Falcons: I was misquoted – Dalung

Solomon Dalung

The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung on Friday recounted his remarks concerning the non-preparedness of the government for the victorious Falcons that won the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) trophy last Saturday.

In an interview with State House correspondents on Thursday, the Minister had said: “Don’t forget that nobody even knew the team would emerge victorious, if we were confident they will emerge victorious, all the Federation would have done is to plan for process of participation and entitlement.”

But Dalung on Friday claimed that he was misquoted.

He said: “May I conclude by trying to put into proper perspective an impression that has made national headlines to the effect that the Federal Government was not anticipating the victory of the Falcons and so could not have planned for it.

“This statement was attributed to myself. I want to categorically state that this is a statement taken out of context. And I cannot imagine or reconcile how … The commitment of the federal government to the support of the Falcons is indeed overwhelming.

“That explains why the Vice President himself had to abandon his tight schedule to visit the players in camp that is evidence of preparations for victory.

“The federal government was prepared because it has records of the antecedents of the performance of the players. The challenges we have today which has to do with their welfare is being given attention.

“We are working around the clock to see how to raise fund to address the issue of their bonuses,” he stated.