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Ex-international footballer, Etim Esin has called on the newly-appointed Minister for Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare to focus on transforming sports in Nigeria.
Dare was confirmed as one of the 43 ministers sworn-in on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, held at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Having represented Nigeria at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship, Esin told Soccernet.ng in a telephone interview on Wednesday that the new Sports Minister must hit the ground running without excuses.
He urged him to focus on developing grassroots sports in Nigeria and more importantly change the face of the football.
“I don't really know anything about the new Sports Minister, Sunday Dare.
“I really don't know how lovely he loves sports because all we have been having are ministers who don’t know anything about sports. We just need someone who will move our sports to the next level.
“Look at Samuel Okwaraji who died in the line of duty for Nigeria but nothing has been done by some of the past sports ministers we have had. All the promises they made for him, none has been fulfilled by the federal government.
“I just hope the new minister is God sent to change the face of sports in Nigerian sports in general. He should focus on grassroots development.
Dare is a veteran Journalist and former Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dare is expected to commence work with immediate effect.
He becomes the 35th Sports Minister in Nigerian sports history.
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He will do well if he has the interest of the masses at heart and I pray that God will direct and guide him in his decisions throughout his term in office
Other great footballing Nations put ex players in these positions. Train to learn the business side. We will not get to the next level until that happens.