Siasia Vows New Drive For West Africa Sports Growth
The newly appointed West Africa Sports Ambassador, Samson Siasia, has described his latest role as a significant challenge that will spur him and his team toward achieving greater milestones in regional sports development.
Siasia was recently named Official Ambassador for AUSC Region 2 (West Africa) by the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), alongside Segun Makun, who was appointed as Consultant for the region.
The Secretary-General of the council, Mustpha Michael, while presenting the appointment letter in Abuja, said that the decision was informed by the former Super Eagles star’s pedigree as an international footballer, his participation in global competitions around the year 2000, and his continued contributions as a coach and academy owner.
He said Siasia would serve as the public face of all AUSC activities in the 15 West African countries under Region Two.
Michael added that the former Eagles coach would play a key role at the West Africa Games scheduled for June in The Gambia, including the official opening of the event.
He said: “Siasia will also lead regional charity initiatives aimed at addressing country-specific social challenges, particularly youth-related issues, with funds raised deployed locally.
“He will help us engage presidents and ministers across the region. They know him more than they know me, and that influence will help us move faster.”
He expressed confidence in Siasia’s capacity, noting that the appointment would help push West Africa sports development to a higher level.
In his acceptance remarks, Siasia thanked the council for what he described as a timely opportunity and a fresh start after years away from the mainstream sports administration system.
He said: “I have given a lot to Nigeria. This appointment has come at the right time, and I’m grabbing it with both hands. This is more like a challenge for me to do more. When you’re given a huge assignment like this, it’s not something you joke about. I have been challenged.”
Highlighting his background, he noted that his experience in international sports administration and active competition prepared him for the role.
Siasia pledged to work with the council to develop policies that would help young people grow through sports across the region.
According to him, the new regional responsibility would inspire not only him but also his team, adding that, “I don’t work alone. I have a team, and this assignment will inspire them as well.”
He added that the appointment of additional ambassadors within the region would strengthen coordination and execution of programmes.
Also speaking, Makun described the role as a major challenge, citing his experience in sports business, technology, and international exposure, including work around NBA events in the United States.
He said working alongside Siasia would make the task easier and boost efforts to position West Africa as one of the continent’s strongest sports regions.
This article originally appeared on TheGuardian.