By Ado Salisu
Former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has urged industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Isiaka Rabiu, to channel his financial support toward the development of local football clubs and sports infrastructure in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his social media handle, Gombe said that instead of spending huge sums of money to boost the morale of Super Eagles players in Morocco—whom he described as already super-rich—the business mogul should use his patriotic passion to finance grassroots sports projects across the country.
Gombe stated: “At the risk of being attacked by social media bandits, I wish to express my opinion on the dollarisation of motivation by my brother, Abdul Samad Isiaka Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group. I call him my brother because two of his younger ones are my close friends, and I have reached out to them to express my reservations.”
He noted that the BUA Chairman was either poorly advised or personally took a wrong decision without sufficient understanding of the football and sports industry in Nigeria.
He insisted that the dollars being showered on the Super Eagles are going to people who do not need them and who would not appreciate the gesture even if given four times the amount.
“This set of Super Eagles players is the most ungrateful and unpatriotic Nigeria has ever produced. If Abdul Samad’s gesture is truly out of patriotism, then he is wasting his money on players who are not patriotic.”
The former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association further alleged that Super Eagles players derive pleasure in blackmailing the country over sums that are insignificant compared to their earnings.
“These Eagles think that by playing for Nigeria, they are doing the country a favour. Interestingly, BUA’s business interests are national, and about 80 percent of those who consume its products—rice, sugar, salt, flour, and others—are ordinary Nigerians.”
He argued that greater and more lasting impact would be achieved if BUA invested in grassroots football development.
“If BUA had empowered football clubs in Abakaliki, Shagamu, Oron, Funtua, Dutse, Gboko, Offa, Numan, Kumo, Maiduguri, Gashua, Suleja, Lafia, and many others, Nigerians would remain grateful forever, and the impact of such charity would be truly felt.”
Gombe lamented the poor state of domestic football, noting that Kano Pillars—Rabiu’s home club—are travelling without a bus, just like Gombe United. He added that over 4,000 football clubs in Kano State alone lack basic equipment such as boots, balls, and jerseys.
He also listed pressing needs across Nigerian football:
The NFF needs VAR technology
The NPFL needs insurance policies for clubs and outside broadcast vans
The National Sports Commission needs funds to rehabilitate the Moshood Abiola National Stadium
Gombe recalled that two seasons ago, El-Kanemi Warriors had to travel from Maiduguri to Ikenne, Ogun State, before finding a stadium to play their continental match.
He further queried:
“Can the BUA Chairman take over Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano or the National Stadium in Lagos, rename it BUA Stadium, and upgrade one or both to international standards?
Can BUA provide just $200,000 to Owu Sports to produce kits for all NPFL, NNL, and NLO clubs, as well as other national teams in volleyball, basketball, and other sports?
According to Gombe, the Super Eagles already have more than enough motivation, warning that good intentions can be counterproductive if not properly thought through.
He also emphasized the plight of former national team players.
“Many of our former national team players—those who made real sacrifices for this country—are in need of support right now.”
While acknowledging that BUA’s decision has already been taken, Gombe clarified that he still wishes the national team well.
“I do not want us to lose any game so that the players will not get this money. I pray we win. My appeal is that this money should go where it is truly needed, not to those who do not love Nigeria,” Gombe said.
