Poor medicals : Minister runs to Delta
Sports Oct 25, 2009

Determined to settle problems emanating from inadequate medical facilities for the ongoing FIFA Under 17 World Cup, sports minister Sani Ndanusa, we gathered intervened and appealed to Delta State to assist the LOC with Ambulance Vehicles.

The vehicles had been procured by Delta for the Warri centre that was not eventually approved by the Jack Warner delegation. Warri remains one of the best centres in terms of facilities and readiness to host. The problems Warner noted on the pitch could have been rectified in seven days as the turfs for the training pitches were already on ground in Warri at FIFA’s last inspection visit. Kano was given eight days and Enugu nine to effect changes in their venues. Warri was not so considered, giving indications that the decision on Warri had other undertones which, for some reasons, were not made public.


The media centre in Warri had over 40 computers, all internet connected as at Fifa’s last inspection visit. Their medical facilities were rated the best and accommodation was superb. Many of the venues were still battling to get computers and fax facilities last Saturday.

We gathered that Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, for patriotic reasons, lent the LOC five Ambulance vehicles. The FIFA report that we stumbled on two days before the commencement of the championship complained of inadequate Ambulance vehicles. The report stated that one vehicle was supposed to be attached to each team.