NLC Tasks FG On Sports Dev

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has advised the Federal Government to review the look warm attitude its has toward sports in Nigeria.

It said the call became necessary to enable the country to keep the pace set by the Super Eagles at the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.

NLC President, Abdulwahed Omar, who made this known in a statement in Abuja, said the team had made Nigerians proud.

“We see in this victory a bright future for Nigerian football, if we are able to put the right people in the management of sports,’’ the statement quoted Omar as saying.

Omar said the performance of the Nigerian players, who were mostly home based, was encouraging and it was a clear manifestation of good management.

According to him, it is clear that given the right facilities and management, soccer will return as a major sector to the unemployed youths who have the skills and interests in sports.

“We, therefore, call on government to review the lacklustre attention sports has received so far by reforming the sector in order to reposition the sporting Industry to conform with contemporary times.

“Specifically, we urge the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to organise national league to scout for young people from primary schools to tertiary institutions.

The NLC chairman advised the private sector in the country to renew their interests in the sporting industry by encouraging home-based clubs with modern facilities, sustainable remunerations and exposure.

Omar commended the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, for the determination, and commitment clearly showed during the tournament.

He said the players’ professional qualities facilitated the victory.