President, Muhammadu Buhari has said football is Nigeria’s number one sport and will remain an asset to the country.
He stated this when he received the 10-year football development master plan presented by Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Buhari, his regime will resist any attempt to sabotage the development of the sport.
“It is the responsibility of the government to safeguard the sport, which has brought Nigeria many laurels, and treat it as a national asset, just as I expect and demand a higher standard of patriotism, responsibility and commitment from those charged with the administration of our football.” the President stated.
Buhari also called on stakeholders to work together in a constructive and patriotic manner.
“We have seen attempts to disrespect and undermine the institutions supervising our sports. We have seen attempts to subjugate national interest for narrow interest or disrespect the laws of Nigeria. Nigeria will not take lightly any attempt to inflict injury on its football fortunes,” he added.
The President took the opportunity to articulate his expectations for the two-volume report, as he requested the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and the Nigerian Football Federation to begin the implementation in phases.
“Achieving this goal will ensure the desired progress in continental and international competitions”, he said.