Sports was led by its Chairman, Hon. Olumide Osoba. Rasheed Afolabi, Tunji Olawuyi and Mohammed Bello were also in the entourage.
“We have embarked on various reforms even before the Houses visit. Before the COVID-19 break we have been doing some renovations.
“The problem with NISport has been the issue of funding to maintain our facilities. We have been told to improve on our revenue of which we are up to the task.
“We will redouble our efforts because as an insider, I know what the problems are and we have already embarked on various initiatives by rehabilitating the basketball pitch.
“By the next three months, NISport will wear a new look and with some more funds, we will put more things in order. We are also ready to partner others to generate more funds,” he said.
Tidesports also reports that the House Committee on Sports led by its Chairman were led round the hostels, classrooms, library, gymnasium, the practice pitch and the sorry state of affairs left the committee members unimpressed.
Following the inspection, Osoba decried the poor state of NISport, adding that the foremost institute of sports in Africa needed more attention.
He added that the legislative arm of the government would look into a more practicable solution to giving the institute a facelift in order to return it back to its former state.
“The present state of NISport is saddening, we have had notable sportsmen and women graduated from this institution and others coming for their certification.
“Now, the institute looks like a ghost town, it doesnt look like what it used to be, so there is need to find a way of bringing it back to how it used to be.
“This institute should be a revenue generating one and there are ways of generating funds, the management should put on their thinking cap.
“If they generate the right funds and goes to the Single Treasury Account (TSA) it will be returned back to them, that is where we will come in as members of the house, he said.
Osoba said that the House Committee on Sports were on a fact-finding mission to the National Stadium Facility as part of its oversight function.
“We came to inspect the stadium, everyone is aware that the illegal structures have been dismantled and taken away. We want to see for ourselves what the place looks like now.
“Coming here is part of our oversight function, we have come around and see how the appropriated funds were spent in maintaining our sports facilities, he said
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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