Sports
NSC Restates Commitment To Grassroots Sports
The National Sports Commission (NSC), has reiterated its commitment towards the development and upliftment of grassroots sports in the country.
Mr. Stanley Okebugwu, the South East zone 1 Coordinator of the commission, who stated this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, during an interactive session with executive committee members of Enugu state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, recently, said the Director General of NSC, Dr. Patrick Ekeji has vowed not to rest on his oars until the nation’s present dwindling sports situation especially at the grassroots levels is properly addressed.
According to him, it is against the backdrop of getting things right in the sports sector, as well as restoring the lost glory of grassroots sports in the nation, that the NSC boss, decided to initiate the formation 12 zonal structures arrangement in the country, with a view to addressing the issue squarely.
Okebugwu, who assumed office in the zone not too long ago however, called on all major stakeholders in sports especially sports Writers from the three states of Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu that make up zone 1 to join hands with his office in realizing the commission’s dream of taking every sports to the next level.
He further explained that because of the importance and seriousness Dr. Ekeji, attaches to the rival of grassroots sports in the country, that he decided to deplore senior officers, ranging from Assistant Directors, to man the zonal offices for effective performance.
While stressing the need for a symbiotic relationship between sports journalists, sports managers, and administrators at all times, the zone 1 helmsman, also used the forum to appeal to SWAN members both at the state and national levels to always ensure accurate and objective reportage both in the electronic and print media, saying it is only when a media organization is known for objectivity that members of the public could have confidence in such outfit.
“As partners in progress, my office is always open for good ideas that would assist us in bettering our sports, especially when such idea is coming from stakeholders such as SWAN”
Earlier in a brief remarks, chairman, Enugu SWAN, Norbert Okolie, had assured the zonal coordinator of his members and the association’s readiness to partner with them, describing both bodies as partners in progress hence, the need for an enduring cordial relationship among them.
Enzo Fernandez was booed by some supporters on the day when Morgan Rogers scored on his first appearance for Chelsea in a 3-1 win against Real Sociedad.
Joao Pedro also continued his fine pre-season form with a double as manager Xabi Alonso offered a glimpse of what could be his blueprint for the season.
But the action was overshadowed by the reaction to Fernandez’s second-half appearance, less than 24 hours after Chelsea’s self-imposed transfer deadline had passed.
Fernandez had been keen to join Real Madrid earlier this summer before the Spanish club ended their interest in the Argentine.
His representatives later held talks with Manchester City, but no offer was made to meet Chelsea‘s £120m valuation before Friday’s deadline.
Fernandez was booed by some early arrivals at Stamford Bridge when his name was read out 45 minutes before kick-off.
There were then audible boos when Fernandez came on in the 62nd minute.
Chelsea supporters appeared divided, with others responding by chanting his name.
Yet, it was a signal of Alonso and Chelsea‘s backing that when Reece James left the field he passed his long-time vice-captain the armband as usual.
Each touch of the ball was greeted by a mixture of boos and cheers.
It followed attempts by some supporters to move on from a saga that appears to have ended with Chelsea now expecting to keep one of their best players.
Others, however, remain unhappy with his perceived disloyalty, having come out publicly about his desire to move to Madrid, with his agent Javier Pastore also claiming he is underpaid.
It will be interesting to see how supporters of the Premier League’s other 19 clubs react to Fernandez, given his celebrations and social media jibes after Argentina beat England in a World Cup semi-final in July.
That will remain an issue whether he remains at Chelsea or Manchester City elect to revive their interest and attempt to reunite him with his former manager Enzo Maresca before deadline day on 1 September.
It took Rogers only seven minutes to score his first goal in a Chelsea shirt as he reacted quickest after Alex Remiro saved Joao Pedro’s initial header.
The £117m club record signing from Aston Villa initially looked sharp and linked well with Cole Palmer and Pedro in Chelsea‘s front three.
Within 10 minutes of his debut, supporters were already chanting his name.
However, it was understandable that Rogers faded as the match wore on, given he had trained for less than a week since returning from holiday before his 62-minute outing.
Beyond Rogers, Joao Pedro has been the star of Chelsea‘s pre-season.
In this outing he headed Chelsea back in front in the 47th minute before adding a side-footed finish 30 minutes later to seal victory after Sociedad had equalised just before half-time through Jon Mikel Aramburu’s volley.
Chelsea lost control towards the end of the first half and looked vulnerable, but they were much improved after the break.
-
News3 hours agoRSG Targets Nine Million Residents in Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign
-
News3 hours agoKenPoly Holds Eight Convocations, August 29
-
News3 hours agoRSG Begins Another Phase of Projects Commissioning Today
-
News3 hours agoOsun Guber: Probe Vote-Buying, Violence, SERAP Urges INEC, EFCC, ICPC
-
News3 hours ago2027: Adeleke Reaffirms Support For Tinubu, Calls Him Osun Son
-
News3 hours agoNiMet predicts three-day cloudy, thundery weather
-
Maritime1 hour agoNAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment
-
News3 hours agoArmy Intercepts Courier With 180 Explosives In Zamfara