FOOTBALL: Akinbami Calls For Financial Regulations To Support Sector's Growth .... Hails Kanu's Expose On Empty Treasury At Eyinmba United FC

 FOOTBALL: Akinbami Calls For Financial Regulations To Support Sector's Growth .... Hails Kanu's Expose On Empty Treasury At Eyinmba United FC

Hon. Vincent Akinbami

"The situation in Enyimba is the same thing in all the state government teams where monies realized from the sales of players go into the pocket of club Officials." Akinbami.

The former Vice Chairman of Osun United Football club and former SSA to the former Governor of Osun state on Sports Development, Vincent Akinbami has hailed the outburst of the new  Chairman of Enyimba FC of Aba, Kanu Nwankwo on the empty treasury of the team and the plans to build Enyimba into an institution.

Vincent Akinbami who is a Chartered Accountant and External Auditor with many years of practice, said that the situation in Enyimba is the same thing in all the state government teams where monies realized from the sales of players go into the pocket of club Officials.

He also added that even the private clubs also don't see their clubs as an entity as, money meant for the clubs from gate takings, sponsorship or sales of players go into the pocket of the club owner thereby, leaving an empty account in the clubs' finances or not giving a true picture of the state of affairs of the clubs' financial standing.

In his words; Vincent Akinbami who also served as a media officer to the defunct Ranchers Bees FC of Kaduna, stressed that football business is not only about winning trophy buy also of profit making for the club's sustainability and viability.

"If the situation continues like this, Football will continue to be amateurish," he added.

Vincent Akinbami therefore urged the league boards to bring about Financial Regulations to ensure the clubs do not take football money out of the system as such would impede the positive growth of the sector.

It would be recalled that Kanu Nwankwo had complained about the empty treasury of Enyimba FC when he took over the affairs of the clubside as manager.

The Impacts of Fuel Subsidies Removal on Nigeria's Grassroots Football Coaches and Clubs.

 

The Impacts of Fuel Subsidies Removal on Nigeria's Grassroots Football Coaches and Clubs.

Monday Ozoya

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has significantly impacted grassroots football coaches and clubs. The increase in fuel prices has made it more difficult for coaches to transport players to and from training sessions and matches. It has also made it more expensive to purchase equipment and maintain facilities. 

We should all remember that during the COVID-19 Palliative, the grassroots football coaches and clubs were neglected. Therefore, grassroots football coaches and clubs should be considered for the planned palliative.

Here are some of the specific impacts of the removal of fuel subsidies on grassroots football coaches and clubs in Nigeria:

• Increased transportation costs: The increase in fuel prices has made it more expensive for coaches to transport players to and from training sessions and matches. This has made it difficult for some coaches to operate their teams, as they may be unable to afford the increased transportation costs.

• Increased equipment costs: The increase in fuel prices has also made it more expensive to purchase equipment for grassroots football clubs. This has made it difficult for some clubs to afford the necessary equipment, which can impact their performance.

• Reduced maintenance of facilities: The increased fuel prices has also made it more difficult for grassroots football clubs to maintain their facilities. This can lead to poor playing conditions, which can impact the safety and enjoyment of players.

• Reduced participation: Increased costs associated with grassroots football have decreased participation. Some players and coaches can no longer afford to play or coach.

The removal of fuel subsidies has hurt grassroots football in Nigeria. However, several things can be done to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal. These include:

• Government support: The government can financially support grassroots football coaches and clubs to help cover the increased transportation costs, equipment, and facilities.

• Corporate sponsorship: Businesses can sponsor grassroots football clubs to help them cover the increased operating costs.

• Community support: Communities can support grassroots football clubs by providing access to facilities and equipment.

In addition to the above, here are some other things that can be done to mitigate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies on grassroots football in Nigeria:

• Coaches and clubs can find ways to reduce their transportation costs. For example, they can carpool or use public transportation.

• Coaches and clubs can look for ways to reduce their equipment costs. For example, they can purchase used or borrowed equipment from other clubs.

• Coaches and clubs can work with their communities to find ways to maintain facilities. For example, they can organise community clean-up days or fundraising events.

• Coaches and clubs can encourage players to participate in the sport even if they cannot afford the costs. They can provide scholarships or financial assistance to players who need it.

The government and stakeholders' support will make it possible to ensure that grassroots football remains accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their financial circumstances.

 

House Committee on Sports Chairman To Parley Stakeholders On Thursday In Abuja

 

House Committee on Sports Chairman To Parley Stakeholders On Thursday In Abuja

Hails Super Falcons On Women's World Cup R16 Qualification

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar will on Thursday August 3rd in Abuja, hold a session with critical stakeholders to pave a way for Nigerian sports.

