Nigeria: Sports-Loving Nigerians Speak On Bolaji's Removal

Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan removed the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. He then directed one of the 11 newly sworn-in ministers, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, to take over from Abdullahi. No reason was given for Abdullahi's sack, but to many Nigerians, it was not unconnected with the politicking in Kwara State, where Abdullahi hails from. The former Sports Minister is strongly known to be the political godson of former Kwara State governor, incumbent Senator Bukola Saraki.

Before his sack, Abdullahi had been seen as one of the nation's best performing ministers. During his tenure, Nigeria won the African Nations Cup, Under-17 FIFA World Cup and qualified for the 2014 World Cup holding mid-year in Brazil. He also initiated far-reaching developments to develop the local football league.

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