A Physical Education Instructor in the State, Mr. Blaise Umoh has advised the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation and National Team Coaches that selection of players into various national teams should be on merit, but not on sentiment.
Mr. Umoh who spoke with journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital after watching the final match of the 2015 African Cup of Nations won by Cote D’Ivoire, expressed happiness that the final match lived up to expectation.
The retired school Headmaster congratulated Ivory Coast on the victory of the Elephant, stressing that their Captain, Yaya Toure deserved the Award recently conferred on him as African Footballer of the Year.
He described one of the goals scored by the Man City Midfielder as the best goal of the tournament.
Mr. Umoh called on the Nigeria Football Federation to partner with Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) to hunt for talents at the grassroot who would form the nucleus of the new Super Eagles.
While regretting the absent of Super Eagles at the recently concluded African Cup of Nations, the Physical Education Instructor, explained that for Super Eagles redeem its lost glory, only disciplined, focused and committed players who has the interest of the Country at heart, should be invited to wear the green and white jersey.
He commended the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio for the construction of Akwa Ibom International Stadium, pointing out that more national and international stars would be discovered. “When Samuel Peter was discovered, Akwa Ibom did not have a stadium, now that we have gotten a stadium of international standard, it is expected that Akwa Ibom will soon discover more national and international stars,” the Physical Education Instructor reasoned.
Mr. Umoh also harped on the need for sports facilities to be provided in schools to encourage sports development, stressing that Head Teachers should use their imprest to provide recreational facilities such as lawn tennis court, volley ball and basket pitches among others.
He advised the incoming administration to emulate what Chief Akpabio has done in the area of sports and should also accord recognition to retired sports men and women.
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