Sports
Enugu's N30m sports complex open
Another significant chapter was written into Nigerian sports with the official commission- ing in Enugu of the celebrated Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.An estimated 50,000 spectators, including an array of eminent personalities representing both public and private sectors, were on hand to see Chief of Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, conduct the formal commissioning of the N30 million edifice, and bring to an end the crisis that had bedevilled the eight-year-old project.
An obviously delighted Chief of General Staff readily reiterated investment in sports as a standing federal government policy, and stressed the need for decentralisation of sporting facilities all over the federation. But he was quick to point out inadequate financial resources as a major factor retarding meaning- ful sports development in the country.
Commodore Ukiwe paid glowing tribute to the endless list of personalities "who have made the dream of constructing this arena came true," and conferred singular distinction on Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, whom he referred to as a colossus of the magnificent past.
Dr Azikiwe climaxed the day's occasion by taking the kick-off of a special international friendly football match in which Enugu Rangers defeated visiting City CLub of Lusaka 2-0.
Injuries plague African champions
Cameroon, defending African Nations Cup champions, approach Cairo '86 in March with a list of injured men that would have dampened the morale of a lesser soccer nation preparing for the 15th edition of the continental cup.Revealing this was the captain of the Lions Indomitables, Emmanuel Kunde, at the lounge of the Ikoyi Hotel, as the younger players enthused over the the 2-0 win against the Nigerian league titlist, New Nigeria Bank.
"Among the home-based players who were in the Ivory Coast '84, only Sinkot and myself are still in the team. Doumbe, Lea, who played in the central defence quit the game last season," he narrated.
On the injury roll is Rere Ndjeya, who perforated the Green Eagles defence with the powerful free kick in the last Nations Cup Final. Although the splendid midfielder went for treatment in France, the injury has not fully healed.
Enrest Ebongue, scorer of the rib-breaking third goal against Nigeria, was also at Saint- Etiene, France, for treatment of his thigh tear. His powerful running style which would have been substituted by Jean Nguea, would be missed since Nguea retired from the national side after the World Cup setback against Zambia last year.
• Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium opening recently was marked with a friendly international football match between Enugu Rangers and City of Lusaka FC. Here the Owelle of Onitsha, after whom the stadium was named, takes the kick off.
Footballers rap governing body
The Professional Football Federation of Nigeria (PFFN) has spoken against the transfer fees being charged by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), from teams signing players from other clubs.At the end of a meeting held in Lagos, two executive members of the federation accused the NFA of running professional football under the guise of making laws governing amateur football.
According to Mr Femi Olukanmi, there is no justification for the NFA to demand transfer fees under the pretence of checking the movement of players from clubs.
"There is no moral and legal justification for the NFA which is placed with the duty of running football to use techniques of professionalism. We are made to understand that the NFA is running amateur sport but there is nowhere in their books that says transfer fees should be paid by clubs except they incorporate it at the full council meeting in Benin.'
10 to feature in Afro-British match
The number of team players participating in the annual Benson and Hedges International Golf Championships between West Africa and Great Britain has been increased from eight to 10, a spokesman for the sponsors, Nigerian Tobacco Company, said in Lagos. Addressing a news conference, spokesman, Mr Wale Osiyemi, said that all the 10 members of each team would participate fully in the contest unlike in the past when two players were in the reserve. A player is entitled to the same prize money as the rest of the team even if he did not play at all.Ghana soccer was a flop
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana President, Oheneba Charles, remarked that the year 1985 was particularly bad for Ghana soccer and the fact that his association for once did not deem it fit to award the "footballer of the year" title to anyone "sums up SWAG's disappointment."Delivering his welcome address at the SWAG's Awards Dance the SWAG President said the year 1983 was one hell of a year every Ghanaian would like to forget because of the untold hardships Ghanaians went through.
He said he had been compelled to refer to that year to underline the importance of sports, particularly soccer, to Ghanaians. He hoped those who have been entrusted with the administration, organisation and development of football would appreciate that their performances would either bring happiness or sadness to the people of this football-crazy country.
Oheneba Charles cautioned that the ambitious four-year development plan of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) might without adequate financial and administrative support end up "as a mere beautiful dream."
He said for the twice successful defence of his world boxing council featherweight title, Azumah Nelson deserves a special place in the heart of every Ghanaian.
The SWAG President hoped the youth of Ghana and indeed Africa would emulate Azumah's courage, hard work, perseverance and the dedication to his chosen field of sports.
