Scholastic Handshake: …As disappointed Falconets go away very empty handed

The Falconets who returned from Germany where they were engaged in the expedition to honour Nigeria at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup arrived to the end of a rough deal yesterday night at the Presidential Villa where all they got for their efforts in reaching the final was a promise of scholarship. Received, with a sumptuous late dinner, by the First Lady of the country, Her Excellency Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, the girls were looking askance as they found out all they were going to get was scholarship to the university level, which many of them do not know if they were going to be able to make use of.

Expecting the occasion to be the night to herald an arrival of sorts for them, the girls seem lost in thought when the question of happiness was thrown at them last night after the dining had ended.

Every one of them talked to asked for anonymity, and none had a pleasant word for the Federal Government; one said: “Must it be the wife of the president to receive us because we are females? I’m sure if the Super Eagles had got to the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa, they would have been met by the president.”

Another asked: “Are you sure this is the end of it? Are they saying I should put my training aside now and concentrate on gaining admission to school. Didn’t anybody tell them that to even continue in this game after attaining this level that we need money to buy our equipments?“

Rather than address the welfare of the girls post their near complete success after the World Cup, the Nigeria Football Federation was busy with the political side of the game with the NFF Acting President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari using the whole night to put the lie on reports that the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission were interfering with the day-to-day management and administration of football in the country.

Speaking at the reception organised for the Falconet at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Tuesday night by the First Lady Her Excellency Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, Maigari said the present administration at the NFF has been receiving tremendous support from the Government and has nothing to complain about. The Nigerian team won the silver medal at the just concluded FIFA U-20 World Cup. They lost 2-0 to host Germany in the final.

Maigari said of his non-interference campaign: ‘‘Contrary to assertions and impression in some quarters, the Government has not been meddling in the day-to-day running of Nigeria football.  Instead, what we have been receiving is support, co-operation and valuable advice where necessary. We wish to assure the Government that we have nothing to complain about.    We are in close collaboration with Government on all matters and this is good for the overall benefit of the game.’’

Maigari went on o commend the First Lady for her support, which he said had helped the team in so many ways to become the first Africa team to play in the final of a FIFA organized football championship. The NFF president also commend Her Excellency, Hajiya Amina Sambo, wife of the Vice President and the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Hon. Ibrahim Isa Bio

‘‘The Honourable Minister deserves plaudits for the way he has brilliantly overseen the sports terrain since coming into office.  We commend him for this constant support and understanding.  We equally praise the efforts of the Director General, NSC, Chief Patrick Ekeji and Director of the NSC toward development of football in Nigeria.’’ Conclude Maigari

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Posted: at 6-08-2010 04:11 PM (13 years ago) | Addicted Hero

its not fair,2moro wen these girls wil b shinin in another country they wil be begging them to come home.infact i hate dis country,dey dont appreciate anything at all.they are busy looking for their own pocket no more no less,they dont care about any other thing except their pocket.anyway,na only God go repay them.

Posted: at 6-08-2010 07:38 PM (13 years ago) | Upcoming

Thats it my brother!

Posted: at 7-08-2010 06:43 AM (13 years ago) | Upcoming

When I first heard this I was shocked. This is injustice! How dare the government do such thing? Dem wan tell me say dem no know say these girls don old pass this? I mean what is education worth unless you are well connected, or have God's favour? Is the labour of heroes not going in vain? So pissed off! What a country!

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Posted: at 7-08-2010 01:36 PM (13 years ago) | Upcoming

yes yes you girl really try well well  is not easy i really appreciate you all.

Posted: at 7-08-2010 05:26 PM (13 years ago) | Newbie

THE PRESIDENT DID NOT REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE BEEN MONETISED BOTH SUCCESS AND FAILURE. MAYBE THE PRESIDENTIAL MONETARY HANDSHAKE WILL COME WITH SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET BUT LET THEM MANAGE THE TOM-TOM HANDSHAKE. ANOTHER LABOUR OF OUR HEROINS GOING IN VAIN

Posted: at 8-08-2010 12:55 AM (13 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Education is the best legacy to impact on children.I think it`s a right step.They can still play pro football and as well educate themselves.
Kudos to the fed.govt.

Posted: at 8-08-2010 07:29 PM (13 years ago) | Newbie

me too

Posted: at 9-08-2010 12:49 PM (13 years ago) | Gistmaniac

i don hear

Posted: at 3-09-2015 11:17 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac