Monday Uko to fans: Fault players, not football mgt for underperformance
• Sir Monday Uko (L) with football players at the meeting, on Tuesday
By Imaobong Koffi-Bassey
The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Akwa Ibom State, Sir Monday Uko, has urged the public and football enthusiasts to refrain from blaming the management of state football teams for any shortcomings.
Instead, Sir Uko suggested that any grievances should be directed towards the players themselves.
Sir Uko expressed these concerns during a meeting with football stakeholders, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and the management and players of the state football teams at the Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the meeting’s objective was to discuss the future of sports in the state, and not just football.
The commissioner expressed disappointment at the conduct of some players, which he believes hampered their performance and focus.
“To be frank, the players are responsible for the mistakes. It’s time we instilled discipline and focus in them for effective performance,” Uko stated.
He urged stakeholders to shift their attention from management to the players, encouraging them to concentrate for a successful year.
Uko also appealed for public support in elevating sports to prominence this year.
Mr Paul Bassey, Chairman of Akwa United FC, urged the public to celebrate the team’s successes, not just their failures.
On his party, Mr Justice Udousoro, Director of Sports of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC), requested the commissioner’s regular presence at stakeholder meetings to contribute ideas for team improvement.
Similarly, a former secretary of Akwa United FC, Aniefiok Ekarika, proposed scouting and engaging local players instead of solely investing in foreign ones.
Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, encouraged management and players to collaborate for better results this year, while Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, Chairman of SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, urged management to prioritize player welfare.
