Veteran Coach, Godfrey Esu says he’s yet to overcome the shock of Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup, saying; that it is a sign that all is not well with Nigerian football. The Mundial will kick off on November 20- December 18 with five African countries namely; Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco and Tunisia representing the continent. Esu told The Catholic Herald Sports that it’s unfortunate that Nigeria will not be among the 32 teams eyeing the World Cup in Qatar which he believes will have a negative effect on the country’s football development and ranking by the world body. “It’s quite unfortunate that we’ll be missing the aura associated with the World Cup. When you look around the country, you will discover that nobody is discussing the competition which will kick off in few weeks time. “Assuming we’re going to Qatar, by now you will be feeling the impact every where and a lot of discussions will be going on with stickers, T-shirts and souvenirs being sold everywhere but now nobody is doing that which is regrettable.

According to Esu who handled many clubsides including Julius Berger, Enyimba, Shooting Stars, Gateway, Bendel Insurance and Crown Fc of Ogbomoso amongst others, there is need for the NFF to put their house in order and ensure that qualification matches for future international competitions are not handled with kid gloves. “I think the inability of Nigeria to qualify for this year’s World Cup will serve as a very big lesson to our football administrators. This is the time to build a strong national team that will be capable of holding their own in the continent because there are no more minnows in African Football. “But to get it right, we must avoid god fatherism in team selection. The country boosts of talented players who’re doing well in their various clubsides and all that’s needed is to invite the best among them who must be playing regularly for their clubs without also not neglecting players in the domestic league because many of them are good and ready to put in their best in the national colors,” he concluded.

New Lagos State Coaches Association boss harps on unity

The Campos Mini- Stadium, Lagos was in an electrifying state last week when Coaches from different parts of Lagos converged there for the official inauguration of new executive of the Lagos State Football Coaches Association. Speaking at the well attended event, the newly elected chairman, Hassan Tairu Adewale, promised that he will run an all inclusive government just as he charged all the coaches to close ranks and work in unity to enable the association achieve its goals. According to him, he will soon set up a reconciliation committee to be headed by himself which will visit all the zones to reconcile agrieved members positing that his administration will take welfare of members serious. “This is a new dispensation and we will carry everybody along in all our activities because I believe that with unity of purpose, we shall surmount all our difficulties. “Part of my plan is to set up a reconciliation committee to be headed by my humble self to interact with all our aggrived members and make sure we bring them back to our fold. We shall also visit all the zones and talk to coaches who are yet to register with our association on the benefits they’ll get by being part of us.

“Welfare of members must also be taken care of by my administration while plans are underway to have an insurance policy for members while the issue of refresher courses and seminars will be pursued vigorously to keep coaches and football managers abreast of the most modern rules and techniques of the game. He was particularly happy that one of them, Bankole Olowookere, the Flamingos coach did Nigeria proud in India by winning the bronze medal at the FIFA Women U-17 World Cup noting that if given the opportunity, Lagos State Coaches are capable of winning laurels for the country with the various national teams. Adewale, however appealed to corporate organisations to partner with his association in order to help them achieve his noble ideas aimed at improving the fortunes of his members. In his remarks Counsel of the association, Barrister. Muyiwa Adetunji advised them on legal issues concerning sports even as he spoke of the need for various clubsides and football academies to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the state Football Association which he says will be of immense benefit to them.

The executive members includes; Raymond Akalugbo 1st vice-chairman, Adeleke Ibiyemi 2nd vice-chairman, Andrew Inaboya 3rd vice-chairman, Rasheed Suleiman, General Secretary and Charles Warri, Assistant Secretary. Others are; Oluwafemi Afolayan, treasurer, Attam Umoette, Financial Secretary, Ganiyat Adegbemi, social secretary, Michael Adeboye, welfare officer and Adejare Adewale, Provost. Also in the exco are: Cosmas Ubani, PRO, Alfred Kosi, training officer and Dr. Osondu Martins, Ex- officio while Charles Ibeh and Michael Adebayo will serve as auditors. Highlight of the inauguration was a novelty football match between the association and Nollywood football team.

Anambra FA boss, Iloenyosi lifts Enugu All Stars

Anambra FA chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi last week paid a surprise visit to Enugu All Stars where he donated N.1m to the club. Iloenyosi while commending the ex football stars for remaining active even in retirement charged them to also get involved in the politics of the game. He noted that he had to face several challenges before emerging the chairman of Anambra FA, a position which he said he intends to use to turn around the round leather game in the state. In his words…”All Stars!!!! I am happy to be in your midst. This is a body of men that I looked up to while growing up. Many that I played alongside and against. Indeed this club is blessed. I was brought up here in Enugu so my connection to 042 is eternal. By God’s grace for the first time I am standing before you as the Anambra FA Chairman.

The journey was not easy but if God is for you, no mortal man can be against you. I encourage us all to get involved in the politics of the game so that we the former actors of this professional can drive positive conversation. I wish you all luck.” The Chairman of the club, Olisa Onuchukwu thanked Iloenyosi for his kind words and donation as he assured him of the club’s support anytime, any day. Present at the gathering were the Cream D’la cream of football from years gone by. The Captain of the 1980 AFCON winning side, Chairman Christian Chukwu, another member of that team Stanley Okoronkwo. Others include Ifeanyi Onyedika, Joseph Nwafor Epele, Francis Nwosu (German War) and Emeka Nwobodo.