Festus AbuSports minister Solomon Dalung has revealed he has sought an appointment with President Muhammadu Buhari over the Super Eagles’ participation in the Russia 2018 World Cup as well as the sliding fortunes of Nigerian sports. The minister said he had decided to meet with Buhari to brief him about the deplorable situation of the sports sector and recommend ways to drive the sector through the corporate world like in Europe, Asia and America. He backed the move by the Nigeria Football Federation to pay the Eagles their World Cup bonus upfront, saying he would ensure that the players are paid before the trip to Russia. The minister said he would monitor payments during the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games to make sure the athletes get their entitlements. The minister accused some of the federation officials of diverting grants and scholarships from international bodies for the development of their sports.

Source: Punch January 05, 2018 04:18 UTC