Sports
Minister harps on the importance of zonal offices in grassroots sports development
The Federal Government has affirmed that the zonal offices of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development are crucial towards the realization of its avowed determination to ensure grassroots sports development right at the community level across the country
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated this during a
visit to the Southwest Zonal Office of the Ministry located in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
Director ofPress and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga quoted the Minister have indicated that the Southwest Zonal Office, encompassing Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos states, serves as a strategic hub for implementing policies and initiatives aimed at activating grassroots sports and facilitating holistic development at the regional level.
The Minister explained further that zonal offices of the Ministry are vital to *our efforts in promoting grassroots sports and development. “By focusing on regions, we can tailor our interventions to address specific needs and harness the untapped potential in these communities”, he said
He pointed out that the visit was part of a broader strategy to engage directly with local communities, understand their unique challenges, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement targeted solutions.
Senator Enoh acknowledged the enthusiasm and passion for sports within the Southwest region and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to creating opportunities for talent development and sports participation at the grassroots level.
He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry under his watch of its readiness to partner individuals and corporate organizations in the development drive towards national interest.
During the visit, the Minister also inspected the Obafemi Awolowo National Stadium Ibadan, led by the zonal coordinator, Mr. Okere Emmanuel.
He reiterated the importance of creating an enabling environment for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts to thrive, underscoring the pivotal role sports play in unifying communities and fostering a culture of excellence.
***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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