Sports

Nigeria’s Sports Minister decries treatment of Osimhen, Amusan, promises intervention

Published

1 year ago

September 30, 2023

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Owan-Enoh, has promised to use all avenues including employing diplomatic channels to protect Nigerian athletes, especially those competing abroad.

Owan-Enoh, who made the vow in an interaction with sports journalists in Abuja, said he was particularly saddened by recent developments surrounding Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and world record holder in the 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, saying he was committed to protecting Nigerian stars in any part of the world.

Osimhen was recently the target of a controversial TikTok video posted by his club where he was allegedly mocked after he missed a penalty in a Serie A match against Bologna, while Amusan is still embroiled in a running battle with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after a provisional suspension slammed on her for missing three mandatory drug tests was lifted prior to the last World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Amusan was initially provisionally suspended for missing three whereabouts tests within 12 months but had the suspension lifted after she successfully argued her case before an independent panel.

But not satisfied with the ruling, the AIU filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), seeking a conviction for Amusan on anti-doping offence which could be detrimental to her career.

In a statement issued at the end of the press parley, the Sports Minister said:

“Over the past week, the developments that came out of Napoli as it pertains to Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly. The travails of Tobi Amusan have been no less so. This necessitated why last week, I made efforts to reach her directly.

“Moreso, my office is making efforts to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well, so as to understand firsthand what the issues are. We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter.

“I am also in touch with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam. Together, we are employing diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more decorous approach in looking into the matter as it is.

“Under the present administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to injustice, discrimination, and unfair trolling, that could be detrimental to their career trajectory.

“Upon assumption of office, I made it abundantly clear, in words and deeds that the welfare of our athletes, be they home-based or foreign-based, would be our topmost priority, as we create the environment that enables and ensures their continued success.”

Related Topics:Featured Minister of Sports Development Nigeria Tobi-Amusan Victor Osimhen

Click to comment

Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

10 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”