Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, will consider using the newly renovated Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa State as a base for the national U-17 team, Golden Eaglets, U-15 and U13 teams – to camp and play their matches, the president of the Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has divulged, Completesports.com reports.
Gusau disclosed this while responding to Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule’s request to partner the NFF in the development of football especially at the grassroots and youth levels.
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule who paid a visit to the NFF secretariat emphasized his desire to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation in the aspect of football, to harness the pool of talents that abound in the State for job creation and development.
“I want to congratulate you and the NFF leadership for the wonderful performance of our senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, at the recently concluded 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, as well as the qualification of the Super Eagles for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. We hope to see wonderful results like these in the future,” Governor Sule started.
“But most importantly, I wish to inform you that we have a lot of talent in Nasarawa State. Since I assumed office as Governor, I have been trying my best to bring out those hidden talents, having spent most of my life in the private sector. What we are doing is to catch those talents young which was what necessitated my visit.
“We are seeking your support in this area to ensure that we continue to support our young people to show interest in football because sports is no longer for recreation, but a huge business and this depends on the way you approach it.
“However, for us to get to that level, we have to invest. I am happy to inform you that the investment started with the refurbishing of our stadium which has been completed now.
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“That Stadium was one of the reasons Nasarawa United got relegated when it was undergoing renovation. But now, I am on my feet to ensure that this relegation doesn’t proceed beyond one season because we don’t belong to where we are now; we have to move back to where we belong, which is the top-flight league.”
In his response, the President of the NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, thanked the Governor for the visit. He said the Governor’s act was an indication that he is sincere and passionate about sports and its development in Nasarawa State and the country at large.
“From what you have said, Your Excellency, you have demonstrated that you are always a part of whatever is happening in our sports,” Gusau said.
“I wish to express our profound gratitude for this visit. I am happy to hear that under your dispensation, sports is getting due attention. I am glad to also hear that the Lafia City Stadium is now fully renovated and ready for use.
“What we promised Nigerians in our pre-election manifestoes, we are doing everything humanly possible to achieve them and change the narratives, and this is the only way to attract investors.
“This gesture of Your Excellency shows that you are a part of us. We assure you that we will treat you as our leader, brother and partner in progress, and will continue to seek your vast experience to enable us to succeed, just like we are ready to support you, especially through the development of grassroots football, alliance with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the State and the local Football Association, to achieve your lofty goals for Nasarawa State and Nigeria.
“We have to see how we can use the Lafia stadium as a base for our Under 13, Under-15 and Under-17 boys because it is only when they use that pitch that awareness can be created and the youths are encouraged to be part of the team,” Gusau concluded
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
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COMMENTS
Mr. Gusau, the FALCONETS HAVE A U20 WC QUALIFIER IN LESS THAN 10 DAYS away (so about 2-3 days travel time), and yet NO list of players and NO training so far. Even realizing it’s “only” Mauritius, but hopefully this means the NFF has been informed it will be a walkover. SMDH