Nigeria: Fashola Leads All-Stars to Victory, Backs NFF

12 June 2011

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on Saturday set aside his official duties to take to the football field where he piloted his side to victory in the much-publicised Nwankwo Kanu Testimonial Football Match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, in which he showed scintillating skills to the delight of the fairly large crowd at the stadium, which also included Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha.

Although the governor did not score, he was instrumental in the build up to his side’s first goal which was scored by none other than Kanu, who ended up getting a brace. Kalu Uche scored the third goal as the ‘Super Eagles All-Stars’ won the match 3-1. Emmanuel Adebayor scored the ‘visiting’ team’s consolatory goal.

The fans were treated to some exiting moments as many of the old stars rolled back the years to show the stuff that made them the darlings of millions of Nigerian football fans.

Peter Rufai still showed that current first choice Eagles’ Vincent Enyeama can not rest on his oars as ‘Dodomayana’ pulled off a string of saves before eventually being beaten by a deft Adebayor goal.

Some other former stars who also showed their stuff included Jay Jay Okocha, who got a rousing reception from the fans when he was brought on, Waidi Akani, Uche ‘Gentle Giant’ Okechukwu, Finidi George, Mutiu Adepoju and Peterside Idah.

At the end of the match the combined set of players grouped to give ‘Papilo’ a send off with the fans chanting his name as he jogged around the pitch with his friends and former national team colleagues.

Earlier, Governor Fashola had given his full backing to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in its proven desire to lift Nigerian football to lofty heights in the international arena.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by a delegation of the NFF made up of members of the Executive Committee and Management, at the State House, Marina, Governor Fashola assured the NFF of his best wishes and support.

“Nothing good comes easy, nothing good has ever happened without difficulties, abuse and without insults of all kinds.

“Those of us who find ourselves in positions of leadership must always realise that we would constantly be harassed and face challenges from everywhere. Our actions would always bring cynicism, but once we have clear path and clear vision, we should never renege.

“It is the historic and defining things that we do that would always outlive us. People like Isaac Akioye, Sunday Dankaro and Orok Oyo, and other persons that you know more than myself contributed immensely to Nigeria football and their names would never be forgotten.

“One thing I should urge you people to do is to learn to play the politics of the game and to focus on developmental programmes. Don’t be distracted from your vision and mission by any present difficulties. Nigerians derive a lot of joy from football.

“Being at the top is never a right, you have to work hard to remain there. That is why you must keep working hard to give Nigerians positive results from the game.

“I believe you have the experience, youthfulness and the opportunity to make things happen,” said Fashola.

Earlier, NFF President, Aminu Maigari lauded the much-loved governor for his giant strides, particularly in the development of sporting infrastructure, and the employment of power of football to unite peoples across several dividing lines and borders.

“You are one State Chief Executive who not only believes in the power of football, but has shown in various ways and convincingly too, how the power of football can be employed to energise a population towards positive, meaningful development”.

Also on the delegation were NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, Executive Committee Members, Chris Green, Dr. Shehu Adamu, Alhaji Muazu Suleyman, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf, Mr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, Mr. Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Mr. Deji Tinubu, and NFF Acting General Secretary, Musa Amadu.

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