Sports
Educational Policies Have Killed University Sports-Ex-UI Director Of Sports
Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami, the immediate past University of Ibadan Director of Sports, has taken a swipe at the various educational policies in the country which have killed University student’s participation in sports.
The former Green Eagles winger who spoke at the weekend, said participation in sports in the University is virtually dead, because of the jam-packed academic curriculum that has made it impossible for students to effectively combine education with sports.
He said in the past that many athletes, especially footballers combined their academics with football, even playing for clubs and national teams. But, these days, you hardly see such because the University educational policies have made it extremely difficult for that to happen. Most of the University lecturers still believe that sportsmen are unserious people.
The University system no longer makes it possible for sports to thrive. Take for instance the University of Ibadan where I served for 32 years, our sporting edifices which were our centre of attraction have been destroyed. Our football pitch and cricket field which were one of the best in the country now have building structures on them. The supposed new sports center that was built in a very remote part of the University community, is not easily accessible to the students, and has only a football pitch and a basketball court. No other sport exists there”.
Dr Salami, however, advised young football players not to jettison their education while playing football, as their certificates may be their rallying point after football. According to him, “football surely has an expiry date. It can either be due to injuries or age or something that can make you stop abruptly. It is then that your certificates will be important. You will rely on that for the rest of your life”.
Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami abandoned his flourishing football career at then IICC Shooting Stars and Green Eagles team preparing for the 1980 AFCON to proceed to the University of Ibadan to pursue an academic career starting from a Diploma certificate to a Doctorate Degree in Sports and Administration.
Sports
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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