Sports
FG urges athletes at the African Beach Games to ensure they qualify for the global stage
The Federal Government has urged athletes participating in the 2nd African Beach Games holding in Temament, Tunisia to better their performance at the competitions to ensure Nigeria qualify for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who made the call in Abuja on Sunday indicated that Nigeria is expected to participate in 10 thrilling events at the Games which will run from June 22 to June 30, 2023 as a crucial qualification phase for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, scheduled for August 4 to August 12, 2023.
Director of Press and Public Relations Mohammed Manga on a statement quoted the Permanent Secretary to have said, “Not less than 10 events would be on offer, where athletes will showcase their talents and the athleticism of Nigerian athletes on the beautiful beaches of Tunisia.”
The events he added “cover a wide range of sports, ensuring a diverse and exciting competition for both participants and spectators alike.”
He stated further that, on the list is the high-energy sport of Beach Volleyball, where Nigeria will be represented by a skilled team of 12 players.
According to him, “Following closely also, is the Beach Handball, with a talented squad of 10 players ready to showcase their exceptional skills on the sand.
In addition to these, the Permanent Secretary said, Nigeria will also compete in individual events. Air Badminton will see three players from Nigeria demonstrating their agility, quick reflexes, and finesse.
Alhaji Ismaila explained that in Kata Karate, a solitary athlete will represent the country where he is sure to display the mastery of traditional martial arts at the games.
While acknowledging the exhilarating challenge the open water may likely pose for Nigerian athletes participating in Open Water Swimming, he expressed optimism that the four determined swimmers who will represent the country are all out to conquer the demanding nature of the sport.
The Permanent Secretary informed that Nigeria will also participate in Teqball, a relatively new sport that combines elements of soccer and table tennis. “Nigeria will field a competitive team of three players, who will battle it out against the other nations in this unique and exciting sport,” he said.
He added that Team Nigeria will also participate in Tennis, Ocean Racing, Rowing Beach and Beach Wrestling.
Alhaji Abubakar therefore called on Nigerian athletes to ensure they make the country proud, assuring that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the development of sports in the country, in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – led administration.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, who is the leader of the Nigerian Contingent for the 2nd African Beach Games, stated that the event is organised by The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
He assured that Nigeria is all out for excellent performance at the Games.
***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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