Sports

NO NEED FOR ANY AGENDA OF DISTRACTIONS

Published

1 year ago

January 7, 2024

by Micheal Obasi

…As Dubai is the Perfect Camp site for Super Eagles Preparations for AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire_

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently preparing for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in the United Arab Emirates thanks to the Nigeria Football Federation who are bent on ensuring the team gets the best of preparations before the mundial in Ivory Coast.

But surprisingly I have been reading in some quarters commentaries where the NFF was criticised for the choice of Dubai as the Eagles Camp site.

Offcourse everyone is entitled their opinion and their manner of reasoning but we strongly owe ourselves Informed information before ventilating our opinions.

It is also very important for people to understand that the NFF must have done it’s due diligence as regards the best camp site for the team in terms of weather, comfort and serenity.

All the Nigerians players are coming from Europe where they have being playing throughout the season in cold and freezing conditions but they are now going to Ivory coast where it’s going to be a complete direct opposite conditions.

And the Football House decided to choose a place like Dubai with similar weather conditions to what the players will confront in Ivory Coast.

So the big question is why the unnecessary criticism on the NFF?

I know we all owe our football constructive and objective criticisms but we must also burge ourselves from always setting an agenda of distraction and drama where there is none whenever the Country is on a major tournament.

Any regular traveller can easily attest to how serene Dubai is for any kind of hospitality and accommodation and the NFF actually got this very spot on to camp the Super Eagles there.

One can be rest assured of zero level of distraction for both the players and the technical crew which offcourse will afford them maximum concentration on the task ahead.

To further see that the NFF knows exactly what they were doing with the choice of Dubai , many other African Countries also have similar camp sites for their teams.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon for example are camped in Saudi Arabia, the Gambia are also currently using Saudi Arabia while DR Congo and Burkina Faso are camped in Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

I think what we all should be concerned about is how coach Jose Peseiro can get the best out of the array top class players in the Eagles Squad and have the likes of Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen firing in Ivory Coast.

Written by Micheal Obasi
Sports Journalist and Football Affairs Analyst

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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