.UNICAL Don Faults Eagles’ Return to FCT

The Director of Sports of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr. Sam Iheanacho, has faulted recent directive by the National Sports Commission (NSC) that subsequent Super Eagles’ 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches should be played in Abuja.

The associate professor at the institution’s department of Human Kinetics and Physical Education  was of the view that the national team is well at home in Calabar despite their 2-1 loss to Congo Brazzaville in the AFCON 2015 qualifying race, stressing that sporting authorities must be mindful of  security challenges afflicting the country at present.

“Personally, I don't agree with the NSC over the proposed movement of Super Eagles matches from Calabar to Abuja for obvious reasons," stated Iheanacho. “Why on earth should the matches be moved to Abuja when we know that the fans are not usually there.
"It would  be more difficult even now  to have a large turnout of spectators in Abuja in the wave of recent terrorist attacks over there and how do we expect the players to give their best under fear,? "queried the university don.

Iheanacho said the NSC should by and large, appreciate the concerted efforts of the government and people of Cross River State especially that of Governor Liyel Imoke to the development of Nigerian football, insisting that the country risk not qualifying for the 2015 AFCON if care is not taken.

“Have the NSC forgotten  so soon the role played by Governor Liyel Imoke towards Super Eagles qualification for the 2013 AFCON which they won in South Africa? Iheanacho asked rhetorically?" The players are used to Calabar because they get good support from the government and the people of the state."

Iheanacho further said the overall interest of the country must be considered by sporting authorities rather than their personal aggrandizement when taking decision.

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