Sports

Maiden National Para-Soccer Sports Holds April

Published

5 years ago

February 7, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has said that arrangement has been concluded for the successful hosting of the Maiden edition of the National Para-Sports Festival in Abuja from April 9-15, 2022.

Mr Dare who disclosed this on Monday in his office in Abuja, stated that the maiden edition of the Para-Sports Games is aimed at giving People Living With Disability (PLWD) in sports a sense of belonging and opportunity to exhibit all their potentials.

Speaking through the Director, National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department of the Ministry, Mr Peter Nelson, the Minister started further that it is in line with the present administration’s policy of inclusion in ensuring that Para-Sports are given the same opportunity as their able bodied counterparts that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, approved the establishment of the National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department.

According to him, “this will facilitate the development of Para-Sports in Nigeria, give room for more Para-Sports to thrive, give opportunity for young Athletes to exhibit their talents as well as explore other Para-Sports that have not had the opportunity to feature in major sporting events for possible medal haul during tournaments.”

He explained that Para-Sports have produced the highest number of medals in the Paralympic Games for the Country since Nigeria started participating in the Games.

Stating further that, “this has positively portrayed Nigeria’s image in the global stage and also made her a household name when it comes to sports like Para-Powerlifting”

Fifteen Para-Sports are expected to participate in the median edition of the Festival, which includes: Para-Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis, Deaf Sports, Para-Soccer, Wheel Chair Tennis, Para-Badminton, Para-Canoe, Sitting Volleyball, Wheel Chair B/Ball, Amputee Football, Para-Swimming, Para-Taekwondo, and Para-Shooting.

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Sports

Drogba, Amuneke, Eguavoen Lead African Legends’ Arrival in Lagos

Published

13 hours ago

November 7, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With just one day to the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has arrived in Lagos, joining an impressive assembly of former African internationals already in the city ahead of Sunday’s star-studded encounter.

Drogba’s arrival further heightens anticipation for the game, which will bring together some of the continent’s most celebrated football figures at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Also in Lagos are Nigerian football greats Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other members of the legendary Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996.

The African contingent also features distinguished names including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, among other former international stars.

The excitement will extend beyond the legends’ reunion, with popular Nigerian entertainers and celebrities preparing for a special Celebrity Match as part of the event. Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha are among the personalities set to feature in the celebrity fixture, scheduled to begin at 1:30pm.

The Celebrity Match will form part of a wider programme of activities designed to give fans a full day of football, entertainment and celebration before the main legends’ fixture, which kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 1:30pm.

Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the game will feature 15 Nigerian legends taking on 13 African icons in a celebration of the players whose achievements helped shape the history of football on the continent.

Beyond the match, the programme includes a football clinic involving 500 young players, entertainment and special recognition for the heroes of African football.

The Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable gathering of football royalty, bringing together generations of fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the continent’s finest players.

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