19th September, 2011
Following the performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded All Africa Games held in Maputo, Mozambique, Chairman, Nigeria Sports Commission, Yussuf Suleiman, has charged Nigerian coaches to search for young athletes that will represent the country in future international meets.
Suleiman, who was satisfied with the second position Nigeria recorded in Maputo, opined that Nigeria can do well in next year’s Olympic Games if there are regular local sports competitions and sports development programmes.
He said the more Nigeria relies heavily on experienced athletes, the harder it will become for the West Africa country to excel in international sporting competitions.
Suleiman stated that it is high time Nigeria embarked on sports development in order to get fresh legs that will bring laurels to the country.
“We need to concentrate more on other sports apart from football so that we can have good outings in next year’s Olympic Games. We have potentials but the major problem is our inability to discover these talents. Let our coaches intensify their efforts, go back to the grassroots and fish out young talents that can be nurtured to stardom,†he said.
The Sokoto State-born administrator said his ministry is not only concentrating on football, but will also ensure other sports get support from the government.
He said Nigeria has what it takes to compete among the sporting nations like USA in international meets if they are given proper training and are well motivated.
—Sunday Akintoye