Sports
1st African School Games Comes to a Joyous End, as Nigeria Clinches 25 Medals, Secures 2027 Hosting Rights
The curtain has officially fallen on the 1st African School Games in Algiers, Algeria, which was a grand a celebration of youth, talent, and continental unity.
Team Nigeria concluded the Olympic-styled event , finishing with an impressive 25 medals, comprising 6 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals across 10 different sports. Nigeria ranked 4th on the log behind hosts nation, Algeria, followed by Egypt, and Tunisia.
In a symbolic moment during the closing ceremony, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and hosts, Algeria formally handed over the host’s flag to Nigeria, signifying the country’s emergence as the official host of the 2nd African School Games in 2027. This monumental achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leader in African youth sports and development.
Speaking after the closing ceremony, Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, lauded the athletes for their performance, discipline, and representation of the nation.
“These Games have shown us that the future of Nigerian sports is not only bright but it is unstoppable. Our young athletes have demonstrated courage, skill, and heart. This exposure will go a long way in preparing them for even greater stages.”
“The African School Games is about more than competition; it’s about building a generation that believes in unity, hard work, and national pride. We are proud of every athlete, coach, and official who represented Nigeria with dignity and excellence.”
Beyond the medal tally, Nigeria’s greatest victory lies in the exposure and life-changing experience gained by its student-athletes, many of whom wore national colors on an international stage for the first time.
The Games served as a powerful platform to nurture emerging talents, while instilling the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, and igniting the spirit of patriotism and ambition.
Hon. Olopade also extended appreciation to the Algerian government and ANOCA for the successful organization of the inaugural Games, while assuring that Nigeria will raise the bar in 2027, with a world-class hosting experience.
Upon their return to the country, Team Nigeria will be officially hosted by the National Sports Commission, where the athletes and officials will be celebrated for their outstanding performance. This special reception will precede an other national ceremonies planned to further honor and recognize the team’s achievements.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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