Sports

Anyanacho Olympic Camp buoyed by Sports Minister’s Visit

Published

4 years ago

May 11, 2021

Tokyo Olympics bound Elizabeth Anyanacho has been buoyed by a surprise visit paid by the Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, to her Olympic training camp.

The 22-year-old Elizabeth, who is the first Nigerian woman in 16 years to qualify for the Olympics in Taekwondo, is currently battling with six other national champions in a special Olympic fight camp set up to boost her preparations.

Other national champions present at the special Olympic training fight camp organised by Olympic medalist Chika Chukwumerije include African Champion, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, African bronze medalists Juliet Dennis alongside national athletes Helen Okoko, Judith Usifoh, Peter Itiku and Ifeoluwa Ajayi,

Mr Dare, who has been visiting Olympic athletes in various qualified sports, dropped in on the unsuspecting camp to observe the training and encourage the athletes.

Speaking to the athletes after the session, the youthful Minister expressed satisfaction at the high level of training observed and promised to support the preparations of Elizabeth towards the goal of a podium finish in Tokyo.

“I am happy with the intensity and level of training that I have seen here today. I want to assure Elizabeth that, despite the constraint of resources expressed in recent times, the sports ministry will extend all possible support to ensure she achieves her podium dream in Tokyo,” he said.

The Minister thanked the national champions that came for the special camp, urging them to present a formidable resistance to Elizabeth which will further aid her training.

He said, “I thank all the national champions here today. Your role is important. I want you to train hard and help Elizabeth prepare, so when she gets to Tokyo, she will be ready for her Olympic opponents.”

The Honourable Minister promised that support for all athletes will not end with the Tokyo Olympics.

“After the Olympics, sports and life will still go on. We will keep supporting all our athletes even after the Olympics is finished,” he assured.

Responding to the surprise visit and words of encouragement by Mr Dare, the first-timer Olympian Elizabeth Anyanacho thanked the Honourable Minister for the visit and presented souvenirs in appreciation.

“I thank the Honourable Minister for this surprise visit. It gives me a lot of confidence to know that the government and the people of Nigeria are behind my preparations. I will keep working hard with my technical crew to make a positive impact at the Tokyo Olympics,” she assured.

Elizabeth Anyanacho, who is the second ever Nigerian female to qualify in Taekwondo for the Olympics, will be competing at the Tokyo Olympics on 26th July, 2021 in the female -67kg category.

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Sports

“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports

Published

2 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

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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