Sports
2020 Olympic: Team Nigeria Gets Presidential Send Forth
…Go and Make Nigeria Proud-FG
…New Kits Unveiled
Joel Ajayi
With just 10 day to the commencement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nigerians have been assured of an impressive outing by Team Nigeria.
Speaking during the Unveiling of Team Nigeria kits and handing over of the athletes to the Nigerian Olympic committee at the State House Abuja on Monday, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare said “As you all are aware, the preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics began long before the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the organizers of both events to postpone the Games to 23 July and 24 August 2021, respectively. These athletes will be flying the colours of our great country, Nigeria, in Tokyo in the coming days.”
“I want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. President and the members of the National Assembly for the unwavering support in terms of resources and provision of an enabling environment that made it possible for these athletes to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
Dare disclosed that Nigeria qualified in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Gymnastics, Rowing, Taekwondo, Table Tennis and Wrestling. For the Paralympic Games, Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, Para Rowing and Para Table-Tennis all qualified. In all, a total of 58 athletes will be competing for glory in the Olympic Games and 22 athletes for the Paralympic Games, respectively.”
He further stated: “In a very clear departure from the past, athletes of Team Nigeria have been in camp for the past two months in an intensive and extensive training program in ensuring that our esteemed athletes are physically fit for the Games. As the team departs for Japan, it will head straight to Kisarazu for another two weeks for the offshore final camping exercise before the commencement of the Tokyo Olympic Games.”
The Minister expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his moral and financial support.
“All these would not have been possible without the support of Mr. President. I want to assure you that with the pedigree of the athletes who make up Team Nigeria and the level of preparations, Team Nigeria will not disappoint Nigerians at the Tokyo 2020 Games. All we need is the continuous support and prayers of Nigerians.”
The Minister said the Athletes who were carefully selected have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, commitment and discipline, recalling that the Ministry organized close to 90 days of staggered camping in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Yenagoa. A national trials was also organized and an international invitational involving five countries was also held in a concerted effort to ensure Team Nigeria qualifies for Track and field.
“Let me assure you Mr. President Sir, that these Athletes will do Nigeria proud at the Olympics by representing Nigeria well. Many of them have told me personally about their determination to achieve podium success to make Nigeria proud. I have no reason to doubt their commitment. I surely wish them the best.”
In the same vein, The Federal Government has urged team Nigeria to make the country proud at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with spectacular performance devoid of cheating.
The Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari commendd the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare for ensuring a hitch free preparations.
“I commend the Innovative and Hardworking Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare and the entire Staff of the Ministry for developing these stars and enabling Nigeria participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“I’m very happy to see the very best of the best Nigerian Athletes representing Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 58 outstanding athletes and 18 World class coaches joining about 258 other countries of the world in the biggest and most spectacular sporting event in the world. We look forward to an exciting outing so that we can attain podium performances.”
Sports
Elegbeleye thumbs up intriguing NPFL Title Race
It has been a season of twists and turns at the top and bottom zones of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) log with positions changing almost after every Matchday.
At the start of the season, Remo Stars established their title credentials by staying within the top three just as Lobi Stars, Nasarawa and Akwa United struggled to burst loose from the drop zone.
As the season crossed the half line, Remo Stars broke away from the loop, establishing a ten points gap from the chasing pack. But it appears the fierce fight now is for the remaining continental slots, which Ikorodu City is the latest and surprise entrant. They join the quartet of Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Rangers and Enyimba in the jostle for second and third place.
NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye took stock of the ding-dong and expressed excitement over the fierce battle for the league title and continental spots.
After Matchday 28, theres left 10 matchdays to conclude the season, and Elegbeleye says the competition has been “unprecedented,” He attributes the tight contest to improvements in match officiating that may have boosted clubs’ confidence.
“Teams now travel for away games with the mindset of winning rather than just defending for a point,” he noted.
The NPFL has increasingly attracted new breed of young managers including former Super Eagles players who returned from Europe. From Finidi Georgia to Emmanuel Amunike and Daniel Amokachi to least a few, the European influence is aiding the competition. There are also the likes of home bred Stars like Imama Amakapabo, Kennedy Boboye, Tony Bulus and others who are all from the same generation.
Elegbeleye points to their influence in the rise in coaching standards, arguing that “with the blend of young and experienced tacticians, we are creating an environment where ex-players can transition into coaching roles, and where Super Eagles and international players feel comfortable playing in Nigeria due to the league’s quality.”
He is specifically impressed by Ikorodu City, whose remarkable rise has added a fresh twist to the title race.
“]Ikorodu City’s performance has been impressive. They’ve shown that privately owned clubs can thrive in the NPFL with proper planning, recruitment, and promotion. From struggling early in the season to now challenging for the title and continental spots, they’ve added excitement and credibility to the league. Their journey is a testament to what can be achieved with the right approach.”
On the relegation battle, Elegbeleye noted the fierce competition at the bottom of the table. “While the focus is often on the top, the fight to avoid relegation is equally intense. Any team from 12th to 20th is still at risk, which shows the level of competition in the league. We’ll be closely monitoring the remaining matches to ensure fairness and integrity.”
With the NPFL delivering drama, quality, and unpredictability, Elegbeleye is confident the league will crown a worthy champion at the end of the season.
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