Sports

Our Focus Now Is Building ‘Team Nigeria’ – Sports Minister

Published

4 years ago

May 3, 2021

…As Nigeria Athletes Depart US Thursday

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, has revealed that the Ministry is now focusing more on building a formidable Team Nigeria that would make the country proud in the forthcoming 2020 Olympic in Japan, than listening to the noise of the market.

The Minister made this known on Monday when he visited the athletes Moshood National Stadium Abuja preparing to travel on Thursday to Texas, United States of America to participate in relay qualifiers event in USA.

He expressed that, though Nigeria athletes missed the World Relay in Poland due to visa issue but the Ministry has put that behind and moved on to ensure Nigeria still qualifies for the world fiesta event.

It was gathered that, about 20 athletes are leaving Nigeria on Thursday while the second batch of athletes will also join them later for the event.

The Minister assured that, what Nigeria missed in Poland will be gained in US.

According to him, I am just here to support you, and to encourage you, and inform you that you are the team Nigeria.

“We have about 87 days to the Olympic proper, we are ready to have you, go out there in US. Our team over there will also join you to create a blend, those that will compete with you are like you, the track is not different, I am made bold to say here that, the entire Nigerians are behind you.

“I want to urge the athletes not to be distracted with administrative noises, your duty is to run and give Nigeria the best , leave administration and all the noise behind , don’t listen to the noise in the market if not, you will not buy anything, so be focus on the goal ahead of you.

“ We are going to the US because we have other means that will place us on the part of qualification, if you follow the outcome of what happened in Poland; for some of the relays, we have 4, 5, some two slots left, so the chances are blighting.

“Nigeria will be at the Olympic God’s wiling, we have put everything in place to ensure athletes are comfortable, they have been in camps for past two weeks with their coaches, I have no doubt Nigeria will be at the Olympic.” He Assured.

Speaking on the sideline of World Relay in Poland, Minister said, the Ministry spared no effort to get it but issue of visa scuttled it.

“We did everything possible to get to Poland but their government said Nigeria need two full weeks to process visa, then there was nothing we could do but we got America visa within 3-4 days.

“About three or four countries even withdrew from the Poland event, they were waiting for Nigeria. There are chances and we are going to fight for every available slot to be in Japan.”

Talking about athletes’ welfare, Minister said the Ministry had put in place a detailed program for the Athletes where every trips, meets, Timing, accommodation is being monitored.

Chief Dare therefore, urged them to strictly adhere to all protocols of Covid-19.

Minister showered encomium on some athletes, saying the future is bright for Nigeria to have podium performances at the Olympics. He commended the performance of Tobi Amusan who got adopted few weeks ago and who now has the second World best time, Grace Nwokocha and Adegoke Enoch who got adopted by the Minister under the Adopt an Athlete Initiative.

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Basketball

Airwarrior Basketball Club Chairman, Celebrates Sallah with Journalists in Abuja

Published

7 hours ago

June 7, 2025

The Gleamer

The event, filled with camaraderie and appreciation, provided an opportunity for Alhaji Solademi to acknowledge the vital role of the media in national development and the promotion of sports in Nigeria.

In a warm gesture of unity, oneness, togetherness and goodwill, the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abuja, Alhaji Abddulmajid Solademi, hosted a group of Basketball Journalists on Saturday at his residence in celebration of the Sallah festivities in Abuja.

The gathering that shows the importance of love, peace, and unity values which is crucial not just for the advancement of basketball, but for the overall progress of the nation.

However, the Sallah is a time to reflect on our shared humanity,” he said. “It’s a moment to support one another and to uphold the values that bring us together, rather than divide us.”

Guests at the event shared stories, enjoyed meals, Asun Rice, Oriental rice, Jollof Rice, Swallow in variety with a lot of drinks that mede them to engaged in meaningful discussions on the development of sports in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots basketball.

Many attendees praised Solademi for his unwavering support for the sporting community and his ongoing commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

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