Dalung Throws Weight Behind Nigeria Hockey Federation

Dalung Throws Weight Behind Nigeria Hockey Federation By Admin The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports affairs, Bar. Solomon Dalung has pledged his full support to the Nigeria Hockey Federation in their bid to make the country the best in Africa, BSNSports.com.ng reports. Mr. Olusade Adesola the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry received the federation delegates led by the Acting President, Engr. Simon Nkom on behalf of the Minister who was was unavoidably absent at the minister's office in Abuja on Friday, 21st December, 2018. The Acting President, Engr. Simon Nkom who was accompanied by the Africa Hockey Federation, President and member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Board, Seif Ahmed, Elizabeth King the Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) treasurer and member of the FIH Board, Prof. Ediga Agbo the NHF Technical Director and member of the AfHF Board as well as the Secretary General of NHF, Rita Mordi, thanked the ministry for the support of the ministry towards the success of the hosting of the 2018 edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC). "We want to singularly appreciate the minister, you and the ministry for coming at the nick of time to save us from what would have been absolutely not a good name. Without mincing words the success of this tournament belongs to the ministry and we want to say a very big thank you for coming in the nick of time." Engr. Nkom further pleaded with the ministry to help the federation get new turfs to resurface the national stadium, equipment to help develop the team and also a technical manager who will help the team prepare for international tournaments, particularly the Road to Tokyo Olympic qualifying events of 2019. "Even though we have one of the best facilities in Africa we still need the support of the ministry in getting a technical manager who will help groom our young talents and prepare us for international tournaments. "We want the ministry to come to our aid in terms of equipment and most importantly to help us change the surfaces on our pitches so that the beautiful edifice will be able to meet international standard and also be kept in a good shape." The African Hockey Federation, President Seif Ahmed in his speech commended the present Nigeria hockey federation's administration for its role in the resurgence of Nigerian Hockey and called on the government to come to the Federation's aid. "I will like to thank the existing board who changed the idea we have in our mind about Nigeria hockey, because in the past it is either they come after the tournament starts or pull out in the last minute and make a mess of the tournament but that has changed, and now I am calling on the government to help the federation. "I am really impressed with the pitch I saw during this competition because in 2003 I was here and to see the pitch in good condition is really impressive but the pitch and stadium needs maintenance and upgrade. "We want the government to help the federation get new turfs on the pitches because we want Nigeria to host international tournament but this turfs can only host the junior championship. "The current turfs need to be changed so you can host the international tournaments and improve on your game because if you don’t play against stronger teams you can't improve or learn. "Also as we prepare for Tokyo 2020 I hope you will send your teams men and women to South Africa for the qualifiers in August next year, not just send the teams to participate but to come and perform," he said. He added that the Federation needs to be assisted to prepare early and prepare well in order to perform well. In his reply the ministry's Permanent Secretary,  Mr. Olusade Adesola commended the present hockey federation and also promised the support of the ministry. "I must commend the president and the Nigeria Hockey Federation board members because they have been making sacrifices; financially, man power and the way they run around. Their commitment is what has brought success so far. "We will make effort to support the federation in terms of getting a technical manager and also look into the turfs. We will do our best to support hockey with all we can and we are pleading with the Afhf to give us another chance to host another tournament," he said.