Sports

Sports Minister to Declare National Youth Games Open in Asaba

Published

4 months ago

September 12, 2024

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will officially declare the National Youth Games open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

In anticipation of the event, Senator John Owan Enoh has emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the Games by strictly adhering to the age requirement.

He reiterated that the National Youth Games are intended for athletes 15 years of age and below, and any attempts at age cheating will not be tolerated.

“As the name of the Games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth. We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment. The technical team has been instructed to ensure that only athletes within the age bracket of 15 years and below participate.”

“Age cheating undermines the purpose of these Games, and we will take firm measures to prevent it,” Senator Enoh stated.

Delta State, renowned for its rich sporting culture, is the host for this year’s event, and the stage is set for an exciting celebration of youth talent and sportsmanship.

The National Youth Games have become an important event in the nation’s sports calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level and hone their skills. The Games are also a key part of Nigeria’s talent identification and development strategy, helping to groom the next generation of sporting stars.

The Honourable Minister called on all participanting States to embody the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, while urging spectators and fans to support the young athletes as they represent their states in various sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony promises to be a grand spectacle, with several dignitaries and sports stakeholders expected to attend in celebration of the future of Nigerian sports.

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Sports

NFF President Gusau Assures Nigerians: Super Eagles Will Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Published

4 hours ago

December 26, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has guaranteed Nigerians that the Super Eagles will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in Mexico, the USA, and Canada.

Gusau also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of grassroots football across the nation, emphasizing its importance for the growth of the sport in Nigeria.

Speaking at the final match of the Sokoto State Football Association Chairman Cup at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, Gusau praised the Sokoto State FA for successfully organizing the tournament. The final saw Lokoja FC defeat A.A Star FC in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

The NFF President emphasized that missing back-to-back World Cups would be detrimental to Nigeria’s football aspirations and called for collective effort to ensure qualification. “The qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup is a task for all football stakeholders, led by the NFF,” Gusau said. “I urge everyone to support this mission.”

While commending the impressive talent and enthusiasm on display in Sokoto State, Gusau expressed concern about the state of the Giginya Memorial Stadium. He pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to upgrade the facility to international standards, making it capable of hosting high-profile matches, including those of the Super Eagles.

“I am impressed with the level of talent and enthusiasm displayed by the teams and fans during this tournament,” Gusau noted. “However, I am also concerned about the state of the stadium. I promise to work with the relevant authorities to ensure it is renovated to meet international standards.”

Gusau extended his gratitude to the participating teams, fans, and the Sokoto community for their unwavering support in making the tournament a success.

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