Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has urged football administrators to learn to accept defeat in the interest of the immediate environment and the larger society.
Saraki, who received visiting FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday in Abuja, said they should not engage in the “pull-the-house-down” syndrome when things did not go their way.
Infantino was accompanied by FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura who is also in Nigeria with him on a two-day visit.
The duo was led to the Senate President by the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick.
“The kind of global recognition we have today, as a result of this historic visit, challenges us to learn to allow peace and stability (to reign) in Nigeria football.
“If people lose election, they should learn to accept defeat. People used to blame politicians for the do-or-die attitude, but politicians have moved away from that.
“It is now football administrators who have this attitude. When you lose an election, you should be prepared to wait for the next poll.
“I call on those who are fomenting trouble or trying to divide the house to stop their act,” Saraki said.
He assured of the National Assembly’s unity in moving to restore peace in Nigerian football and creating an enabling environment for the game.
Saraki, who owns a football club, the ABS FC of Ilorin in the Nigeria National League (NNL), said the passion and love of Nigerians for football is incredible.
“Football is a big unifying factor in our country. As Governor of a State, I set up a football academy because there are so many talents out there waiting to be nurtured.”
Earlier, Infantino in his remarks had described Nigeria as “a great country in a great continent”.
“I was impressed coming from the airport on Sunday and seeing so many kids playing football on both …Read More
Source:: PM Newspaper
