The Chairman of SAMDA Nigeria, Taju Disu, has voiced concern over a shortage of funds but remains positive about the organisation’s launch, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Speaking after an emergency meeting held on Saturday at the organisation’s temporary office in Lawanson, Lagos State, the former Nigeria international expressed worries that preparations for the event could be hampered by insufficient funds needed to complete the process. The process will culminate in an under-13 football tournament featuring both boys and girls, to be held at Opebi Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, from April 12 to 16.
He said, “We have prudently utilised the funds available to us on the most critical requirements needed to stage a landmark event, as expected by the global body and other African chapters. Nigeria is poised to take the lead, but securing additional funds is crucial to mitigate the risk to the football tournament. What we currently have can only cater for the press conference and launch.”
Also present at the meeting were the Vice Chairman, Mr Patrick Okpavuerhe; the Procurement Officer, Mr Akeem Ishola; and the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Godwin Aikigbe. They all supported Disu’s concerns, stressing that it would be highly disappointing to abandon the process midway after such a promising start.
“We must ensure that more funds are made available to complete the process because all our efforts will amount to nothing without the football tournament, which remains the most effective way of introducing ourselves to the Nigerian sporting community,” Okpavuerhe stated.
Despite the evident funding challenges, Ishola maintained an optimistic outlook, saying, “We have made significant progress, particularly Godwin, who has exceeded expectations. I urge us all to remain confident that the funds required to complete the process will come through. Let’s successfully deliver the press conference and launch, then shift our focus to the tournament. I am confident the global body will release the balance of our budget to address the remaining needs.”
A key item on the meeting’s agenda was a report on completed tasks, including the development of the organisation’s website, production of launch pamphlets, as seen in the image above, branded T-shirts and caps; and official letterheads and envelopes, as well as branded aprons for distribution to artisans.
Aikigbe praised the quality of the website, highlighting its significance, particularly in the absence of a permanent physical office. However, he cautioned that without securing additional funding, the football tournament might face postponement.
He said, “If we don’t get more funds, the football tournament may be postponed, which would push it to June and undermine our progress.”
“I am also concerned about the negative impact this could have on our reputation as an emerging organisation. The funding issue must be resolved before the launch because we need to confirm the tournament dates at the press conference, which will serve as the foundation for reports by the various invited media organisations,” he added.