The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, attributes Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Côte d’Ivoire, to the concerted efforts and determination of all stakeholders in Nigerian football.
Senator Enoh acknowledges the significant strides made but emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to elevate Nigerian football both on the continent and globally. He stresses the importance of nurturing local football, particularly by enhancing the Nigerian league, and highlights increased funding as essential for overall sports development.
Reflecting on the AFCON success, Senator Enoh credits various factors, including the leadership’s commitment to clearing outstanding payments for the national team. He emphasizes the role played by the Ministry, the NFF, and the support of Nigerians in achieving success at the tournament.
Looking ahead, Senator Enoh outlines the goals of ensuring qualification for the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup while addressing other issues within Nigerian football. He emphasizes the importance of sorting out coaching structures and boosting the competitiveness of local football to attract foreign-based players.
Senator Enoh underscores the significance of investments from both corporate entities and individuals in Nigerian sports for sustained growth and success. He highlights the need to view sports as a business and discusses initiatives such as the National Sports Industry Policy and funding models aimed at making sports funding more sustainable.
In conclusion, Senator Enoh emphasizes the importance of addressing the fundamentals of sports administration and collaborating with the private sector to overcome funding challenges and ensure the continued development of Nigerian sports.
