Sports
Delta State emerges overall winner with 649 medals as Buhari declares 21st NSF closed
President Muhammadu Buhari has declared the 21st Edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Delta 2022″ closed, as Team Delta, the Defending Champion carted away 649 medals (320 gold, 200 silver and 120 bronze),
Bayelsa clinched the second position with 337 medals (132 gold, 115 silver, 90 bronze) and Edo, third with 339 medals (78 gold, 94 silver, 167 bronze)
While declaring the Festival closed at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the President congratulated the Team for its outstanding performance at the event.
A statement by the director of Press and Public Relations Mohammed Manga quoted the President to have added that “as Sportsmen and women, we have been trained to accept defeat at Sports event as a challenge to do better next time, saying they are all winners.
He congratulated all the Athletes, Coaches, Technical and other Officials for making the Festival a memorable one”
Speaking through the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, the President saluted the Government and people of the State for hosting the best National Sports Festival in recent times as well as for the high standard facilities provided for the Games
“I salute the Government and people of Delta State for the successful organization of the best National Sports Festival. I commend His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and his team for the high standard of facilities provided for the Festival. I urge you to be creative in putting the facilities to good use that can generate revenue for the coffers of the State Government”.
According to the President sports has over the years proven to be an enabler for economic activities in the Host State and community, adding that it has also fast-tracked the provision of infrastructure and led to the development of new cities and therefore urged all States of the Federation and the FCT to continue to partner the Federal Government in its sports development efforts so that “together as a nation, we can attain our sports development vision.
Following the evaluation of the bids and the physical visitation to the prospective States, President Buhari announced Ogun State as the next host for the National Sports Festival in 2024.
He congratulated the Government and people of the State for emerging the preferred State and wished them the best of luck in the organization of the 22nd Edition of the Sports Festival.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for granting Delta State the opportunity to host the event and assured that the State will use the facilities on ground to genetate revenue for the development of sports and other competitions.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, expressed satisfaction over the excellent performance of the athletes that made the State the leading champion
The Governor wishes all athletes and officials safe journey back to their destinations
***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).
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