Kwara monarch urges Nigerian football stakeholders to ensure stability in sector
Football
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, July 19, 2019 (NAN) The Elerin of Erin-Ile in Kwara, Abdul Ganiyu Ajibola, on Friday urged Nigerian football stakeholders to ensure the stability of football activities in the country.
Ajibola, while receiving in Erin-Ile a delegation of the Kwara Football Association, said there was the need for peace to reign in the sector if progress was to be made.
While congratulating the new Kwara FA board, the monarch advised the members and other stakeholders to see the development of the industry in the state and nation as their ultimate goal.
“You should strive to achieve this, and ensure you disregard selfish interests or gains,’’ he said.
Ajibola emphasised the need for the FA to address internal problems without government interference.
He pointed out that Nigerian football had been dwindling in recent years, especially at the local level, due to lack of understanding and poor administration.
“I remember that sometime ago I bought some trophies to help support a football event.
“But I I later discovered that the players participating in the championship were unsportsmanly, after resulting to hooliganism to disrupt the game. So, I had to withdraw my trophies
to avoid conflicts in the community.
“This is not just about my community. This is something that has been happening across the country and it boils down to the administrators who should sensitise all of those in football, starting from the grass roots, to the need to avoid negative acts,’’ the Elerin said.
The traditional ruler was later presented with a giant trophy and jerseys by the association for the upcoming state Governor’s Cup competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition will involve teams from all the 16 local government areas of the state.(NAN)
OOH/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)