Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Southsouth Development Commission (SSDC), Chibudom Nwuche, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to overhaul its sports administration to regain its soccer glory. He made this statement at a novelty football match between Sheffield FC and Vigin Rose FC in Ahoada, Rivers State, as part of his 65th birthday celebrations. Nwuche stressed that sports is a unifier of nations, promoting recreation, physical fitness, discipline, and strong bonds among people.
Nwuche expressed disappointment over the recent performances of Nigeria's senior national football teams, including the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, as well as the Super Falcons' failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. He described these setbacks as unacceptable for a country with a rich football tradition and enormous talent. Nwuche noted that Nigeria has produced outstanding players who have excelled globally, and it's imperative to create an environment for them to thrive.
According to Nwuche, one of the major problems with Nigeria's football is the appointment of administrators who are not sufficiently competent and often view the sport through narrow tribal or religious prisms. He advocated for objective appointments based on merit, without considering tribalism, religion, nepotism, or fanaticism. Nwuche shared his personal experience of his son, Victor, who was about to turn professional but faced challenges due to corruption and cheating in the Nigerian football system.
Nwuche narrated his experience as President of the Nigerian Weightlifting Association between 2011 and 2014, where he addressed cases of sexual harassment and ensured that coaches and athletes were aware of the consequences of such actions. He dissolved the coaching arrangements and appointed a new national weightlifting coach, leading to improved performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Miriam Usman won a gold medal for Nigeria at the Games.
Nwuche called for the overhauling of the nation's sports administration and management institutions, urging the Federal Government to clean up the National Sports Council and various sports associations and federations. He emphasized that sports portfolios should not be given out as gifts or compensation but assigned to serious-minded and competent individuals. Nwuche suggested that international stars like Jay-Jay Okocha, Taribo West, and Kanu Nwankwo could help move Nigerian football forward if appointed as Ministers.
Nwuche stressed that sports can promote the welfare of young people, and the government should create a system that gives young talents a clear pathway from the grassroots to the national and international stage. He highlighted the importance of grassroots football in discovering talents, developing discipline and confidence, and pursuing their dreams. By doing so, Nigeria can regain its soccer glory and become a force to reckon with in international competitions.
The event, which included a family worship session, a Widows Prayer, Worship Conference, and a visit to an orphanage, was organized by Nwuche's associates to celebrate his 65th birthday. The novelty football match was a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting community and friendship. Nwuche's message resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the need for collective action to revive Nigeria's sports sector.
Key points
- Nwuche urges Nigeria to overhaul its sports administration to regain soccer glory.
- He advocates for merit-based appointments and avoidance of corruption in football management.
- Nwuche suggests appointing international stars as Ministers to help move Nigerian football forward.
