…as FIFA backs project with N9bn
Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The world football governing body, FIFA as part of its developmental projects in member countries around the globe, has started the construction of a befitting hostel for the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons.
The Hostel project is costing FIFA the sum of $6million dollars (about N9 billion) and is expected to be completed within two years.
The project which is located at the Package ‘B’ of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja will also have two new training pitches, one synthetic and the other a natural grass for the players.
Speaking at the occasion, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau described the construction of the hostel as his legacy project which he conceptualized from his first day in office.
Gusau who spoke during the ground-breaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel &New Training Pitches said the vision behind the proposed hostel is to free the NFF of the humongous expenses it usually incurred in accommodating the different national teams.
He said once completed, the Federation will direct the huge amount spent on players accommodations on other critical areas, such as nurturing local football talent and bolstering the overall infrastructure of Nigerian football.
“At only the second meeting of the Executive Committee chaired by me, the proposal was tabled to my colleagues, and the board unanimously endorsed the proposal that the residual funds from the FIFA Forward 2:0 and the proposed funds from the incipient FIFA Forward 3:0 be utilized for the construction of two football pitches (one natural turf and one synthetic turf) for use by the teams at the Goal Project section of Package ‘B’ of the MKO Abiola National Stadium “.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko said the project is a dream come true for him.
Dikko who recalled his efforts in attracting the first FIFA Goal Project in Nigeria in 2003 further revealed that then as the project consultant, he worked for the approval of the land for the location of the FIFA projects.
“I’m happy that what we started long ago is coming is coming to fruition. I congratulate the NFF for being intentional in getting the hostel built and I am happy that the project is coming at the right time because we now have a new thinking in sports”.
Dikko added that the country needs more pitches and event centers. The project is in line with that new thinking, adding that it’s the first time the country is having a clear investment plan for sports.
Earlier in his address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas who unavailed the groundbreaking ceremony, said the occasion is a historic one for the country’s sports.
“History is about to be made. For the first time, the sports sector will get a big boost from FIFA and other stakeholders through the intervention of the sports ministry of the NSC and the NFF were able to facilitate this very important project.
“It is a project that will have far-reaching effects for the sports development of this country in terms of expectations, saving cost, revenue and at the same time enhance efficiency.
“I want to categorically make it clear that the National Assembly, particularly, the House of Representatives, is very happy with this initiative, the project and we will collaborate in ensuring that the project is completed in good time. We are ready to give all the additional support required to ensure that funds are released ask and when due”.
The speaker also gave his commitment that the House is ready to look at other areas that are not captured by the initiative to give its support to sports development.
