A soccer legend and former England International of Nigerian descent, John Winton Fashanu has made case on need to give pensions to retired Nigerian footballers, explaining that back in England he still gets bonus for playing for the country.
Penpushing reports that Fashanu made the call during interview with sports journalists during his visit to assess centres for the National Sports Festival (NSF) to be hosted by Ogun State Government between
‘I still get a bonus for playing for England, which is not applicable to ex-players in Nigeria. We have to give pensions to our retired players. I am here, because this is my State, I will make up for the lost time I was not here. There are clubs in the UK that are hungry for players in football, basketball, golf and swimmers’, he added
Penpushing further reports that he disclosed that he would be part of the opening ceremony of the festival and witness other events and commended the Ogun State Government for embarking on massive turnaround of sport and sporting facilities across the state, in preparation for the fast-approaching National Sports Festival.
The ex-Aston Villa of England striker who later paid courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, in his office, expressed his admiration for the Ogun State Government’s efforts in providing world-class sporting facilities ahead of the upcoming Gateway Games.
The Egba born renowned footballer who had illustrious careers with English clubs; Wimbledon, Nottingham Forest, Notts County, among others, revealed his willingness to give back to the community, by leveraging his experience and expertise to inspire the next generation on athletes.
Penpushing also reports that Fashanu assured of creating a world class academy to be linked to his academy in London, and praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment towards sports development.
The soccer world star pointed out that the facilities put in place for the festival were testaments to the Ogun state government’s dedication to nurturing young talents and promoting sports excellence.
‘There is an enormous demand, and I am so pleased that I spoke with His Excellency and he has agreed to help me in my dream. What I see is a sports academy, named after Dapo Abiodun, where we can have all kinds of sports linked unto me in my big academy in London, where dreams can actually come true. It’s a win-win situation for State,” he said.
Penpushing reports that Fashanu responding to his neglect of the Super Eagles, he explained that he has no regret, recalling that most Nigerian former footballers advised him to stay away from sport politics.
“I don’t have any regrets not playing for Nigeria. I still get a bonus for playing for England, which is not applicable to ex-players in Nigeria. We have to give pensions to our retired players. Most of the Nigerian ex-players advised me to stay away from sport politics, I fought them, telling them that I want to be part of it, but I was wrong and they were right’, he revealed.
Penpushing further reports that the visit highlights the strong partnership between the State Government and sports stakeholders, as well as the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for the development of sports.
Meanwhile, with the National Sports Festival just around the corner, Fashanu’s visit was a boost to the Ogun state’s preparations and a testament to the quality of facilities and organization towards the Nigerian Olympics.
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