Sports

Presidential Spokesman, Sunday Dare to Grace Opening Ceremony of National Sports Festival in Ogun State

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, will attend the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 31, 2025.

Hon. Dare was the Minister when Ogun State was officially granted the hosting rights for the festival—widely regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics.

The National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games 2024,” will bring together over 15,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, competing in about 32 sports. It serves not only as a celebration of sporting excellence but also as a platform for talent discovery and national integration.

The opening ceremony, set to be held at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, will witness the presence of top dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawamde as well as other federal and state-level officials, and representatives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

Also on ground will be the Festival’s chief custodians—Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and chair of the Main Organizing Committee —both of whom will play key roles in ensuring the smooth coordination of the games.

The Gateway Games is poised to be one of the most memorable editions yet, spotlighting Ogun State as a hub for sports development while fostering unity, peace, and youth empowerment across Nigeria.

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Sports

Paul Salami Fires Hat-Trick as U23 Side Defeats 10-Man Melbourne Sharks

Published

14 hours ago

June 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Jeph Akanji

Paul Salami’s Stunning Hat-Trick Sinks 10-Man Melbourne Sharks in U23 Showdown

Nigerian-born midfielder Paul Salami stole the show with a sensational hat-trick, leading his side to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Melbourne Sharks in Week 9 of the Australian U23 League.

The 21-year-old rising star opened the scoring in the 20th minute, calmly finishing off a swift counter-attack to put his team ahead. The momentum shifted further in their favor when Sharks defender Liam Mastos received a straight red card in the 40th minute for a reckless challenge, forcing the home side to play with 10 men.

Salami continued to exploit the numerical advantage with clinical precision. He netted his second goal in the 52nd minute, capping off a well-orchestrated team move, before sealing his hat-trick in the 75th minute with a composed finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Operating with poise and creativity in midfield, Salami’s performance was a masterclass in attacking intelligence, control, and execution. His match-winning display not only earned him the match ball but also solidified his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

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