Some Sport enthusiasts on Tuesday bemoaned the state of sports under Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration, calling on the incoming administration to revive the game in all aspects.
The Sport enthusiasts who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu said the current administration failed sports in all sectors in the state.
Chidera Pius, a pioneer member of a group, knows as “Ndi Egwu Boolu Enugu”, said that sports in general died, including football that has been a thing of celebration under the previous administrations.
“Before now, Enugu attends Sports Festivals, participate in grassroots football competitions but this days, we hardly play grassroots football competitions in the state due to poor administration
“Shambles, we miss late FA chairman Chidi Offor-Okenwa, and need a sports persons in the right sports positions as square pegs in round holes will not take us anywhere,” Pius said.
Pius, who plays for FC Star Plus, wished the incoming administration to revive sports and take the youths out of the street, with the help of a knowlegeble Sports Commissioner.
Coach Azubuike Edeh said the administration has disappointed the state in all sports, especially football development and its equipment.
“Emerging, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the home ground of Rangers International FC of Ndi Igbo has been under renovation for years and the club has to prosecute its matches in Awka, Anambra.
“There are no competitions for Boxing, Basketball and other sports in the state because, those at the sports department do not know what to do.
“This is the height of it all and I believe that the incoming government will make sports a lucrative venture by bringing back the schools sports which was the cradle of sports,” Edeh said.
Coach Starplus Izuikem expressed displeasure on the government failure to complete renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
“It is better you do not start something than starting what you cannot finish,” Izuikem queried.
NAN reports that Sports Writer’s Association of Nigeria (SWAN) recently lambasted Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration for taking sports backward in the state.
SWAN expressed dspleasure on the government failure to complete the renovation of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium for over two seasons and Rangers playing the season without General Manager and Team Manager.
The Association called on the incoming administration to appoint someone with huge knowledge of sports who will steer the ship of the Ministry of Youth and Sports as commissioner.
It also urged the government to resuscitate School Sports in the state, stressing that the system remain the best avenue to harness hidden talents at the grassroots level.
The Association said for Enugu state to regain its lost glory in sports, the incoming governor must avoid the temptation of appointing a complete novice, or one with limited knowledge in sports into the Ministry.
It regretted that the near moribund state of sports Associations in the state has been responsible for the abysmal performances during National sports festivals and other Competitions over the years. (NAN)
Get Faster News Update On: WhatsApp and Telegram
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without written permission from CONVERSEER. Read our Terms Of Use.
