The Sarkin Karshi, HRH, Ismaila Danladi Mohammad (MFR), has called on the FCT administration and the federal government to give adequate financial support to FOSLA Academy Karshi which represented Nigeria at the recently held World Schools Sports Football Championship in Rabat, Morocco.
Speaking during a reception for the team at his Palace in Karshi, the Royal Father commended FOSLA Academy for making Nigerians proud at the world championship.
Although they didn’t win the trophy, the academy which combines football with education qualified for the next edition of the competition and the impressive performance of the players earned Nigeria an additional slot.
“What you have achieved is not for Karshi alone but Nigeria as a whole. You have the potential to be great and wherever you find yourselves in future, do not forget where you started,” he advised.
The Royal Father also called on the federal government to pay more attention to sports development saying it is a potent tool for unity and socio-economic development.
“Sports should be given more priority. The progress by the female national team, the Super Falcons at the ongoing World Cup has brought a lot of excitement to Nigerians. In the midst of bad news about Nigeria, it is only in sports that good news is coming.
“So, the government should pay more attention to sports development. Nigeria should host world championships that will help develop our facilities,” he said.
Speaking at the occasion, proprietor of the school and former NFF president, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, thanked the Royal Father for facilitating the trip to Morocco.
He said “I had vowed that we would attend the tournament but there was no money. I was in tears and had to approach our father. His Royal Highness helped by directing me to some people who were magnanimous enough to give us money. One of them even said he does not give loans, so he dashed us the money.
“Our mission was to win the trophy but we arrived on the day of our opening match because we had no money. We are back and are hoping to receive the money promised us by the government.”
Lulu also commended his players as he said “These boys did wonders. Your Royal Highness, these boys are good to be champions of the tournament. And God knows, in my heart, I look at them as champions.”
The former NFF president, therefore, called on the government to support FOSLA Academy financially to enable the school to prepare in time for the 2024 edition of the World Championship in China.
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