Sports

2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifiers: We’ll fill Abuja stadium to lead Eagles to victory with or without govt support” – Dan Arewa

Published

3 years ago

March 28, 2022

…says tickets must be free

By Akeem Busari

As preparations for the return leg of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana heats up in Abuja, Chairman of Katsina State Football Association, Aminu Kurfi Balele, has declared his interest to team up with other patriotic Nigerian businessmen, even if they have to buy all the match tickets and distribute free to members of the public.

Speaking on a radio show monitored in Lagos, he expressed his disappointment with the decision of the government and NFF to ask soccer fans to pay as much as N2,000 for entry tickets to the stadium.

” I’m totally against the decision of the sports minister and the NFF to place such price on the match tickets. If we actually want to fill the Abuja stadium to its capacity, the gates should be thrown open for free entry.

Kurfi, popular known in the football community as Dan Arewa, further disclosed that he was initially not in support of the choice of the Abuja stadium. He noted that Abuja residents are mostly civil servants who would rather return home after work than go to the stadium, unlike residents of Kano, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Port-Harcourt.

” We saw how the stadium in Ghana was filled to the brims. And we can only get such crowds in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Port-Harcourt because of their love for the game. That’s what we want and the only way to achieve that in Abuja, is to make the entry free for the fans. We must win and qualifier for Qatar.”

Balele who is renowned for his immense contributions to grassroots football development continued, ” We must fill up the Abuja stadium and do everything we can to ensure we qualify for the world cup.

” It is not enough to provide free buses to the stadium. Even if it means reaching out to richer Nigerian business men like Adenuga and Dangote, we shall do it,” he added.

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Sports

Korean Ambasador Thumbs NTF, Pledges More Support

Published

16 hours ago

October 21, 2024

The Gleamer

..As Africa Teakwondo Union upgrade Korean Ambassador’s tourney to G1 ranking tournament
Joel Ajayi

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency KIM Pankyu, has thumbed the level of growth and development in the game of teakwoodo across Nigeria as he pledged more supports to the federation to enable more growth.

He gave this assurance weekend in Abuja at the just concluded 12th edition of Korean Ambassador’s Cup Teakwondo Tournament where over 200 teakwondo player competed for honour.

According to him, as you know, Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art loved by many people around the world. Not only does Taekwondo enhance your physical strength, it also disciplines your mind and soul.

“Taekwondo encourages competition, but at the same time teaches us fairness and respect. These aspects helped Taekwondo become a global sport. And now, thanks to people, I am proud to see the popularity of Taekwondo grow in Nigeria.

“The Ambassador’s Championship is part of our efforts to promote Taekwondo in Nigeria. It also aims to help Nigerian athletes to improve their skills so that they can compete on the global stage.”

And we will continuing supporting Nigeria to a stage where Nigeria will win gold medal in the game at Olympic or any world stage.

In his address, the President of NTF said that, the tournament creating a platform fforall our athletes to showcase their skills and passion for this beautiful martial art.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaches and officials who have devoted their time and expertise to support our athletes. Your hard work behind the scenes has been instrumental in making this championship a resounding success. It is your commitment that nurtures the talent of our athletes, shaping them into the champions of tomorrow.

“I am filled with optimism about the future of Taekwondo in Nigeria. Together, we will continue to work diligently to improve our training programs, expand our reach, and develop more young athletes. I envision a Nigeria where Taekwondo thrives at all levels, from grassroots programs to international competitions.”

He thanked all sponsors and partners whose generous contributions have contributed to the success of 12th Korean Ambassador Cup.In his remarked, the President Africa Teakwondo Union, Mr Ide Issaka, who was happy with level of progress in Nigeria announced that African union has decided to upgrade Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Cup Championship that has been existing in the last twelve years to the G1 ranking tournament in Africa where other Africa country will participating.

President who was represented by his vice president; chief Jonathan Nnaji the Africa Union is happy about the progress of the Taekwondo in the country expressed that, Taekwondo union, Africa Taekwondo union will continue to support the Taekwondo federation.

“It’s worthy of note that the Korean Ambassador has been sustaining the sponsorship for all these years. This to a very high essence, which has helped in no small measure in making Nigeria and Africa great. Also, the world at large.”

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