Sports
Sports Minister, Dare Expresses Satisfaction with National Sports Festival Despite Challenges
“says the ministry worked hard to ensure sustained momentum from Edo 2020”
Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has stated his satisfaction with the level of activities at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
The Minister swiftly returned to Asaba after attending the 62nd Ordinary Session of Authority of Heads of State and Government at the start of the week.
Fielding questions from the press after another tour of various game venues, Dare stated that the Festival has lived up to billing inspite the short span of time the Ministry and Delta State had to plan.
“We have not been disappointed. We have seen very young athletes from virtually all the states compete in various sports, with the youngest at about eight years old. This speaks to grassroots development, a major focus of our administration. What Delta state has put together in just about a few months testifies to how well they have done.”
The minister stated that every room for improvement is being noted and the standard of the game will certainly continue to get better year on year.
“The most important thing is that we made this happen. We built up a momentum in Edo State, we sustained it through Delta State and we hope that by December 10th when we announce the next hosts, we can sustain that, too.”
The National Sports Festival had suffered a six year setback between 2012-2018 when it couldn’t hold but the Sports Minister Dare says priority attention is now given to the festival, to ensure that budding talents at home do not suffer the impacts of hosting failure.
As at the start of Day 6, hosts, Delta state were comfortably leading the medals table with 69 gold, 33 silver and 25 bronze medals. Ogun state sat second with 10 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze medals, while Oyo state were third with 9 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals.
Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.
In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.
The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.
Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.
She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
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