By Jude Atupulazi
Despite losing in the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, held in Ivory Coast to the host nation, Ivory Coast, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, has urged the Nigerian team, known as the Super Eagles, to remain focused and prepare for future competitions, noting that it is not the end of the world.
Ubah, who was in Cote D’Ivoire last Sunday and who congratulated the winners of the 2023 AFCON Tournament, Cote D’Ivoire, for their victory over their Nigerian counterparts, proffered some solutions on how to improve sports, especially football, in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by himself, Ubah enjoined the Super Eagles of Nigeria to remain focused, especially as they prepared for their next World Cup qualifier which will be played in South Africa in June; noting that the future of the Super Eagles was brighter.
The Senator said, ‘On Sunday, February 11, 2024, I was in Abidjan with the Nigerian Vice-President, Kashim Shettima; distinguished colleagues and other notable personalities, to support our Super Eagles at the final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
‘Even though they lost to Cote d’Voire, I commend them for doing their best to reach the finals. Football is a game of love and in every match or tournament, a winner must emerge.
‘The event afforded me the opportunity to meet with old friends and international football officials which made me reflect on what we can do as public officials to develop our football industry and sports sector.
‘I am confident that our nation’s executive and legislative arms will work together to invest more in these critical sectors. Building and renovating more stadiums, training facilities and youth development centres will attract more talents and provide better training opportunities for our players,’ Uba said, while also expressing the belief that the result of the match would motivate government and relevant stakeholders to invest more in youth academies and grassroots football programmes.
‘By identifying and nurturing young talent from a young age, we can ensure a steady supply of skilled players for our national teams. This also includes providing coaching and education programmes to develop not only their football skills but also their personal and academic growth.
‘We should also prioritize the development of coaching and refereeing. By providing training and certification programmes for coaches and referees, we can improve the overall quality of our football matches. This will also help in the development of local talent and ensure fair play in our leagues.
‘In the spirit of sportsmanship, I will like to once again congratulate Cote d’Ivoire for emerging as African champions. Our Super Eagles should remain focused, especially as they prepare for their next World Cup qualifier which will be played in South Africa in June. The future will be brighter,’ Ubah assured.
