By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen.
John Owan Enoh has underscored the need to regulate sports scouting system in Nigeria in line with international best practices.
The minister made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting with the National President of Prestige Football Academy, Uchendu Nwabara.
Enoh expressed commitment to review a proposal by the Academy aimed at regulating the scouting system within Nigeria’s sports landscape.
He said that Nigeria’s huge talent pool makes it a destination of choice for scouts from all over the world.
The minister said the ministry was concerned about some of the general practices in the sports ecosystem.
He it is working to ensure that ethical standards are imbibed, and also provide equitable opportunities for aspiring young talents to excel in sport.
“Most people in the sector are concerned about the subject of the scouting process of our young men and women.
“When our sports men and women go out of the shores of Nigeria and breakforth, the support they send to their families and the laurels they win are of benefit to the country.
“However, the manner in which some of our sports men and women leave needs to be addressed.
“Sports in general being a universal matter, promoted globally, and a country as big as Nigeria with its population and talent, has become like a laboratory for various actors to come in and out,” he said.
Owan-Enoh said his administration is deeply committed to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
He said the need to stop the exploitation of Nigerians who are taken out of the country by scouts, agents and tied to slave contracts abroad.
Earlier, Uchendu Nwabara, Prestige Football Academy boss stressed the need for reforms in the scouting system in the country.
“We are delighted by the Minister’s commitment to thoroughly examine our recommendations.
“These reforms are pivotal in transforming the scouting landscape, and ensuring that deserving talents receive the attention and opportunities they merit,” he said.
(www.
nannews.
ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
World News