President meets Minister, demands Football Masterplan

By Albert Akota

President Muhammadu  Buhari on Friday met with the Minister  of Youth  and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare  and the leadership  of the Nigerian football  Federation  at the State House, Abuja where he congratulated Mr. Amaju Pinnick over his election  into Fifa Executive council.

According  to President Buhari”  Let me Congratulate you on the new position  Nigeria has secured in the Fifa Council.  Mr. Amaju Pinnick,  I congratulate  you on your election  victory  and your new position  as the third Nigerian  to secure  such position. I’m  delighted,  I am  sure millions  of Nigerians,  lovers of football  are also delighted.

This position  on the Fifa council will provide benefits.

This position  comes st a time  when Nigeria  is determined  to turn  the fortunes of her sports  Development around through  better infrastructure,  more investment  in both public , private and  government  incentives.

This is why we re- classified  sports from mere recreation  to business.  A new business model will soon be ready. I believe  in the potential of sports  to promote peace, unity and  enhance good health”.

He concluded thus” I want  to see football  develop and move in a more  dynamic  trajectory.  Nigeria needs a football  master plan that will  ensure youth football  development”

In his response,  Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare commended President  Muhammadu Buhari for supporting  the election of Fifa Executive  committee member  Mr. Melvin Amaju Pinnick .

​“ Mr President, we thank you  for Supporting  Amaju’s  election into FIFA Executive committee. Nigeria now has a well-deserved seat at the decision table of one of the greatest sports in the world.

Thank you also  for approving the reclassification of Sports as Business thereby paving the way for a reviewed National Sports Industry Policy. A reviewed national sports industry policy that will give our sports development a business model will soon be ready for presentation to you,  Mr. President,”.

.The Minister  added “ We want to attract necessary investments and provision of proper structures in line with the Federal  Government plan to deliver a new policy. A football development master plan at all levels is been prepared.  We want to use football to fully engage our  talented youth​“.

The Minister  also used the occasion to solicit Support for the National Teams Participation in the Nations Cup and the World Cup  as well as  several qualifiers/friendlies line up for the team.