NSC Will Support MiniFootball Development, Dikko Assures
National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko has pledged to support the development of MiniFootball in Nigeria.
MiniFootball is an exciting 6-a side sport with its own international body; World Minifootball Federation.
The MiniFootball delegation led by Alhaji Umar Yusuf Datti was received by the NSC chairman Shehu Dikko during the visit to his office in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, National Secretary -General David Adewoye, who introduced MiniFootball to the world body in 2018 appreciated Mallam Dikko for his recognition of the sport.
He revealed some of the strides the Association has made at the international level despite some challenges.
Adewoye said: “Super Spartan Eagles of Nigeria qualified again to participate in the 4th edition of WMF in Ras Al Khamair, UAE, but due to travel restrictions between Nigeria and UAE, it was also an aborted trip.
South Africa hosted the 3rd edition of the AMC Nations Cup. We struggled through the support of some members of the Association to camp the national team players and prepare, but we also had issues with visa procurement.
Since Nigeria joined both WMF and AMC we ensured we pay our affiliation fees every year to the governing bodies to maintain our membership. With the support of some of our members.”
Nigeria’s participation at the maiden African MiniFootball Nations Cup was held in Tripoli, Libya last December where the country qualified for the WMF World Cup.
Paucity of funds has however, been a challenge in making more inroads into different levels of developing the sports.
“We seek the Commission to support the Nigeria Minifootball Association to ensure our National Teams in all categories are well represented at various competitions both in Africa and across the globe.”
He appealed for the inclusion of MiniFootball in the National Sports Festival and the development of a MiniFootball League.
The NSC Chairman in his response appreciated and congratulated the General Secretary who was also the one that brought the sport to Nigeria and the delegates that represented the Association.
He encouraged the Association to ensure the Nigeria Football Federation to be part of the system because It’s the governing body of football in Nigeria.
He further reiterated to have a proper platform so as to be able to strengthen Minifootball and the Association is assured of the commission hands of fellowship.
He emphasised that the association is absolutely on the right path and it has the support of the National Sports Commission.
‘As soon as the Nigeria Football Federation shows their interest, the National Sports Commission will give the Nigeria Minifootball Association the full support.’
He confirmed the importance of 6-aside football as he was the first to organise it years back in Abuja and gained a whole lot of momentum. He congratulated the NMA and assured us of NSC support.
Other members of the delegation are; Chief Victor Apugo(Abia State Delegate), Amb. Paul Chukwudi Maduakor(Anambra State Delegate), Chief Agu Chukweuemelie Lambert, (Enugu State Delegate), Amb. Sheriff Mulade (Delta State Delegate), Fabian Edaba(National Team Coach).
Nigeria will be participating in the 4th edition of AMC Nations Cup with 16 national teams. Nigeria is placed in Group D alongside Guinea, Mauritania, and Burkina Fasso. The competition will start from 16th to 25th April 2025 in Derna, Libya.
The Association is also working on the possibility of having its National Championship this year.
NSC Will Support MiniFootball Development, Dikko Assures is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
