Due to the deplorable state of the Abuja National Stadium, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has disclosed that Port Harcourt may probably host the Super Eagles’ international friendly game against DR Congo. Dalung who spoke on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the maiden National Grassroots Sports Festival said the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in one of the options been given consideration though the bigwigs have not made up their minds on the choice of final venue .
“If the Abuja National Stadium was not ready at the time, Port Harcourt will be a ready alternative,’’ he said. The Super Eagles will take on their Congolese counterparts next month ahead of the 2018 World Cup finals which begins in June.
The team have so far played friendlies against Serbia and Poland where they lost 0-2 and won by a lone goal respectively. Meanwhile, Dalung, has opine that young talents would salvage Nigeria’s sports industry. Dalung said this while addressing athletes at the opening ceremony of the maiden Under-18 National Grassroots Sports Festival.
The minister, however, urged the youths to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, shun doping and work hard to ensure a place at the world stage. “Young people are the only hope we have to salvage our sports industry. “You should use every opportunity you have to showcase your talents, work hard and shun doping, as the world awaits you.
“We believe in you and we are proud of you,’’ he said. The minister congratulated the organisers of the event for their patriotic contribution in creating a platform to keep youths busy and discover talents. “This is the kind of service we expect from Nigerians, and not to sit down and criticise. The government, we know, cannot run sports alone,’’ he said.
