Sports

I am here to give back to society – Ex Nigerian Striker Matins Ebuka Says

Published

7 months ago

April 4, 2024

Swedish league veteran and Nigerian national, Matins Ebuka, has stated that his return to Nigeria is with a mission to contribute to societal development and nurture budding talent within the football sector. Ebuka made this declaration during an exclusive interview with www.ckdmedia.ng on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Having garnered experience in his career and mentoring players like Alexander Isak, Ebuka brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his homeland. Notably, he highlighted his completion of the UEFA coaching course and attainment of B.U. certification, alongside being recognized as a Football Methodologist, a distinction shared by renowned figures like Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola. Remarkably, Ebuka proudly claimed the title of the first African Football Methodologist in Spain, underlining his commitment to advancing football methodology within the continent.

In his own words, Ebuka expressed his desire to utilize his multifaceted skills to serve his community: “I call myself a consultant, a talent developer, and a methodologist developer. These credentials enable me to identify players, enhance their skills, and facilitate their transitions within the football industry.”

Ebuka’s decision to return home stems from a deep-rooted aspiration to give back to society, particularly to disadvantaged youth who may not have envisioned a path to success. He drew parallels to the biblical narrative of Moses returning to Egypt to deliver his people, emphasizing the importance of leveraging personal experiences to uplift others.

Recognizing the untapped potential within Nigeria’s football landscape, Ebuka underscored the need for proper structure and methodology tailored to the African context. He asserted, “We have everything in this country; we just need the right people and structure, with an African perspective, to understand and harness our capabilities.”

In a nod to cultural relevance, Ebuka emphasized the importance of Africanizing his coaching license to ensure accessibility and understanding among his fellow Nigerians. He reiterated his commitment to democratizing football knowledge and methodologies for the benefit of all.

Matins Ebuka’s illustrious career spans not only playing the game but also administering and developing it. As he embarks on this new chapter, he solidifies his position as a consultant and authority in the field, poised to make significant contributions to football development and societal advancement in Nigeria.

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Sports

Gusau Praises President Tinubu, ValueJet crew for diligence and endurance

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday expressed the deep appreciation of the NFF and the Nigeria Football family for the warm words of encouragement from the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR following the Super Eagles’ return from a better-forgotten Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match adventure in Libya.

On Monday, Mr. President put out a statement warmly welcoming the team back to home, and asking for prompt justice from the Confederation of African Football following the inhumane treatment of the Nigerian contingent. Mr. President also commended the proactive coordination between the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of the players.

“We hereby express our deep and sincerest appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his warm and kind words of encouragement. These words have gone a long way to reassure the players of the firm support of the Government and people of Nigeria for what they do and the efforts and sacrifice they make in representing this great country.

“The commitment and love for the team by the Government and the entire nation was aptly demonstrated by the physical presence of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh at the airport to welcome the team back to Nigeria.

“Mr. President as the father of the nation, has once again demonstrated his concern and keen interest in the beautiful game of football that unites our peoples from all walks of life and across all known mental, physical, spiritual, political and economic boundaries, and which fosters national unity and friendship among peoples and nations of the universe.”

Gusau, who led the delegation to Libya, also commended the captain and crew of the ValueJet aircraft that flew the delegation to and from that country, saying that their patience, diligence, good manners, warmth and endurance made the trip less arduous for the contingent.

“The captain (Mr. Abdul-Latif) and crew were awesome. I must commend, in particular, the captain. He did his job professionally and with a touch of excellence, and even intervened at a point to talk to the airport operatives to allow the NFF leadership to go outside the airport to find a way to hire vehicles for the team. As a fellow North African (Tunisian) who had worked in Libya previously, they were ready to offer him hotel accommodation but not any other member of the crew or any Nigerian, as all the hotels in the city disclosed that they had strict orders not to welcome any Nigerian nationality. He refused their offer and rather opted to sleep in the aircraft with the rest of the crew.

“The captain and crew showed great maturity and kindness. We will never forget them.”

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