Sports
Alli Calls For Camps For Eko 2012 Talents
A 1990 Auckland, New Zealand Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Yusuf Alli, appealed to government to organise camps for athletes discovered at the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.
The festival, tagged “Eko 2012,” which held between November 27 and Dec. 9, was won by Delta with A total medal haul of 116 gold, 99 silver and 75.
Rivers was second with 76 gold medals, 71 silver and 70 bronze totalling 217, while hosts, Lagos State, placed third with 64 gold, 47 silver and 71 bronze, totalling 182 medals.
Alli, reputed for long jump, told newsmen in Lagos that organising camps for the talents was the only way to develop them.
He said that one of the factors that contributed to Nigeria’s excellent performances in the 1980s was discovering, nurturing and encouraging new talents.
“The same system that discovered the Mary Onyalis, the Yusuf Allis still exists, if the government will do the right thing for these athletes.
“Others that have been discovered in the past, where are they now?
“In our era, after athletes were discovered, they were kept in camps and trained by American coaches. We had different camps in Lagos, Ife, etc,’’ he recalled.
Alli noted that at least two or three athletes discovered should be assigned to a coach, to ensure that they were nurtured to stardom.
Alli He said that the essence of the National Sports Festival would not be realised if states did not bring raw athletes to the biennial event.
“Most states have stopped training athletes, all they do is to buy them over. Now that the festival may be made open, every state will now have to train its athletes.
“If other states can emulate Lagos State, the objective of the Games which is talent discovery and promoting unity could be achieved again,’’ he added.
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.
-
Sports4 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports4 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports4 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports4 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports4 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports4 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports4 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta4 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form