Nigeria MiniFootball Association seeks NSC support

By Olaolu Joseph

A delegation from the Nigeria MiniFootball Association has paid a courtesy visit to the National Sports Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, to seek the commission’s support and partnership in the development of the sport.

MiniFootball is an exciting 6-a-side sport with its own international body, the World Mini-Football Federation.

The 7-man delegation, led by Alhaji Umar Yusuf Datti, was received by the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, during the visit to his office in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, National Secretary-General David Adewoye, who introduced MiniFootball to the world body in 2018, expressed appreciation to Mallam Dikko for his recognition of the sport.

He revealed some of the strides the Association has made at the international level despite facing challenges.

“The Super Spartan Eagles of Nigeria qualified again to participate in the 4th edition of WMF in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, but due to travel restrictions between Nigeria and the UAE, it was ultimately an aborted trip.

South Africa hosted the 3rd edition of the AMC Nations Cup, and we struggled, with the support of some members of the Association, to camp the national team players and prepare; however, we also had issues with visa procurement.

Since Nigeria joined both WMF and AMC, we have ensured that we pay our affiliation fees every year to the governing bodies to maintain our membership, with the support of some of our members.”

Nigeria participated in the maiden African MiniFootball Nations Cup held in Tripoli, Libya, last December, where the country qualified for the WMF World Cup.

However, a lack of funds has posed challenges in making further progress in developing the sport.

“We seek the support of the commission for the Nigeria MiniFootball Association to ensure our national teams in all categories are well represented at various competitions both in Africa and globally.”

He appealed for the inclusion of MiniFootball in the National Sports Festival and for the development of a MiniFootball League.

The NSC Chairman, in his response, appreciated and congratulated the General Secretary, who introduced the sport to Nigeria, as well as the delegates representing the Association.

He encouraged the Association to ensure that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is part of the system, as it is the governing body of football in Nigeria, assuring the Association of the commission’s backing.

Dikko stated that the Association is absolutely on the right path and therefore has the support of the NSC.

“As soon as the NFF shows their interest, the NSC will give the Nigeria MiniFootball Association full support.”

Nigeria will participate in the 4th edition of the 16-nation AMC Nations Cup scheduled to be held between April 16th and 25th, 2025, in Derna, Libya.

Nigeria is placed in Group D alongside Guinea, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.

The Association is also working on the possibility of hosting its National Championship this year.

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