*As Minister says he supports Eagles

Nigerian football fans yesterday felt scandalised by statements credited to the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, calling for Nigeria to end her participation in the FIFA World Cup.

Dalung, no stranger to controversies, was quoted as saying on Voice of America (Hausa Service) that the FIFA World Cup process is corrupt and therefore it was a waste of money to send a team when a vast majority of Nigerians are hungry.

Eddington Kujebola, a pioneer of female football in Nigeria, said yesterday during a chat that it was unfortunate such statements could be credited to Nigeria’s number one sportsman, adding that it was unthinkable that any government should contemplate pulling its team out of the World Cup.

“It is unfortunate such statements are being credited to the man who is supposed to know better.

SOLOMON DALUNG

“Football tends to unite the country, saying that we shouldn’t participate in the World Cup because the process is corrupt is something that will not augur well for this nation.

“We are talking about developing sports so that more youths will be gainfully engaged. It is unthinkable that we should do something that will be inimical to youth development.

Besides, Nigeria showing its presence will propagate the image of the country. The whole world will know that for us it is not about crime, terrorism and other vices,” Kujebola argued.

However, Dalung, reacting yesterday through his media aide, did not deny speaking to VOA but said the statements credited to him were mischievous and intended to perpetrate hatred and discord in the sector.

“I was personally in Uyo in Akwa Ibom to support the Super Eagles to victory. I was in Zambia when they thrashed their hosts 3-1. I went to visit the players in camp in Abuja before they left for Uyo. If I do not wish the team to be at the World Cup in Russia then why am I giving them all the support they need,” Dalung said.

He called on good spirited Nigerians to continue to support sportsmen and women in the country who also double as nation builders and role models to Nigerian youths.

“Football is not just a game but a business. It is an enterprise which could fetch earnings for the country and gainfully employ Nigerian youths at home and abroad. It has no religion and tribe therefore it fosters national integration and unity.

“We are committed to pursuing those programmes that will build our youths especially sports. I urge Sportsmen and women in the country to remain focused and pursue your passion with selflessness because great people in human history have only been remembered by what they stand for and what they were able to do for humanity.

“We will continue to support you in your endeavors where government is needed and will also reward you accordingly in success,” the minister said.