The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, performed the groundbreaking to signal the commencement of work on the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new Training Pitches located inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Eminent personalities in the political, business and football sectors graced the event as the NFF in partnership began the transformational project.
Hon. Tajudeen Abbas expressed his delight at the privilege to cut the tape, while also promising that the National Assembly will support the project.
He said: “This is a noble project and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project.”
Lead of the FIFA team, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) said FIFA was happy to provide funds for the project as infrastructure development is at the heart of FIFA’s vision since the coming into office of President Gianni Infantino.
Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau was excited about the commencement of the project, stating that the facilities will serve all the various national teams.
He said: “Indeed, my joy knows no bounds as this is one of the projects that I was determined to push with my Executive Committee to bequeath as a legacy to Nigeria football, right from the day we were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022.
“For sustained success, it is imperative for us to provide the conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment and support systems that will allow the players and officials to give their very best at all times, and compete favourably at the highest level…building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches, that can serve the national teams, leagues and academies.
“It will not only enhance team management, it will surely reduce expenditure in these areas and enable us to commit more funds to grassroots development programs.”
The Ambassador of UAE to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Ali Shamsi attended, as well as former sports minister, Senator John Owan Enoh (now Minister of State for Industry);
NFF 2nd VP Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Executive Committee members Yusuf Ahmed, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Babagana Kalli, Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Aisha Falode, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Margaret Icheen, Ali Silas Agara, Nse Essien, George Aluo and Timothy Magaji and; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
Former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun was present, with FIFA officials Hadj Diop and Nataniel Nascimento Brito; NFF congressmen Mohammed Mouktar and Faisal Abdullahi and; legends Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Precious Dede and Stella Mbachu.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, the Ambassador of Morocco to Nigeria and the Chairman of the House of Reps’ Committee on Sports were represented.
Abass Performs Groundbreaking Ceremony For Super Eagles Hostel, Training Pitches is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
