Rangers: Gov. Ugwuanyi Inaugurates 10man Panel of Inquiry
Following the recent dissolution of the Board and Management of the Rangers Management Corporation, among other decisions, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday inaugurated a 10-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry on Rangers International Football Club, “to carry out a diagnostic investigation of the problems of the Club”.
The panel which comprises state chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association and Nigerian Medical Association (NBA); Auditor General of Enugu State; representative of Nigerian Football Association; Chairmen of Enugu State Sports Writers Association and Rangers Supporters Club, State’s Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, among others, has Prof. Agu Gab Agu and Mr. Kennis Ngene as Chairman and Secretary respectively.
Gov. Ugwuanyi while inaugurating the panel, stated the measure was in keeping with his earlier resolve to “ensure the total revitalization and repositioning of the Club for future challenges especially, in the light of the internal strife and the mismanagement of the Club”.
The governor regretted that the ugly development had continued despite his administration’s best efforts and interventions, saying that it almost resulted in the Club’s relegation from the Nigerian Premier League during the just concluded 2016/2017 season.
According to the governor, the panel’s terms of reference are to “investigate and identify all the factors responsible for the continuing crisis in Rangers FC and recommend appropriate measures to curb them; articulate a road map for Rangers FC; determine and recommend appropriate amendments to the Rangers Management Corporation Law that would align it with the road map and specifically enthrone robust governance structure with clear reporting lines in keeping with international best practices and transparent accountability framework”.
Other terms include to “investigate any other relevant matter(s) that may come to the knowledge of the panel in the course of the inquiry, not covered under paragraphs (1) – (3) above and generally, in the light of its findings, make recommendations which the panel may consider appropriate for the total and sustainable revitalization of Rangers FC”.
The governor appreciated the Chairman and members of the panel for accepting to lend their services to the state and to the teeming fans and supporters of the Club and expressed confidence that they will deploy their wealth of experience, knowledge and competencies in the discharge of their duties effectively and satisfactorily.
Responding on behalf of other members of the panel, the chairman, Prof. Agu thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state in that capacity, noting that Rangers FC means more than a football team to the Igbo people.
He assured the governor that they will deliver on their assignment in record time to ensure that the club receives the practical surgery it needs to bounce back to winning ways.
Anthony Joshua expects Tyson Fury to rediscover his passion for boxing because he will “find peace” inside the ring.
Fury has not boxed for nearly two years, since ending Wladimir Klitschko's world heavyweight title reign, due to issues concerning mental health, anti-doping and his boxing licence.
Asked if he expected Fury to return, Joshua told Sky Sports: "In my heart, I do. It's all we know. It's what we've given our youth to, and our young adult life to.
"You can have a year or two off through mistakes and complacency but, deep down, it's all you know so you'll always come home. The boxing ring is where he will find peace."
Fury is still waiting for the resumption of his hearing with UK Anti-Doping, after being charged with "the presence of a prohibited substance", before his boxing future can be resolved. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed to Sky Sports that, as of Thursday, they had not been notified of a new start date.
Meanwhile, Joshua will next defend his IBF and WBA gold against Kubrat Pulev at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on October 28, and rates his next opponent among the most dangerous rivals in the division.
"My biggest threat is two people," Joshua said. "My next challenger, because if I make one slip-up it all goes wrong, Kubrat Pulev.
"Loads of experience, really good jab, he's always kept himself at world title level. He's very talented, in that sense.
"Deontay Wilder is making noise in the States and that's a fight that people want to see. So Wilder is a threat, as well.
"I can't let myself down. I'm capable of beating everyone - this is my ego talking - but I've got to keep my feet firmly on the ground."
Former African Champion, Larry “The Natural” Ekundayo’s career is on the line, after breaking his hand in WBO International title contest. Ekundayo spoke with reporters in London this week, to update them after his recent brave title attempt.
He told them that his career was on the line, unless he gets similar medical support that his British or American counterparts receive.
The Nigerian boxer sustained a broken hand during his brave effort for the WBO Intercontinental title in London in July this year. If the funds can be found, he could be back in the ring, challenging for titles, before the end of the year.
Ekundayo narrowly lost the bout in London, due to a contentious points’ decision, against home town favourite, Gary Corcoran. Ringsiders at the prestige’s affair in London felt that the Nigerian was very unlucky not to win the bout, especially given the Briton continued use of the head.
Despite this disadvantage, and suffering incredible pain from a broken hand, Ekundayo battled on, doing Nigeria proud and almost knocking his man out in the 10 rounds. The assembled dignitaries ringside, President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, Dr Ladipo, as well as other assembled guest, all thought the son of the soil had done enough to claim the victory.
The shame of this for Nigeria is that Corcoran is now well placed for a World title shot, which had the decision gone his way “The Natural” would have been in line for.
However, the fighter, who along with Olusegun Ajose, represent the best chance of international sporting success in the green and white of Nigeria, now faces an uncertain future because of the cost of repairing the damaged hand. Ekundayo told reporters in London, “I proudly wear our countries colours into the ring, and am happy to take the bumps and bruises boxing requires, so as to bring sporting glory to Nigeria. I hope the Government, or a prominent company or individual, can help me fix my hand so I can win a world title for Nigeria.”
Ben Gray, the Commercial Agent for Ekundayo and Ajose said “I know many Nigerians are now really interested in boxing, because of the recent success of Anthony Joshua. I believe a lot of the country’s leaders are coming to support Anthony Joshua defending his title in Cardiff on the 28th of October. Given this interest, I hope that we can find someone to support the likes of Larry and Olusegun too”.
He added, “Nigeria has a wonderful opportunity to build on this interest in AJ and deliver a long-term sporting legacy, for itself and all its boxers. We are keen to speak with any individual, or corporation, who wants to be of help Nigerian boxers win Word Titles”.