By Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
The Minister of Sports and Youth Development Sunday Dare, has applauded the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for toeing the path of merit and competence in the selection of coaches for the age-grade National Teams, in tandem with the Ministry.
The Minister who was speaking when he hosted the victorious Eaglets and their officials at the the WAFU B U17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana.
He gave credit to the NFF for implementing the cardinal principles that they had agreed at meetings on youth football development that the emphasis be on merit and competence which has started to bear fruits.
According to the Minister, the U17 and U20 girls have qualified for their FIFA World Cup competitions and the U17 and U20 boys have also won regional tournaments with promises of what can be looked forward to at their African championships next year.
The Minister promised that the ministry’s focus on grassroots development in all sports will continue and charged them to remain focused for the continental championship in order to get the ticket to the World Cup saying they must stay humble, hardworking and obedient to their coaches.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar had reminded the players that they must not allow distractions from all manner of agents and player-managers, to detar them from their goals and charged them to be dedicated to improving their craft with temperance, endurance and a level headedness.
Other speakers including the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusion among others hailed the event saying it would encourage the players bring home more laurels
