WE ARE SOLIDLY BEHIND DIKKO - EX-INTERNATIONALS

 

The nation's ex-internationals have thrown their weight behind National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko. 

Speaking during a visit to the chairman ahead of the Shehu Dikko Novelty Match billed for tomorrow, they expressed optimism that Dikko's stint will usher in good tidings for Nigerian football in particular and sports in general.

The delegation comprised Samson Siasia, Mutiu Adepoju and Victor Ikpeba, members of the avowed golden generation of Nigerian football.

Siasia was first to speak, "We are all excited with this appointment by the president. Dikko is one of us. We have no doubt that things will be different now with him."

According to Adepoju, "Dikko will surely turn things around. We are here to support him. We are here to show that we are with him. I have worked with him at LMC/LaLiga and I know what he can do. The president got this appointment spot on."

Ikpeba added, "Honestly, this appointment is like rice and beans. This is the first time we are having somebody who is one of us, who knows us in and out, as the main man in sports. Exciting times are really ahead."

The Shehu Dikko Novelty Match will feature Team Shehu Dikko against Team Nigeria.

The likes of Amokachi, Brown Ideye, Ahmed Musa, Garba Lawal, Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, Shehu Abdulahi, Siasia and Victor Ezeji have confirmed their participation for Team Nigeria. 

Among those slated to feature for Team Shehu Dikko are Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata Fagge, Director-General NSC Hon. Bukola Olopade, former commissioner of Sports in Kano and former House of Representatives member Hon. Nuhu Danburam, who will captain the side and former Chief Operating officer of League Management Company Mallam Salihu Abubakar. 

According to the event co-ordinator Chidi Okonkwo, the match has been put in place to celebrate Dikko's appointment as NSC chairman.

His words, "We have decided to organize this match to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this game-changing appointment. Everybody involved in sports is happy that this type of appointment has been made. This is the first time we are seeing somebody who really understands the industry being appointed as head."