Dalung Meets President Buhari, Says ‘I Am Not The Problem In Nigerian Sports’

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung has lashed out at his critics, saying he was not a problem to the Nigerian sports. Dalung, it will be recalled came under heavy criticism by most sports analysts following the poor performance of the Nigerian contingents to the just concluded Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja on Tuesday, the minister said that the problem of Nigeria’s sports predated his appointment. He said that his critics were ignorant of this fact hence the tongue lash. “We need to go back to grassroots and groom talents for future competitions. “I am not the problem of Nigerian sports because abysmal performance predates my appointment,” he said. He however hailed the Rio team, saying that his mission to the Villa was giving the president feedback on the outing. “It is normal if somebody sends you on an errand, when you accomplish that task you first and foremost brief that person before you go public to start talking to outsiders. “So, all I did was to brief the President on our performance, the challenges we had, the progress we made because in 2016 Nigeria was celebrated. “These two (Nigerian) athletes (Aruna Quadri and Ukogu) were recognized internationally in Rio; that happening to Nigeria is an achievement. “And I also requested from him the support for getting a date to organize a reception for our dream team that has gotten a bronze medal for us. “He (President Buhari) also appreciated our performance and thanked us for doing the country proud and keeping the flag flying. He challenged us to do more for the country to move forward in sports,” he said. He pleaded with President Buhari to host the Nigerian contingent despite winning only one bronze medal in football and coming 78th on the medals table. Dalung also debunked speculations making the rounds that Coach ‎Samson Siasia who handled the football team at the Olympics had resigned. According to him, it was not resignation but an expiration of contract with NFF. Dalung also frowned at the NFF’s action for withdrawing Siasia’s official car in Abuja, urging the football federation to think of engaging the coach due to his achievements. Dalung also exonerated Siasia and his team over the $390, 000 donation by a Japanese surgeon. He said it was not for any personal aggrandizements. On the issue of hiring a foreign coach for the Super Eagles by the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Dalung feigned ignorance of the development, saying that NFF has not formally communicated to him. It will be recalled that there were reports that NFF had recently announced a German coach, Gernot Rohr, to train the Eagle