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We Have Come Again
By Toyin | October 30, 2008
When I wrote about two months ago that Nigeria may eventually not host the FIFA Under 17 world cup, some of my friends and fans felt that I was a bit pessimistic and negative about this Government’s outlook on sports. Unfortunately, my take is about becoming a reality.
Last week, the Govt stated that they ‘may’ not be able to host this championship ‘alone’! What a statement! To this administration, it does not matter what impact this decision may have on the future of football and its development in the country. It even matters less that we may not be considered for future hosting rights.
They said the country has a lot of priorities and that N31 Billion can be used for other ‘more important’ things. Well, I couldn’t agree more! Important things like good roads, working transport system, electricity, security, infrastructure and housing must be priotized.
However, when did hosting a youth tournament become a hindrance to achieving the above? Our hypocrisy is unparalleled. Deciding not to host this tournament portends great loss for this Nation than can be imagined.
When this type of opportunity is passed away, greater and better ones will not be given. You can quote me on this. The reason we were given the opportunity to host the FIFA Under 21 in 1999 was due to the fact that we were unjustly denied of same in 1995 during the controversial flu sickness in the north.
Imagine that our bid to host the African Nations Cup in 2010 was flatly dismissed in favour of Angola. When the chips are down, our government has never been able to pull her weight when football matters are concerned. In the recent past, a former governor of Abia state was bale to demonstrate how to run the game by pulling out all the stops in ensuring the success of Enyimba FC and in the process making history.
Having said this, it is not too late to reconsider this decision. As usual, we can claim that we were misquoted. Unfortunately, there is a letter purportedly written to indicate our inability to see through our obligation.
I hope that our rulers will learn from history. When Nations refuse to learn, they don’t make progress. Ours is a great Nation and we can not afford to be at the lows-We belong to the top and to it we must attain.
NB
This post was written a week ago but due to fumbling Starcomms, I couldn’t do the necessary. Thank God the Federal Government has rescinded her decision and we are ready to host again!
Topics: Nigerian Football |