Featured

SOPAN hails Falcons for South Korea Victory

Published

6 years ago

June 14, 2019

SOPAN hails Falcons for South Korea Victory
..Charges team to beat France

Sports Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (SOPAN) has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Falcons for spanking the former World Champions, South Korea 2-0 in their second group game at the ongoing 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

According to the Chairman of the Noble association, Mr Martin Odiete, who on Thursday after the Executives meeting of the Association held at their headquarters in Abuja, commended the efforts of the senior national female team for bouncing back from a 3-0 defeat in the hands of Norway in their first Group A match to beat the South Koreans.

By this victory, Falcons now has a good chance of making it to the round of 16 if they can get at least a draw in the last group match against the host team France, but warned that the match would play a big role in booking their second round ticket.

“We are extremely happy with the resilient spirit of Nigeria’s apex female football team (Super Falcons), especially proving the doubting Thomases wrong against Korea Republic few days ago.

“SOPAN is a body that is duly registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, and part of our objectives include putting Nigerian sports in good spotlight before the world. We believe you can consolidate on the recent triumph over the bottom placed Korea republic,” Odiete maintained.

Martin Odiete on behalf of SOPAN, implore the Super Falcons to fight for the next phase of the ongoing FIFA World Cup as the play host nation, France.

“As African Champions, with intimidating track records, we are sure Falcons can conquer one of the biggest women football nations, France, when they meet in their last group match.

“We Salute the Technical Savvy of Falcons’ crew Led by Thomas Dennerby and ex International, Maureen Madu, as we urge the Super Falcons to be ruthless against the French National team to extend their stay in the world football showpiece ”

“SOPAN shall continue to give its ‘unflinching ‘ support to Super Falcons as the pride of Africa and believes that the Nigerian team can make progress in this Women’s FIFA World Cup holding in France,” he assured

Super Falcons rose from a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their first group match to beat Korea 2-0 and stand a good chance of progressing to the second round but must maintain a decent scoreline in the last group match against the host, France in Rennes on Monday to clear the debris of not reaching the knockout phase since 1999.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook