Cross River Loses N8b On Withdrawal Of Sports Festival Hosting Rights

THE Cross River State government has suffered a loss of over N8 billion following the withdrawal of the hosting rights of the 19th National Sports Festival by the Federal Government.

The losses are as a result of several abandoned projects by contractors, unverified bills, budgeted and unbudgeted expenses on events and materials and publicity and others.

For instance, over $14 million was spent on the building of an indoor sports complex, but part of the uncompleted structure have collapsed and the building may eventually be pulled down based on structural defect as the contractor is nowhere to be found. Some equipment in containers are said to be rotting away.

Sites of many other venues for the Games have been abandoned by the contractors despite receiv- ing 80 percent upfront payment with an agreement to get balance on completion without any variation.

Speaking with journalists in Calabar yesterday, the Chairman, Cross River State Sports Commission, Otuekong Orok Duke said: “The process of bidding for the withdrawn right started with the government of Donald Duke and finally came to fruition in regime of Governor Liyel Imoke. Unfortunately, after the expenditure of up to N8 billion, nothing happened. If you go through the vouchers and see monies expended with good intention, you will weep for Cross River. That is the level we are, and this Commission is just starting afresh to fight for the right of the people of Cross River State.

ICELAND coach Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed yesterday that former assistant coach of the Super Eagles Roland Andersson would be one of his scouts at the 2018 World Cup.

Andersson’s job description is to strictly monitor the Nigerian national team during the tournament in Russia.

The retired Malmo defender is a good friend of Lagerbäck and both Swedes were in the Super Eagles dugout at the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa, and he also helped Lagerbäck while he was coaching Iceland at the 2016 Championship.

Arnar Bill Gunnarsson will keep tabs on the Croatian team while Freyr Alexandersson, coach of Iceland’s women’s national team, has been assigned to monitor Argentina. European