Sports
Proprietor Wants Govt To Establish Sports Trust Fund
A sports enthusiast and proprietor, Little Tigers Football Academy, Amaka Agbakoba-Onyejianya, has urged federal and state governments to set up a Sport Trust Fund to encourage investment and boost the sector.
Agbakoba-Onyejianya gave the advice in an interview with newsmen last Sunday in Lagos while reviewing the summer football camp for children, organised by the academy at the Campos Square, Lagos Island.
She said that government could set up a trust fund like Agriculture Funds, Small Scale Enterprises Funds and the rest for potential investors in sports.
“Nigeria now needs Sport Trust Fund just like what we have in developed nations to cater for the funding of various sports investments. Government needs to look in this direction.
“There are many potential investors willing to invest in sports but they are often hampered by inadequate funds to facilitate their various efforts.
“Sports investment may be expensive, but it is quite rewarding, especially when it comes to providing facilities and equipment that are not produced in Nigeria.
“Facilities such as mini stadiums are not enough in Nigeria and so are gymnasiums for the athletes. What we need is a special sports fund where investors can borrow from,’’ she said.
Agbakoba-Onyejianya said that the special funds for the development of youths would not only help the investors, but also help to keep young ones out of crimes.
“There are some other trust funds such as Mortgage Banks, Agricultural Funds and Infrastructure Banks; government can also set up Sports Trust Funds so as to engage our youths effectively.
“If we take a look at what can engage the youths actively now, without doubt, sports will come to mind, so, if youths have much passion for sports, why not develop it?
“If the larger part of youths won’t want to go farming but rather go into sports, that opens opportunity for all in sports; likewise we need sports funds to develop the grassroots.
“The various clubs can draw from this funds to care for their teams and I believe it will be rewarding to all, government inclusive because it will be the greatest beneficiary,’’ she said.
Agbakoba-Onyejianya said that the method of repayment of the loans collected could not be a problem because the loans secured would be for the human capacity development which might not go bankrupt.
“The funds will be well used for its purpose because it is for human capacity development and we need a holistic approach to this, not surface scratching.
“Repayment of the loan will be very easy with my experience as an investor in sports. I started my academy with just five kids but it has grown within the space of five years.
“There are many areas in sports that need investment which some investors may not be able to afford, so, setting up this trust fund will help mitigate those areas.
“Sports academies are springing up in Nigeria now in response to the demands in the world and many of these academies need help to survive and to be viable,’’ she said.
Agbakoba-Onyejianya said that many developed countries have tilted toward grassroots sports development as a means of getting their young ones out of trouble, an example is Jamaica.
“Many countries are now using sports as a means of getting their youths involved and getting them out of crimes. Nigeria can learn from the example of Jamaica.
“The way to pull youths out of ghetto is to involve them in sports. Almost all young ones enjoy one sport or the other, so we need to tap into it.
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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