We’re joking with our sports development -Prof Ken Anugweje
By Ifeanyi Eduzor
Head of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission of Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN), Prof. Ken Anugweje has expressed concern on the dwindling fortune of the country’s sports, noting that we’re joking with our sports development.
Anugweje, a former Nigeria University Games (NUGA) President stated this in an exclusive interview with newstap.com.ng at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo shortly after the 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar
According to the Director of Sports University of Port Harcourt , it’s unfortunate that while other countries are busy developing their sports, we have allowed the sector to deteriorate, with many sporting facilities abandoned, grassroots development neglected and athletes welfare being toiled with.
“The level of neglect the sports sector is facing in this country is quite alarming. Most of the stadias are in deplorable condition and our administrators are not paying serious attention to grassroots sports development which is the bedrock of sports development globally and to worsen the situation, athletes welfare are nothing to write home about”, lamented.Anugweje who was an ace footballer in his hey days
“When you go to countries like Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Senegal and even the little Island nation of Cape Verde, you’ll marvel at how they have transformed their sports sector. And while they’re doing this and getting results, we’re joking with our own and playing politics with it.
The was of the view that with the level of neglect the sector is facing,very soon Nigeria will stop qualifying for anything from football to other sports just as he called on relevant authorities to do something urgent about the situation.
” When you take a critical look at our sports, starting from football to all other sports, you’ll agree with me that we are losing grip of everything.
” The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the world cup back-to-back and even in women football where we are masters of the game in Africa, Super Falcons failed to book a ticket to the World Cup.
” At the last Commonwealth Games, we performed poorly and could not even win a bronze in boxing which we has always fetched us medals at previous Commonwealth Games, yet the administrators are busy deceiving Nigerians that we had a good outing.
“Even at the AFCON 2027 qualifying match against Madagascar, we struggled against the Indian Ocean Island nation and with these poor results, one will be tempted to ask what’s really happening.
“You will notice that with our recent poor results, especially in football, countries who we normally beat by wide goal margins, are no longer afraid playing Nigeria. And we even struggle against them which is evidence of the deterioration the country’s football has suffered”, concludes the immediate past president of NUGA