Honourable Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State made this known a few days after he was named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The accomplished sports administrator, ex-KADA Stars Chief will meet officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, Presidents of all the 36 Sports Federations, the Nigerian  Olympic Committee, Premier League Club Owners, Nationwide League and other League Boards,  Referees, Ex Internationals, Players Union, The National Institute for Sports, Former Sports Ministers, Coaches, Lottery  Board, EFCC, ICPC and members of Corporate Nigeria in a parley billed for the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Also expected at the event are the Nigerian Olympians Association, the Nigeria Police Force, Medical Practioners, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Nigerian School Sports Federation amongst others.

Honourable Ekene assured that the meeting will set the tone for a robust and renewed policy direction for Nigerian Sports as well as to seek areas of mutual benefits in the best interest of Nigerian youths. 

Meanwhile, the former General Manager of Remo Stars and professional player has congratulated the gallant Super Falcons, who on Monday qualified for the Round of 16, as they kept  the tempo to become the only unbeaten African team at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria's national women's team who stunned co-host Australia 3-2 in their second game, played out a draw against Irealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, to seal their passage to the knockout stage.

Honourable Ekene, described the Super Falcons as a beacon of hope for not only Nigeria, but the African continent, as he commended the Onome Ebi captained team for its impressive performances, as he urged them not to rest on its oars until they surpass their quarter-final record in the women's Mundial or secure the ultimate prize.

We Were Never Distracted Going Into The World Cup - Super Falcons Media Officer

 

Media officer of Nigeria’s senior football women’s team Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu has said the team was never disturbed by criticisms coming from various quarters in the Nigerian football community.

Randy Waldrum’s open criticism of his employers – Nigeria Football Federation, regarding several issues, including Super Falcons World Cup team selection, unpaid bonuses, and the absence of his assistant, had left Nigerians with little or no belief in the nine time African Champions.

The Falcons however left the controversies behind them with a spirited draw against Olympics Champion, Canada and a 3-2 victory over co-host Australia on Thursday.

Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, while featuring on BCOS flagship Sports Show, Saturday Breakfast Sports Show, responded to a question from the programme's anchor Boluwaji Ogunmola, on how the team reacted to the negative comments about their chances prior to the World Cup.

She says: “It never disturbed us as we knew we had a team that had quality. We knew what happened at the last WAFCON in Morocco was a one-off and we knew what we had to do (in the World Cup) was to have determination and focus.”

The Media Officer further added that the addition of a performance/fitness coach in Kyle Quigley has added value to the team because the fitness and endurance level of the girls have increased saying Head Coach Randy Waldrum and the girls will certainly finish off their good job in their next game.

She however dispelled fears that some key members of the squad might miss Monday’s game against Republic of Ireland due to injury.

Midfielder, Halimat Ayinde limped off the pitch with what looked like an ankle problem in the second half against Australia.

Defender Michelle Alozie also sustained what appeared to be a knock in the game, while Osinachi Ohale also sustained an injury.

Tobe-chukwu, assured that the players are recovering well and will be fit for the match against the Republic of Ireland.

“The team doctor is in position to analyse the status of players in terms of fitness. We are not in the position to announce that a player is ruled out of the tournament like we did for Asisat (Oshoala) at the last WAFCON in Morocco. But I can assure you that the players are recovering well.”

She appreciated the support of the Nigerian contingent in Brisbane and those back home saying the girls will continue to handle each game as it comes.

The Super Falcons will, in their last group game, take on Ireland at the Lang Park, Brisbane on Monday.

The Nigerian team need just a point from the game to secure a place in the Round of 16.

Behold The New Chairman House Committee On Sports Hon. Ekene Adams

 

Speaker Names Honourable Ekene Adams Chairman House Committee on Sports

Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State has been named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives. 

The House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, named the committees and their chairmen on Thursday.

A delighted Honourable Ekene Adams said on Thursday, "Good evening all, I am using this medium to appreciate God Almighty and also thank you all for your prayers and best wishes. I have been appointed as the Chairman House Committee on Sports. To my boss, President of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, Honourable Kunle Soname and everyone I remain loyal."

Adams, is no new face in Nigeria sports as his pedigree  is football management speaks volumes. Born in 1985, Adams is a Nigerian entrepreneur, politician,  an astute sports administrator and former professional footballer.

A few years ago, Ekene established KADA City FC, a Nigerian football club based in Kaduna, to enhance development of football within Kaduna. He was regarded as the youngest football club owner in Nigeria.

KADA City was created to promote development of football within Kaduna state. They had their official unveiling ceremony in February 2018. KADA City won the 2018 Nigeria National League promotion playoff over Bendel Insurance F.C. and made their Nigeria Premier League debut in 2019.

The sports administrator would later join Remo Stars as General Manager in 2021. During his time with the Sky Blue Stars, Honourable Ekene Adams propelled the club in gaining promotion back to the NPFL and after one season in the top flight, Remo Stars earned a CAF Confederation Cup ticket after finishing 3rd on the log behind Rivers United and Plateau United.