Nigeria’s new Sports Minister, John Enoh, has revealed he was once a footballer amidst trolls following his appointment and inauguration.
Born and raised in Agbokim Waterfall community of Cross River State, the new Minister said he used to play football to back his competence for the new job.
There has been reservations raised over his suitability for the Sports Ministry, with concerns that he has more knowledge of agriculture as a renowned farmer than sports.
But the one-time Cross River State Governorship election candidate is sure he has what it takes to serve in the role.
The 57-year old succeeds Sunday Dare to become the 36th Nigerian Minister of Sports, a role he says he never lobbied to get.
“I was once a footballer. When I was appointed, some of my old mates called me to remind me of our playing days,” John Enoh said on his first day at work.
“I didn’t lobby to be sports minister. President Bola Tinubu saw me fit and decided to put the task of building sports in Nigeria on me. Since I was assigned this portfolio, I have been reading about sports.
“I don’t think you need to be an active sports participant for you to be the minister of sports. I think what is required is who can provide leadership, direction, someone who is transparent, understands the sector and repositions it and that is what I am bringing on board,” he explained.
The new Sports Minister has since resumed, his first official assignment was a visit to the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja where he met with officials of the Ministry.
