Myckie Chukwuebuka
The MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Bukola Olopade has described the decision of CAF giving the hosting right of the CAF Confederation Cup finals to Uyo Nigeria as a show of faith and vote of confidence on the Nigerian football federation, Minister of Sports and Nigeria as a country.
“I want to appreciate the Federal government, the Honorable Minister for Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick for bringing the finals to Nigeria and Uyo in particular. I have always said that as a Nation and a people, we need more global events to be brought to Nigeria, so that the economic effect will be felt by the groundnut seller on the street talk less of the aviation sector, the oil and gas industry and the banking industry. Every industry will be touched by the event in Uyo today. So it is huge.”
“You talked about branding, the amount of positive image this final brings to Nigeria cannot be measured. CAF has entrusted this huge final to be played on neutral ground, speaks volume of the level of trust they have in us as a Nation to deliver a befitting finals in Uyo. It is a big vote of confidence being given to the Nigerian Football Federation, the minister for Youth and Sports and Nigeria in general. It is a huge one for our country.”
The Former commissioner for Sports in Ogun state appreciated the glass house for the giant strides recorded in Nigerian football since the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World cup in March.
“I am glad Michael that you remembered our conversation after we escaped the melee in Abuja. I mentioned that we look beyond Super Eagles and give attention as well to other National teams and more so grassroot football. The Flying Eagles with Bosso are flying in Niger Republic defeating and preventing Ghana from participating in the U-20 Cup of Nations and world cup is a soothing balm. One thing that has stood out for me is the funding for both the NPFL and NWPL. When you look at the Super 6 in Benin and what Aisha and her team has done, you will agree with me that there is an up word improvement in the way our football is being ran. We can’t get better over night but gradually, the signs are there.”
“It is a travesty of justice that people don’t recognize the fact that women aspect of football has virtually qualified for everything and I am sure that today that our girls will defeat the Ethiopians. It is only when you get it right at home that you can showcase that away from home. I congratulate the NFF for this. Football shouldn’t be the about the Super Eagles of Nigeria alone. That’s the way to go.”
The CAF Confederation Cup finals between R.S Berkane of Morocco and Orlando Pirates of South Africa will take place today in Uyo Akwa Ibom state capital. It will happen by 8pm.
