Immediate past media officer of the Super Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye has express profound appreciation with the massive line of support he gained from the Nigerian sporting press and fans during his tenure as spokesman of the country’s men’s senior national team.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, minutes after news emerged that he had been replaced as Eagles’ spokesman, Ibitoye revealed the deep level of gratitude he is holding for what he called immense love and understanding from the Nigerian football community.
The ace sports writer and broadcaster, whose professional stints included days with Multi Sports newspaper, owned by Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen, and presenter of Sports Tonight on Channels Television, conceded that he would not have been able to succeed on the job had he not gained far-reaching support from al Nigerians.
Ibitoye, who had been at the post for five-and-half years, revealed his emotions minutes after the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed in a press statement that Brila FM presenter, Babafemi Raji as the Eagles’ new spokesman.
The NFF also announced the appointment of Mrs Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu as the media officer of the women’s senior national team, Super Falcons’ media officer, in place of Miss Jane Onyinye Nweze.
NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, praised Ibitoye and Nweze for excellent services rendered while they were with the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons respectively, and wished both of them good fortune in their future endeavours.
Olajire added: “Mr Ibitoye and Miss Nweze were superb to work with. They demonstrated excellent people skills and acuity, and were diligent, energetic and knowledgeable. We wish them the very best in their endeavours going forward.”
In a quick response, Ibitoye stated afterwards on social media: “My assignment as @NGSuperEagles Media Officer has ended. I must say a big thank you to @thenff, especially president @PinnickAmaju for the opportunity to serve. I also appreciate coach Gernot Rohr, the players and staff for making the job really pleasurable.”
Ibitoye added in a series of tweets: “I also want to show great appreciation to my colleagues in the media. Every single one of you. The support was total…100%. Without this, the job would have been a nightmare. For those that I may have wronged along the line of duty…please forgive me.
“For those who gave me support, it is time to give all that same quality of support and goodwill to the new man on the job…Babafemi Raji @TopmostStriker. I have no doubts he will do much better than I did. He is a top guy. He has my 100% support.”
