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

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