A delegation of the Nigeria MiniFootball Association has paid a courtesy visit to the National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko to seek for support and partnership on the development of the sports.
MiniFootball is an exciting 6-aside sports with it’s own international body; World Mini-Football Federation.
The 7-man delegation led by Alhaji Umar Yusuf Datti was received by the NSC chairman Shehu Dikko during the significant visit to his office in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, National Secretary -General David Adewoye who introduced MiniFootball to the world body in 2018 appreciated Mallam Dikko for his recognition of the sports.
He revealed some of the strides the Association has made at the international level despite some challenges.
“Super Spartan Eagles of Nigeria qualified again to participate at the 4th edition of WMF in Ras Al Khamair, UAE, but due to travel restrictions between Nigeria and UAE, it was also an aborted trip.
South Africa hosted the 3rd edition of AMC Nations Cup, we struggled through the support of some members of the Association to camp the national team players and prepare, but we also had issue with visa procurement.
Since Nigeria joined both WMF and AMC we ensured we pay our affiliation fees every year to the governing bodies to maintain our membership. With support of some of our members.”
Nigeria’s participation at the maiden African MiniFootball Nations Cup held in Tripoli, Libya last December where the country qualified and for the WMF World Cup.
Paucity of funds has however, been a challenge in making more inroads into different levels of developing the sports.
“We seek the Commission to support Nigeria Minifootball Association to ensure our National Teams at all categories are well represented at various competitions both in Africa and across globe.”
He appealed for the inclusion of MiniFootball in the National Sports Festival and the development is a MiniFootball League.
The NSC Chairman in his response appreciated and congratulated the General Secretary who also the one that brought the sport to Nigeria and the delegates that represented the Association.
He encouraged the Association to ensure the Nigeria Football Federation to be part of the system because It’s the governing body of football in Nigeria. He further reiterated to have proper platform so as to be able to strengthen Minifootball and the Association is assured of the commission hands of fellowship.
He emphasised that the association is absolutely on the right path and it has the support of National Sports Commission.
‘As soon as Nigeria Football Federation shows their interest, National Sports Commission will give the Nigeria Minifootball Association the full support.’
He confirmed the importance of 6-aside football as he was the first to organise it years back in Abuja and gained a whole lot of momentum. He congratulated the NMA and assured us of NSC support.
Other members of the delegation are; Chief Victor Apugo(Abia State Delegate), Amb. Paul Chukwudi Maduakor(Anambra State Delegate), Chief Agu Chukweuemelie Lambert, (Enugu State Delegate), Amb. Sheriff Mulade (Delta State Delegate), Fabian Edaba(National Team Coach).
Nigeria will be participating at the 4th edition of AMC Nations Cup with 16 national teams. Nigeria placed in Group D alongside Guinea, Mauritania, and Burkina Fasso. The competition will start from 16th to 25th April 2025 in Derna, Libya.
The Association is also working on the possibility to have its National Championship this year.
