UMUAHIA/Nigeria: Former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Falcons on their triumphant outing at the just-concluded Africa Women’s Nations Cup, describing it as a defining moment for the nation’s sports sector—particularly women’s football.
In a statement released on Monday through his media assistant, Dr. Ujo Justice, Ikonne hailed the team’s discipline, resilience, and patriotism, noting that their performance was a unifying moment for Nigerians and a testament to the country’s immense athletic potential.
“This remarkable victory has once again placed Nigeria at the pinnacle of African women’s football,” he said. “The Super Falcons have proven that with the right support, Nigerian sports can dominate the global stage.”
But while celebrating the national glory, Ikonne used the opportunity to raise alarm over the deteriorating condition of Enyimba Football Club, once Nigeria’s most formidable football institution and a two-time back-to-back winner of the CAF Confederation Cup.
He expressed sadness that the Aba-based club, once a continental force and a source of pride for Abia State, has fallen into neglect due to mismanagement, political interference, and the absence of strategic investment.
“Enyimba FC is not just a football club; it is a cultural and economic asset to the people of Aba and Abia State,” Ikonne lamented. “Sadly, what we now see is a politicized and struggling club that no longer commands the respect it once did across Africa. We must return Enyimba to the days of continental glory.”
He called on the Abia State Government to urgently depoliticize the club, invest in modern infrastructure, and recruit competent football administrators to rebuild the team as a professional institution that can thrive outside political control.
Ikonne further noted that sports, if properly developed, can be a major driver of youth empowerment, job creation, crime prevention, and global recognition.
“As we celebrate the Super Falcons, let us also look inwards and address the rot that has stifled our local sports institutions,” he said. “Enyimba FC deserves better. The young talents in Abia deserve a platform to dream and achieve. Sports should unite and develop, not divide and frustrate.”
He reaffirmed his personal commitment to youth and sports development in Abia and urged stakeholders to treat sports with the seriousness and strategic investment it requires to transform lives and communities.
