Sports
AFCON2023: Ex-Sports Minister Chief Sunday Dare Expresses Confidence In Super Eagles
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s immediate Past Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare believes that the Super Eagles of Nigeria stand a good chance of excelling at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) that will take place in Ivory Coast this January.
Despite a less-than-stellar performance during the qualifiers, Chief Dare said he believes that the Super Eagles possess the capability to soar to new heights and make a significant impact in the tournament.
“While their performance during the qualifiers may have had its challenges, the Super Eagles still possess the latent ability to elevate their game and assert Nigeria’s football dominance on the African stage,” stated Chief Sunday Dare.
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable display in the initial games during the AFCON in Cameroon 2022, Chief Dare emphasized the importance of replicating that cohesive team spirit and hunger for victory.
“In the AFCON in Cameroon in 2022 we saw what our players did in the first three games. That’s the high point and they need to achieve that same team spirit, cohesiveness, and thirst for victory.”
However, the former Sports Minister cautioned that strategic decisions in the lineup, substitutions, and timely adjustments would heavily influence the team’s path to victory.
“Football is a tactical game and being able to read the game and make adjustments are ingredients of victory. It’s either you get it right or you get burnt. The game of Football is a cruel one and victory comes only to the tactical, astute, and professional.”
The ex-Minister concluded by rallying Nigerians to throw their support behind the Super Eagles.
“The Super Eagles represent our national pride, and our support should be unwavering. Let us stand by our team and cheer them to victory.”
Nigeria is housed in Group A, and will face hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
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.
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