« The way to the Top | Main | We Have Come Again »
Nigerian Football (1)
By Toyin | October 21, 2008
Each time I put on the television to watch any European football match particularly the Premiership, there’s always a nostalgic feeling within me! I remember the last match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at the Bridge, I was so engrossed to the extent that I didn’t know the time my wife brought my food, placed it on a table by my side and asked me whether I want ordinary water or cold one!
I cannot however say the same about my beloved country’s league. The Nigerian Globacom Professional League has a long way to go and for us to get there fast, all hands must be on deck. I have identified four things that must be done or improved upon to change the outlook and of course, the fortune of our league.
The Role of Government
Sport is a great tool for poverty eradication and positive youth engagement. As we march forward towards the realization of Vision 2020, I dare say sports; football particularly will serve as a quick and reliable energizer of the dreams articulated in the blueprint of the program.
The Federal Government must be determined in its approach to infrastructures development. This includes building of proper and well maintained training grounds in all Local Government Areas of the country. This will ensure that talented youths have a place where they can develop their skills and in the process enhance their worth.
Provision of adequate electricity is also a major task that must be accomplished. It is a known fact that sporting activities goes on throughout the day and not streamlined to certain hours. In fact, most UEFA Champions league matches are played in the night rather than in the day to enable fans attend and unwind. Imagine the possibility of this in Nigeria!
There must be a concerted effort towards renovation of our existing stadiums and placement of such with private concerns with clearly defined conditions towards maintenance for generation of revenue for Government and sustenance of the edifices. This is very important as our football clubs do not have the capacity to build stadiums as it is done in Europe and other places.
There must be a strong and irreversible commitment to provide adequate security at match venues all over the country. The reality on grounds today is that most people would rather sit at home to watch foreign leagues than risk a limb or two in watching live football in Nigeria! Most of our match venues have been taken over by street urchins disguising as football fans. They lay in wait to ambush, rob and sometimes maim their victims after matches.
Sometime ago, I saw a match on television between Insurance of Benin and Kwara United. After a call by the match official that the home fans felt was unfair, the whole stadium was thrown into pandemonium and the referee almost lost his life in the process. One of the fans was so emboldened that he practically wrenched the bewildered ref from the security officials and set about pummeling him with a plastic chair. The need for adequate security cannot be over emphasized.
The Govt must also be prepared to fund sport in general. It is an investment that is guaranteed to yield bountifully in the future. Sport not only brings glory, fame and fortune to the athlete but also to his country. The most popular person out of Switzerland is Roger Federer. Come to think of it, I don’t even know the name of their president or prime minister (whichever one it may be)! Similarly, the most renowned individuals out of Argentina are the footballers.
The national assembly must make laws that will ensure good conduct and accountability in sporting activities. To this effect, national institutions charged with sporting responsibilities must be strengthened to discharge such duties effectively. Transparency and accountability must be the watch words here.
Nigerian Football Administartors
Charity, they say begins at home. For our sports, football in the main to improve, the administration must be abreast of modern practices and be prepared to adjust accordingly. The success of any endeavour depends on the commitment of those behind it. This cannot be different for our football.
Our administrators must make up their minds what they want to achieve and be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to accomplish such. The need to be objective in all decision taking process must be paramount in the scheme of things.
Most importantly, we must jettison favouritism, nepotism and tribalism in football matters. The time has come to put merit in the front burner of all national issues much less of football! We can not grow beyond where we are if we continue to promote and celebrate lack of capacity and competency.
Notably, the world is changing concerning this and Nigeria cannot be the exception. Football I s being run by seasoned administrators or past footballers and the results are visible to all. The time has come to toe the line if we must fulfill the massive potential that football promise to our teeming youth.
From the local league to our various national teams, our administration must be spot on in the discharge and prosecution international matches. They must know that moments when matches are played represent the best times to project positively the image of a country. Football is a very powerful is a very powerful tool for public and I dare say international relations. This fact should be obvious to our administrators and if not; then it is save to say we are in trouble.
When former President Obasanjo went to France, he was presented the jersey of our own wizard, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. This singular act should have given an indication to our then leaders on the kind of high esteem sport is held in foreign countries. In the US, Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all times is the most popular person; even more popular than the Democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama.
When our administrators get down to work in a most appropriate manner, the corporate world would take notice and the sponsorship they are looking for will naturally trickle in. However, let it be known that no responsible company would put its money down when it is obvious that funds are siphoned or squandered in a most shameless manner.
If things are done in the proper way, situations would improve and everyone stands to benefit. The workability of any process depends on the commitment of those concerned to play by the rules. This, I believe is a great food for thought.
Topics: Nigerian Football, Success Pills |
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 am
Would you be interested in exchanging blogrolls links with my site? Please email me if you are interested
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Great thots! I wish our Govt can follow this simple steps that u outlined so richly. Many grease to your elbows and I can’t wait for the part two. Peace
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Great article keep up the good work
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
thank you bros, we hope and pray that those running our sport will listen to people like you.