Sports
I Won’t Contest For NFF Presidency
At a time many football-loving Nigerians are calling on ex-players and financiers of private clubs to join the race for the presidency of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the proprietor of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname, has washed his hands off it.
Tidesports source reports that Apart from being the proprietor of Remo Stars, which is one of the clubs playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Soname runs one of Nigeria’s biggest football academies, Beyond Limit Academy, in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Speaking with with Newsmen before the kickoff of the 2022 MTN/NPFL/La Liga U-15 Football Tournament at Ikenne, home of Remo Stars, at the weekend, Soname explained why he would not bother to contest for the NFF Presidency.
“That is not part of my agenda for now. It is only in Nigeria that the NFF continues to get more attention than the leagues in the country. The reverse should be the case,” he said.
Soname said until the league is given the needed attention, the nation’s football will not rise to the expected level.
“I will rather continue my investment in football development at the grassroots level, especially with my Beyond Limit Academy in Ikenne, than go for NFF Presidency.
“What we need to address is the league itself. When the NPFL thrives, every other thing will follow. Until we settle the issue of having structured football in Nigeria, NFF is just a waste of time,” he stated.
Soname said there should be sustainable structure to ensure even development of the game, adding, “this issue of today we succeed, tomorrow we fail has to be taken care off.
“If you want a sustained success, you have to build the foundation for it. The league must be very strong, if not, it won’t work.” he said.
Asked how he felt on Super Eagles’ inability to qualify for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, Soname said: “It is good for Nigerian football.
As I said, there are a lot of issues we need to address in our football. It is in our national team you will see people who have never been to Nigeria, I don’t want to say they don’t have affiliation with Nigeria, they were just born to Nigerian parents, but have never been here.
“That is why even if they lose matches, it’s not the same as players that live here and know that if they don’t play well, there would be repercussion. We need to change a lot of things for our football to grow,” he summed up.
By: -Kunle Soname
Sports
… As Coach Expresses Optimism To Qualify For 2026 W’Cup
Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George has set his sights firmly on securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, demanding unwavering commitment from his top players as the team aims to get their faltering qualifying campaign back on track.
Unveiled to the media in Abuja on Monday, Finidi, who succeeded the outgoing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, wasted no time in laying out his immediate priorities, two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
“Nigeria comes first, that’s what I expect from every player I invite. You have to be playing in your club, and you must have the commitment,” Finidi told reporters on Monday.
Recognising the importance of a strong start, the former Ajax winger emphasised the significance of the upcoming clash against South Africa.
“The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations), and a win over South Africa will set the tone.”
Nigeria currently finds itself in third place in their qualifying group, with just two points from as many games, while South Africa sits second with three points.
Finidi, who has signed a year’s contract with an option for an additional year, acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with leading the national team of a country with over 200 million people.
However, he exuded confidence in his ability to withstand the scrutiny, stating, “I have a tough skin.”
While his salary remains undisclosed, the 53-year-old coach expressed a willingness to prioritise performance over immediate financial rewards.
“The salary is good enough for me, it’s not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro.
“Money is good, but if you add value to what you do, the money will come. Then they can come and ask ‘Coach, how much do you want?” Finidi said.
Sports
I’m Not Under Pressure, I’ve Tough Skin – Finidi
New Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has underlined that the word pressure is not in his dictionary and appealed for support from key stakeholders including the media.
Speaking after his unveiling yesterday in Abuja, the former Enyimba of Aba coach said; “In life you cannot be afraid. As you see me here, I am a quiet person but I’m not afraid of anything. The worst you can get in football is not getting the result, the best you can get is winning all the time, and I will try my best to make sure that the team functions properly and we start winning games.”
On whether is under pressure to justify his appointment, the coach stressed; “Pressure, I don’t think I have it. I have that tough skin and I want to plead you guys, the media we need your support.
“What is in the contract is boldly written, what the NFF wants and Nigeria in general, but for me personally my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the World Cup. AFCON qualifiers definitely will be coming up soon, but the major step for me is these two games that we have.
“If we can win against South Africa and Benin, we will set the tone.”
During the unveiling ceremony, the NFF confirmed that ex-Super Eagles striker; Daniel Amokachi and Abiden Baruwa will be the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach respectively.
The first assignment for Finidi, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Sports
Amusan Becomes World’s Fastest Woman, Sets New Track Record
Nigerian sprint icon Tobi Amusan has become the world’s fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles after running a world-leading 12.40 seconds.
In a thrilling race, the world record holder secured the victory, leaving behind Danielle Williams, the world champion, who clocked her best time of the season at 12.46 seconds. Following closely was American Christina Clemons, claiming the third spot with a time of 12.54 seconds.
This triumph means the Nigerian athlete has now claimed the top spot globally, surpassing American Tonea Marshall’s previous record of 12.42 seconds set in late April.
Tobi Amusan’s impressive win arrives just two months before the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
John Enoh, the minister of sports development, on his X handle congratulated Amusan over the feat.
Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!
You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons.
“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time! You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd in 12.54s,” he wrote.
“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you.”
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