Sports
AFFAN pledges to collaborate with National Sports Commission
… Appeals to NSC to sponsor ageing female athletes for coaching courses*
The Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) has pledged to collaborate with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to further advance female sports in Nigeria.
The Chairman of AFFAN, Dr Toyin Aluko made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, at his office on Thursday.
Aluko shared that the defunct Ministry of Sports Development had officially recognised AFFAN and approved the inclusion of its members on the boards of National Sports Federations, with the next election scheduled after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The former athlete expressed the association’s goal of becoming more visible to inspire young girls and their parents, showing them that success in both sports and academics is attainable.
She stated, “I want to assure the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, that AFFAN is fully committed to the success of sports in Nigeria. The association is made up of retired female athletes who have brought glory to Nigeria during their active careers.
“Thanks to our reputation, the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, led by Senator John Enoch, approved our inclusion in the boards of National Sports Federations in the upcoming elections.
“We seek a platform from the National Sports Commission to increase our visibility in sports camps and competitions (both locally and internationally) to help protect female athletes and prevent any form of abuse.
“AFFAN also appeals to the NSC to sponsor ageing or former elite female athletes from various sports federations to attend reputable coaching courses, both locally and internationally. This will empower them to train and certify female coaches and referees who excel in their profession.
“There is a significant shortage of female coaches and referees in Nigeria. We urge the NSC to take a special interest in female coaches by supporting and facilitating the training of former female athletes.”
In his response, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assured that AFFAN’s inclusion on the boards of National Sports Federations would be activated and revisited.
“It is encouraging to see competent retired female athletes come together to form AFFAN and give back to society. The Commission will collaborate with AFFAN, as these women have participated in the very sports we seek to develop,” Mallam Dikko said.
“I also encourage AFFAN to re-engage with us ahead of the National Sports Federations elections, as guidelines for the elections are currently being formulated by a section of the National Sports Commission.”
Dikko acknowledged the consistent contribution of female athletes in securing Olympic medals for Nigeria and assured AFFAN of the Commission’s full support in its initiatives.
Dikko added that the Zonal Offices will be reactivated in order for more athletes to be discovered from every part of the country.
Sports
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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