The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture and President World Crafts Council, Otunba Segun Runsewe has applauded Nigerian born Leicester player Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi for their display of patriotism in form of cultural symbolism during the European FA final match between Leicester and Chelsea football club over the weekend.
Runsewe said that a powerful and fascinating merger between Culture and Sports showcased itself immediately after the match, adding that beneath the pomp, glitz and glamour of the European FA final between Leicester City and Chelsea, a unique spectacular and outstanding show of patriotism was displayed.
He disclosed that it came in the manner that Kelechi and Ndidi soaked themselves in their love for Nigeria by wrapping themselves in Nigerian Green White Green national colour to celebrate their victory over Chelsea football club.
He stated that there is need to document, institutionalize and legalise the legacy of Ihenacho and Ndidi as a show of extreme love and indivisibility of Nigeria their country.
Runsewe further said he is prompted to put up a request for artistic impression of their actions on that day, adding that with the collaboration of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Abuja, the NCAC is instituting an art competition that celebrates the intersection of sports and culture referencing the Kelechi and Ndidi actions with the Nigerian flag in the Leicester city victory over Chelsea Football club.
According to Runsewe the Arts competition which will be in traditional 2D Art (Painting, Print making and drawing which will be done within a one month duration will be open to residence of FCT only for now.
Other details of the competition including assessment and adjudication will be worked out with the Nigerian Society of Nigerian Artists.
Runsewe added that there will be a reward system for the best three winning entries which will be presented to the minister of Information and Culture and to his counterpart in the sports ministry, and may include a trip to London in the nearest future.
