Sports
1st African School Games Comes to a Joyous End, as Nigeria Clinches 25 Medals, Secures 2027 Hosting Rights
The curtain has officially fallen on the 1st African School Games in Algiers, Algeria, which was a grand a celebration of youth, talent, and continental unity.
Team Nigeria concluded the Olympic-styled event , finishing with an impressive 25 medals, comprising 6 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals across 10 different sports. Nigeria ranked 4th on the log behind hosts nation, Algeria, followed by Egypt, and Tunisia.
In a symbolic moment during the closing ceremony, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and hosts, Algeria formally handed over the host’s flag to Nigeria, signifying the country’s emergence as the official host of the 2nd African School Games in 2027. This monumental achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leader in African youth sports and development.
Speaking after the closing ceremony, Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, lauded the athletes for their performance, discipline, and representation of the nation.
“These Games have shown us that the future of Nigerian sports is not only bright but it is unstoppable. Our young athletes have demonstrated courage, skill, and heart. This exposure will go a long way in preparing them for even greater stages.”
“The African School Games is about more than competition; it’s about building a generation that believes in unity, hard work, and national pride. We are proud of every athlete, coach, and official who represented Nigeria with dignity and excellence.”
Beyond the medal tally, Nigeria’s greatest victory lies in the exposure and life-changing experience gained by its student-athletes, many of whom wore national colors on an international stage for the first time.
The Games served as a powerful platform to nurture emerging talents, while instilling the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, and igniting the spirit of patriotism and ambition.
Hon. Olopade also extended appreciation to the Algerian government and ANOCA for the successful organization of the inaugural Games, while assuring that Nigeria will raise the bar in 2027, with a world-class hosting experience.
Upon their return to the country, Team Nigeria will be officially hosted by the National Sports Commission, where the athletes and officials will be celebrated for their outstanding performance. This special reception will precede an other national ceremonies planned to further honor and recognize the team’s achievements.
Sports
“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports
Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his outstanding support to sports journalism and his immense contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The prestigious award was presented on Friday in Abuja during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, marking 60 years of promoting sports journalism and excellence across the nation.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving the honour, Makanjuola Nureni described the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration to me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the recognition serves as a morale booster after decades of hard work and silent impact in the sports community.
“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognized people like us,” Nureni expressed.
Makanjuola Nureni is the founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja that focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.
Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have gone on to represent Nigeria’s national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
His consistency, passion, and investment in the development of young athletes have made him a key figure in Nigerian grassroots football.
In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s unwavering dedication to the growth of sports and his continuous support for sports journalism and youth empowerment.
The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development and described him as a true partner in the promotion of excellence within Nigerian sports.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
Nureni’s recognition stands out as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of Nigerian football.
With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further cements his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria.
His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.
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