Sports
NSF kicks off in Asaba as Nigeria searches for talents
The National Sports Festival tagged “Delta 2022” has kicked off in Asaba the Delta State Capital, creating an atmosphere for budding talents who will fly the nation’s flag high during international competitions to be identified
Director of Press and Public Relations,
Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted the minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare to have said that his focus for the next 10 days was looking for talents to deploy into the national teams for the next Olympics, scheduled for France, come 2024.
Mr Dare made the spoke while speaking to journalists at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba.
The Minister who was at the Stadium with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar and some Management Staff was earlier seen at the Indoor Sports Hall cheering athletes who were competing in table tennis
He expressed excitement at seeing the level at which the players were exhibiting their talents in table tennis and Para table tennis, stating that he has never hidden his undying passion for the Paralympians knowing full well that there is ability in disability. “They have won so many laurels for this country and there is no better way to motivate them than to be seen in their midst. It will go a very long way in lifting their spirits”, he added.
The Minister who described the National Sports Festival as the nation’s prime platform for identifying and picking the best out of the best reiterated the present administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the teeming Nigerian youth to compete with a view to developing their sporting potentials.
Dare stated further that to ensure junior category participation in sports, the National Youth Games (NYG) platform and Principals’ Cup were also being given the deserved attention
The Minister applauded the Calisthenics performance by children of ages 9 – 11 at the Opening Ceremony yesterday and stated that “when it comes to sports, the gold is in the child”
“Without competition, an athlete is not worth his salt, government will therefore continue to create more opportunities for Youth competitions to bring out the hidden talents in our youth” he concluded.
***Urges Super Eagles To Go For Gold
By Friday Idachaba Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has applauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their Wednesday night triumph over Bafana Bafana of South Africa and qualification for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ododo who gave the applaud in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah on Thursday in Lokoja commended the Super Eagles for their display of resilience and the “Can-do Spirit” of Nigerians.
He said that the Eagles in the thrilling semi final encounter held their nerves throughout the game and the emotionally charged penalty shootout won by the Super Eagles 4:2.
The Governor noted that the build up to the game demonstrated the undiluted passion by which Nigerians are known to rally in defence of their country in difficult times.
Ododo equally urged all Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles to soar in their quest to bring home the coveted continental trophy.
“This win by the Super Eagles proves that Nigeria has what it takes to bounce back from its temporary setbacks as a nation.
“We are inspired as a country and we must all support the Super Eagles to bring home the trophy as they go against the Ivory Coast in the Final this weekend”, Governor Ododo said.
The Governor also urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for the Super Eagles to clinch the Nations Cup adding that the team needed the support of all Nigerians to bring home the trophy. (Ends)
The Nigerian National Team, Super Eagles has defeated South African Bafana Bafana on penalties at the Stade de la Paix (Stadium of Peace) in Bouake, Ivory Coast to advanced to the final of the African Cup of Nations
Kelechi Ihenacho scored the winning penalty for Super Eagles as Nigeria displaced the South African team from the final of Africa Cup of Nations
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 67th minute through a penalty after Osimhen made his mark.
South Africa star player Mokoena equalised in the 90th minute sending the game to extra time, the extra time ended in a stalemate, and the game advanced to penalties.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, saved two penalties, while Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty to send the Eagles to the final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has defeated Angola in the quart final duel with Angola to advance to semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Lookman’s first half goal
Moses Simon’s perceptive pass gave Lookman the rear chance to score his third goal of the knockout stage
With the victory over Angola the Super Eagles have been tipped to be the new tournament favourites however their opponents with confident had created occasional scare.
This is the first time Nigeria have won four consecutive matches at a single Afcon edition without conceding a goal.
Having scored two goals against Cameroon in the last 16 as his first ever Afcon goals, Lookman has become the fourth Nigerian to score at least three goals in the knockout rounds of a single Afcon tournament, after Odion Ighalo in 2019 (4), Jay-Jay Okocha in 2004 (3) and Rashidi Yekini in 1994 (3).
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment2 years agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi2 years agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News2 years agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro1 year ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu