15th September, 2014
Otunba Abayomi Ogunusi, the Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, has decried the massive interest of Nigerian footbal fans in foreign league matches.
Ogunusi said the development was impeding the growth of local leagues.
The lawmaker said this while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Sunday on the upcoming finals of the Ogunusi Unity Football Cup for Ifako/Ijaiye and Ojokoro constituency of Lagos State.
He said that the preference of Nigerian football fans for foreign league matches had affected many clubs in the country.
“Many people no longer want to invest in Nigerian home leagues because most Nigerians no longer show interest in local clubs”.
He stressed the need to revive the nation’s leagues to compete with global league matches.
“The Ogunusi Football Cup competition has created stars and has been a unifying and empowerment programme for youths in Ifako-and Ijaiye Ojoko Coucil since its inception.
“I am a sports man. I love football and I think the best way we can grow in the sport is to encourage it locally.”
The legislator urged Nigerian youths to shun hooliganism and develop interest in sports.