President Muhammadu Buhari has said football remains the number one sport in Nigeria and a national asset.
According to the president, his administration will resist any attempt to undermine its development.
Mr Buhari stated this when he received the 10-year Football Development Masterplan submitted by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday in Abuja.
While describing football as “our passion and a major tool for unity,” the president affirmed, “It is the responsibility of the government to safeguard the sport, which has brought Nigeria many laurels and treat it as a national asset.
“Indeed, just as I expect and demand a higher standard of patriotism, responsibility, and commitment from those charged with the administration of our football.”
Mr Buhari also urged all concerned parties to work together constructively and patriotically.
“We have seen attempts to disrespect and undermine the institutions supervising our sports. We have seen attempts to subjugate national interest for narrow interest or disrespect the laws of Nigeria. Nigeria will not take lightly any attempt to inflict injury on its football fortunes,” he added.
The president used the occasion to spell out his expectations from the two-volume report.
He directed the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to commence its implementation in phases.
The president said this should be carried out within…
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