ABEOKUTA– One of the ahdent supporter of Gateway United Football Club of Abeokuta, Alhaja Kudirat alias Mama Abiola Babes now Mama Gateway United has made a passionate plea to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to come to the rescue of the team, adding that it is to the glory of his administration if the team gets promoted to the elite league.
The 66year-old woman who has been supporting football in Nigeria since 1970 will next week celebrate her 50years of supporting Nigeria Football League.
She called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to declare state of emergency in sports sector of the state and appoint core professionals to manage sports affairs in the state and Gateway United Football Club to justify the huge investments in sports.
“I am moved to tears, with level of negligence of football in Ogun State, particularly Gateway United Football Club of Abeokuta who are still struggling in the second tier, Nigeria National League (NNL)”
“The then Military administrator, General Oladipupo Diya (retired) was always with the team, sometimes in the camp with the players and watched them playing in the first division league matches against top teams in the country. Also General Manager of the team was retired Justice Dehinde Shoremekun of the Federal Court of Appeal”
Mama Gateway who singled out former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the best sports loving governor the state has ever had, expressing displeasure over the lost glory of sports in the state.
“The team was a beautiful bride, enjoyed massive support from former governor, Gbenga Daniel and promoted to top division in the Nigerian league. It is sad that Gateway United Football Club are still struggling for promotion in the last ten years in the lower division.
“For instance, 3SC of Ibadan are doing well in the league because of the moral and financial support from Governor Seyi Makinde who even watched a crucial league home match in Ibadan between Shooting Stars and Ekiti United, won by Shooting Stars.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun should take a cue from Governor Seyi Makinde’s support for Shooting Stars in Oyo State. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel did the same thing watching Gateway United playing matches at home in Abeokuta and Otunba Gbenga Daniel should advice governor Abiodun to revive football.
“I am appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to please come to the rescue of Gateway United Football Club, he should please rescue the situation, we have quality players who have what it takes to play in the top league in Nigeria”
“If Governor Dapo Abiodun is really interested in Gateway United promotion, he should appoint those who have passion for football to run the football club. During Bukola Olopade era as Sports Commissioner in the Daniel’s administration, the team gained promotion. We need people with passion to develop the game of football”
“Governor Dapo Abiodun should come and rescue the team, it will be glory of the state and his administration, if Gateway United gained promotion to play in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.”
“I personally made my name supporting football. For instance, Remo Stars Football Club are young side but gained promotion twice within five years. We need quality players irrespective of where you are from in Nigeria.
“Governor Abiodun should personally show interest and give the players, the needed support by watching Gateway United home matches” she added
