The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has urged the Sierra Leone national football team, Leone Stars, to deliver victories in order to justify the government’s and taxpayers’ investments.
Dr. Abdulai made these remarks during a post-match briefing on Friday, following Leone Stars’ goalless draw with Chad in their recent fixture.
“The government can no longer afford to pay bonuses for any draw, especially for home matches,” said Dr. Abdulai. “This result was not what Sierra Leoneans expected. The government is spending a huge amount of money on this team. The only favour you can do the people of Sierra Leone is to win matches, especially against opponents we are better than.”
Dr. Abdulai expressed concern over the team’s current trajectory, particularly in light of their recent performances in World Cup qualifiers.
He emphasized the need for immediate improvements to keep Sierra Leone’s hopes alive for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
“If we are to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, we should start winning our home matches. It is now becoming a pattern for Leone Stars to start its AFCON and FIFA qualifying campaigns on a slow pace and struggle for qualifications in the end,” he stated.
Following the draw, Sierra Leone is currently second in Group G with one point, behind Ivory Coast, who lead with three points. Chad also has one point, placing third, while Zambia is yet to secure any points.
The National Sports Authority, established by an Act of Parliament, is responsible for promoting, encouraging, developing, and supervising all sports and sporting activities in Sierra Leone.
