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Nigeria @ 56: Ebunam predicts gloomy future for sports

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As Nigeria turns 56 years on Oct. 1, former Rangers International FC of Enugu midfielder, Arthur Ebunam, has predicted a gloomy future for sports.

Ebunam said on Wednesday in Enugu while reflecting on sports development that “there is no foreseeable sound future for sports in the country for now’’.

He said that at 56 years Nigeria was still living in its past glory as far as sports development and achievements were concerned.

Ebunam said that the backwardness in the sports sector was worrisome to veteran professional sportsmen and women.

Ebunam, formerly the Special Adviser to Anambra State Government on Sports Development, said that virtually all the sports association had abandoned the torturous path of talent discovery and grooming.

“The 2016 Olympic Games clearly exposed our ineptitude to the whole world.

“And we ended up with a dismal performance after much noise making both in the local and international media.

“In a country of about 170 million people, we went to the Olympics with 70 per cent of over-aged and worn-out athletes whereas we have abundant sports talents roaming the streets.

“Where did we get it wrong? We got it wrong by abandoning the torturous path of talent discovery and grooming which is the hallmark of contemporary sports.

“When last did we conduct the National Sports Festival where athletes coming from the localities and secondary schools are easily picked up in their raw, teachable and bendable form?

“It boils down to the point of going back to the drawing board to get things right.

“We need athletes that have the passion to achieve something in life notwithstanding the pain and sacrifice which follow such successes,’’ he said.

Ebunam berated the current ineptitude among lead sports administrators in the country.

He said that their attitudes were demoralising to athletes and sports in general.

“The attitude of some top placed sports administrators remains nothing to write home about.

“At times, you wonder whether they are there to see to the total collapse of sports and every other activity that make Nigerians happy,’’ the former Flying Eagles midfielder said.

On Rangers FC feat this football season, Ebunam lauded the players, technical crew and managers of the team for a brilliant finish to the 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

“I am happy that they will break the jinx of trophy drought after 32 years of struggles.

“I congratulate them for their fighting spirit all these years,’’ the Chairman of ex-Rangers Footballers Association said.

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