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
NFF President Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off in Kaduna with Exciting Opening Ceremony
Joel Ajayi
The NFF President Cup Football Tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs began in style on November 12, 2024, marking a key step in promoting football development in Kaduna State and across the league. The tournament, held at the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium, will run until November 20 and promises fans thrilling preseason action and intense competition among participating teams.
The opening ceremony was a highlight, with Kaduna State’s Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, officially launching the event by kicking off the first ball—a symbolic gesture underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing sports and supporting local football talent. Professor Gugong remained for the inaugural match, where two local teams, Kada Warriors FC and Kawo FA, delivered an exciting performance. In a closely fought game, Kawo FA emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Kada Warriors FC.
Chairman of the tournament, Hon. Magaji Alhasan, welcomed the teams and officials in his opening remarks, applauding Kaduna’s warm hospitality. He assured all participants that fair and transparent officiating would be a top priority, with oversight directly under his supervision. Alhasan also expressed his hopes for the NFF President Cup to become an annual tradition, providing a vital platform for NNL clubs to prepare for each season.
With four matches scheduled daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the tournament promises a nonstop display of football talent that will captivate fans and further enhance Kaduna State’s reputation as a center for sports.
The tournament serves as an essential preseason platform, allowing clubs to refine their skills and gear up for the forthcoming National League season.
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