By Daily Sports on November 21, 2019
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed deep shock over the death of a former Chairman of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Alex Akinyele, following a brief illness.
A statement signed by SWAN Secretary General Jude Opara said: “SWAN remembers with nostalgia his huge contributions to the growth of sports in the county when he meritoriously served as the Chairman of the then NSC between 1991 and 1993.
“Under his regime Nigeria made a lot of impact in the global sports scene which included but not restricted to the winning of the maiden edition of the African Women Championship by the Super Falcons in 1991, FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993 as well as our strong presence at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
“The Lobosin of Ondo Kingdom was also instrumental to the sterling performance of Nigeria at the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia where the country won the trophy.
“The 81 years old was equally the first person to be appointed as the Executive Chairman of the NSC by the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Prior to his appointment, the NSC was a unit under the Ministry of Sports.”
SWAN recalled that during his time, Chief Akinyele was also a staunch supporter of the Association and was the Chairman of the 2nd edition of the SWAN Nigeria Sports Awards in 2008 in Akure, Ondo State.
It equally recalled that Akinyele’s last official outing for sports was when he chaired the launch of the book, “Super Eagles..... Through the Ages”.
“SWAN prays God to grant his family and associates the fortitude to bear the loss; and urge sports administrators to tap from the late Akinyele’s legacies,” the statement said.
•PHOTO: Late former NSC Chairman Alex Akinyele
Source Daily Sports
Posted November 21, 2019
You may also like...
I’m '80% sure to renew El Kanemi deal...
Heavy Security at NFF Office explained
Giwa FC goalkeeper buried
Roma Confirm Claudio Ranieri as New Coach
Tottenham Open Porto Talks For Sérgio Oliveira
Harry Kane misses late penalty as Olivier Giroud...
Italy in 'difficult moment' after defeat by Norway
Ronaldo rejects offers to play at Club World Cup
Fans must not 'over expect' before Andorra match - Tuchel
Saka left out of England squad to face Andorra
Was that Djokovic's goodbye to the French Open?
Spurs captain Son says Postecoglou a club 'legend'
Jorginho joins Flamengo after Arsenal departure
NSF: SWAN Anambra Calls For Review Of Sports Policy After Abeokuta Poor Performance
36 yrs after, NFF honours Sam Okwaraji with a tournament
Delap not part of England Under-21 squad for Euros
Beckham set to be awarded knighthood
Yamal shines as Spain beat France in nine-goal thriller
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (55,512 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,666 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,684 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,283 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (44,276 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (44,274 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (44,075 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,618 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,723 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,348 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,790 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (39,209 views)