By Akeem Busari
Nigerians are still reeling in pains and asking what if, in the aftermath of the just concluded FIFA World Cup. Even the stakeholders haven’t stop lamenting. And yet, the game must go on.
The focus in Africa now is on the forthcoming WAFCON and other age-grade competitions. For many genuinely concerned stakeholders, the enthusiasm and support for Nigerian football must not be dampened.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports Chronicle Magazine, veteran sports broadcaster, Owelle Felix Awogu, was quick to rally football lovers, investors and stakeholders to to look at the brighter side of the game, particularly, as the WAFCON approaches.
On the expectations of football fans from the Super Falcons, as they aim for a record extending 11th title in Morocco, Awogu responded confidently.
“Nigeria has always been a dominant nation in WAFCON history and I don’t expect less as defending champions. All we need is to empower NFF and make all preparations seamless,” he said.
When asked about his views on the development and growth of female football in Nigeria, Awogu, who is renowned for his passion for grassroots sports development, recalled with fond nostalgia, the immeasurable contributions of the earliest developers and promoters of female football in Nigeria.
“So far, so good,” he remarked “However, we need to improve our scouting system and take advantage of diaspora talent.
“We must give credit to the early players like Princess Bola Jegede, Elder Kujebola of Uforma Babes, Chief Mrs. Lizzy Onyenwenwa of blessed memories and others, too. We must also appreciate the present leadership of the NFF for the continuity of the growth of female football”.
The veteran journalist went ahead to restate the important roles of journalists and the media in Nigerian football.
“The media are very key drivers in football development, but are seriously underrated. And you know, without the media, football and other sporting events would be like inter-house sport.
“Therefore, the relationship must be more of mutual respect and trust, and a beneficial partnership, that should grow both parties.”
Ever-smiling and unassuming, the revered sports broadcaster, went on to reassure the Nigeria sports community, of his personal and also corporate support for the development of Nigerian sports.
“To be honest, at SuperSport television, we tried to raise local talent to drive production and broadcast across the continent. And I am happy to say, that has been achieved today, as 90% of FIFA and CAF productions are done by those talent.
“In life, if you can’t replicate yourself, then you have failed. We will keep supporting and advising,” he added.
