Sports

Infrastructures Are Key to Sports Development”, Sunday Dare Explains Reasons For His Administration’s Infrastructure Drive

Published

3 years ago

July 10, 2022

One of the hallmarks that has added the success of Hon. Sunday Dare as Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Minister is the unprecedented revamp of sports infrastructures in the country.

Since the start of Sunday Dare’s tenure, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has been revived and has gone on to pass the FIFA and CAF test, as it has hosted a number of international matches. Also, the National Stadium, Surulere which was abandoned for years is on the verge of being completely turned around. Moreso, the Daura Township Stadium has been transformed for the utilization of about 45 teams in the area, after the famous ground was left to rot. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium and other facilities are also set for transformation under the wholesome plans of the ministry, led by Hon. Sunday Dare.

Speaking on this infrastructure development drive, Sunday Dare said “we came to the realization that at the heart of sports development is to have infrastructures and facilities that are befitting for such lofty ambitions. So my team and I, set out a grand plan to change the narrative on sports infrastructures in Nigeria”.

“Due to the capital-intensive nature of these projects, we engaged the private sector to see how we could leverage on public-private partnerships and we brought the private sector on board”.

One of the transformed infrastructures is the Moshood Abiola Stadium. A once abandoned edifice has now hosted the Super Eagles, the Super Falcons, the Falconets (U-20 Girls), the Flying Eagles (U-20 Boys), the Flamingoes (U-17 Girls), Golden Eaglets (U-17 Boys), as well as NPFL Matches, all in the space of one year. The stadium is also compliant with the VAR technology, modern FIFA-approved technical and players’ bench amongst others.

Answering further, the Minister said, “when we started, we visited FIFA, and at that point, we all agreed that a football nation as big as Nigeria cannot be suffering a huge gap in Infrastructures and we set out to correct this anomaly. We are not where we want to be, but we will not stop working to get as many facilities as a possibile up to scratch. We are not just upgrading our facilities, we are also putting up maintenance deals because this is the only way to guarantee their longevity”.

While this drive continues, one could posit that, in the coming years, Nigeria will be able to compete with contemporaries on its sporting infrastructures.

Share on Facebook

Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

14 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

Share on Facebook