The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Joe Obinna Ogba has openly kicked against the move by the Nigeria’s U-23 team captain, Mikel Obi and coach, Samson Siasia, to collect the cash gift handed over by a Japanese doctor.
Recall that a Japanese plastic surgeon, Dr. Katsuya Takasu, who is also a football enthusiast had gifted the Nigerian Dream Team VI a total of $390,000 after the team won its third place match.
Speaking on the cash gift, the lawmaker noted that collection of the money was wrong as its source was unknown.
He said: “I don’t think it was nice for our country to accept such money given the happenings around world now. Money is good but it’s not every money that comes your way that you collect. So, I associate myself fully with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation.”
Further in the interview, the Senate Committee on Sports chairman, Ogba, noted that the calls for the resignation of the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, over his conduct and performance was a dead-on-arrival move as resignation from posts was alien to the Nigerian culture. He further added that only the President can hire and fire a minister.
Leave a Reply