The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Enugu State Chapter, has lashed out at Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Enugu State over the failure to complete the ongoing renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
SWAN also bemoaned the precarious situation of the Enugu State owned football club, Rangers International FC who are currently battling relegation in the ongoing 2023 abridged Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season
The Association which stated their displeasure in a communique they issued at the end of their Congress in Enugu on Tuesday also decried the general lack of interest in sports by the state government.
Part of the communique reads: “SWAN Enugu State frowns at the general state of sports in Enugu state in the last five years, occasioned by the State Government’s lip service to the all important sector.
“SWAN, also expresses displeasure over the continued use of Awka Stadium, Anambra State for the execution of Rangers Inter. FC home matches in the Nigeria Professional (Premier) Football League, NPFL, as a result of the failure of the Enugu State Government to complete the renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium for over two seasons running,” part of the communique read.
The association further expressed dismay following the failure of the state government to appoint a Team Manager and a General Manager to oversee the affairs of Rangers International FC.”
It could be recalled that Rangers have been without a Team Manager and a General Manager for the past two seasons after the former occupiers Messrs Amaobi Ezeaku and Davidson Owomi left the club.
“The Association noted with dismay that the ugly development of the team executing its home matches outside the state, as well as non engagement of a General and Team managers for the Flying Antelopes for over two seasons now, has been a major factor militating against the success of the club currently swimming at the relegation corridor of the NPFL,” the Association said.
Enugu State Government awarded the contract for the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium playing turf in October 2021. Almost two years now, there are indications that the stadium could be an abandoned project with the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led Government coming to an end on May 29.
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