Nigerians on Sunday begged Japanese plastic surgeon and philanthropist Katsuya Takasu, after the Asian expressed his anger on Twitter, over how he was treated by the country’s sports authorities following his donation of $390,000 to the bronze-winning national U-23 football team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
The Nigerian team had a troubled build-up to their participation in Rio and were left stranded in Atlanta, only to arrive Manaus few hours to their opening Group B clash against Takasu’s country Japan.
The squad’s financial predicament, which received rave reviews in the global media, caught the attention of Takasu, who promised to reward them financially. He redeemed his pledge with a donation of $200,000 and $190,000 to team coach Samson Siasia and captain Mikel Obi respectively, immediately after the squad clinched bronze after beating Honduras in the third-place match in Salvador.
“I read about the financial problems affecting the team and I felt the need to make a big contribution,”Takasu told BBC Sport.
But the Nigerian sports authorities expressed concerns over the donation. “We need to protect our image so as not to expose the nation to an embarrassing situation if the source of the money is unclean. Due diligence demands we conduct our own private investigation to know the source of the fund to avoid any backlash in future,” sports minister Solomon Dalung was quoted as saying.
In an e-mail that went virile, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, the Integrity Officer of the Nigeria Football Federation, wrote to NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick, “Considering the nature of this well publicised financial gift, I felt the need to inform you sir, on the possible danger that such action portends as far as integrity matters are concerned, especially as it affects the antics of match fixers.
“Please I will not want to be misunderstood to be saying that the person in question (Takasu) is a potential match fixer but I am only through this mail calling the attention of the federation to the possibility of such an action to be exploited by potential match fixers.”
Reacting to the Nigerian authorities, Takasu on Sunday wrote on his Twitter handle, “Tell to Nigerian sports minister. Check Takasu foundation, I’m little bit angry now. Nigerian sports minister must check my foundation.”
He added, “To Nigerian people. My message.” He then posted his website page, which had the inscription, “We support women, children and young people who keep on trying without giving up.”
Takasu’s Twitter comments however elicited reactions from Nigerians, who pleaded with the Japanese, while slamming Dalung for the way he handled the issue.
Bankole Michael tweeted, “@katsuyatakasu don’t be angry about your donation sir, it is because you gave it to the players instead of the minister and his officials.”
@Mrkumaloo wrote, “@katsuyatakasu A hero is some1 who has given his/her life to something bigger than oneself. Nigerians will never forget ubcoz u are hero.”
@ejesabu posted, “@katsuyatakasu A Great Man with the concern of the people at heart. Ride on Sir…Many Blessings!!!”
@kelvostika wrote, “@katsuyatakasu Pls sir don’t be disturb by what Hon. Minister said, I’m sure he don’t quite understand the word ‘Philanthropist’ God bless U”
@JGracechild posted, “Dear @katsuyatakasu, pay no mind to that red-beret wearing hollowness called @SolomonDalung. He is a national embarrassment. God bless you!
@herquleez wrote, “@katsuyatakasu how do I thank you in Japanese and do not mind our politicians. Focus on millions of Nigerians who appreciate you.”
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