The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, is strongly advocating for collaboration among football stakeholders to foster the growth of the sports sector in the country.
This call to action comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Senator John Owan Enoh emphasized the importance of synergy among various football organizations, including the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), and Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This collaboration is seen as a vital step to unlock the immense potential within the football industry and to ensure proper representation on the global stage.
The Minister highlighted that sports, particularly football, plays a unifying role in Nigeria, transcending tribal, religious, and cultural differences. The government, led by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to developing the sports sector not only for recreation but also as a means to create employment, alleviate poverty, enhance security, and promote women’s participation in sports, with a focus on football.
Senator Owan Enoh acknowledged that the absence of Nigeria’s officiating representation at the 2023 CAF competition is a pressing issue. He urged stakeholders to work diligently at the grassroots level to build strong foundations for both male and female participation in football. The government is dedicated to providing an enabling environment for sports development in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister called on football stakeholders to collaborate with the government in addressing the challenges surrounding Nigeria’s representation at the 2023 CAF competition. This engagement aims to find solutions and ensure that the country’s potential in football is fully realized.
Earlier, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, expressed gratitude for this groundbreaking engagement, marking the first time a Minister of Sports has sought such interaction to resolve issues related to the non-inclusion of the country’s officiating representation at a competition.
He pledged that his team would brainstorm and provide recommendations to the government, demonstrating their commitment to finding solutions for the betterment of Nigerian football.
