Sports Minister needs to stop talking after World Cup comment

Dalung described playing in the World Cup a 'waste of money', a description that best suits his role as Sports Minister. 

 

The Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung is in the news again and as usual, not for fantastically doing his job or leading Nigeria’s sports to unprecedented heights.Dalung who is now a sort of bete noire among Nigerian sports enthusiasts is in the news for another incendiary comment that shows he does not know what football means to us.

With the economic downturn in the country, Dalung over the weekend suggested that the Super Eagles shun the 2018 FIFA World Cup, describing the competition as a ‘waste of money’.

play Solomon Dalung described the FIFA World Cup as a waste of money (NAN)

“The cup that we can win is the African Cup of Nations,” the Minister told Voice of America (VOA) in an interview.

 “There is nothing again that will take us to another man’s balcony in the name of the World Cup. We already have the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. For these, we can attend such meets.

“But I am opposed to the World Cup. We don’t agree to it. Conspiracy in the World Cup is too much.”

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world (FIFA )

The FIFA World Cup, the biggest football tournament in the world, a dream competition for players and fans alike. A Platform that exposes players to top European clubs where they can get better contracts and endorsement deal which in turn impact the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).

Football is business and a country’s FA get about $5m from FIFA just for participating and more as they progress in the World Cup.

The Super Eagles are currently flying high after two consecutive wins against Zambia and Algeria to take command of Group B of the World Cup qualifiers.

play The Super Eagles are currently in top form and leading their World Cup qualifying group (Twitter)

With all these stated above, it is ridiculous and unbelievable to hear Nigeria’s Minister of Sports spewing those unintelligent rhetorics.

If Dalung does not know what the World Cup means to Nigerians and football fans worldwide, how on earth is he the Minister of Sports?

But this is the sad story of Nigeria, not just in sports or football. A country where those who are less passionate about its affairs are running it.

Dalung has desecrated Nigerian football with his latest comment and his infamy can no longer be tolerated.

He described playing in the World Cup a 'waste of money', a description that best suits his role as Sports Minister.