Toscad News The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, wants stakeholders to look into sporting activities in secondary schools, to discover athletes that will represent the country at the global.
Chief Dare was speaking at the Paris Africana International School’s Annual Inter-House Sports competition in Abuja.
The Minister explained that Nigeria could become a hub of sports if stakeholders in the sector focused more on talent discovery and grooming through periodic competitions organised in primary and secondary schools.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kola Daniel, the Sports Minister stated that early quality education and sports development must go hand-in-hand for the nation to become outstanding in the world of sports.
The event was graced by former Super Eagles’ stars such as the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Daniel Amokachi; the President, Nigerian Players’ Union, Tijanni Babangida; a 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro; and NFF Technical Officer, Garba Lawal.
According to him, “One of our clear mandates is sports development, and the power of sports can never be undermined. I deemed it fit to be part of this programme knowing fully well that a bulk of ex-international players who have represented this country (in football competitions) were discovered through school sports.
“In schools, when activities like volleyball, basketball and others are done as periodic activities, it will be easier to scout for talents. That is one reason why inter-house sports plays a significant role in every school. And again, it’s so important to know that when you discover the young, you will be able to have them for a very long time in the national team.”
Speaking on behalf of the ex-Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Babayaro said they were ready to provide mentorship and support to young talented students who have a flair for sports.
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