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Senate President Encourages Eagles To Go All Out For Bronze Medals

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2019

…As Pinnick, Dikko, Sanusi pump up Eagles’ spirit

Head of the Federal Government delegation to the 32^nd Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan (President of the Senate of the Federal Republic) has given the Super Eagles a pat on the back for their outing against Algeria on Sunday, while charging them to go all out against Tunisia on Wednesday to win the bronze medals.

The Senate President was at the Eagles’ dressing room at the Cairo International Stadium after the 2-1 defeat by the Desert Foxes of Algeria, which sent the North Africans into Friday’s final and Nigeria into Wednesday’s third place game.

“The Government of Nigeria is proud of you and how far you have been able to go in this competition. You worked very hard and showed the desire to win, but this is football and these things happen.

“The third place match is there and you have to forget the result of this match and prepare very well to win the bronze medals.”

The delegation also included the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee and Nigeria’s Member of the International Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel; a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung; Senators Sani Musa, Bello Mandiya and Gabriel Suswam; Umar Saidu Gajo and; Ocheme Okopi.

In related development, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, alongside his 2^nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko and General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi were on Monday at the Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel camp of the Super Eagles to ginger the players ahead of Wednesday’s third place match against Tunisia.

A last-gasp goal by Riyad Mahrez took Algeria to their first AFCON Final in 29 years and meant the Eagles will have to battle for the bronze medals with Tunisia, who lost to Senegal also on Sunday.

“I must start by acknowledging that you gave your best out there against Algeria as you have done since the beginning of the competition. It is important that you put the loss behind you as the third place match is just two days away. The message from the NFF is simple: Let us not leave this championship empty –handed. This is the biggest and toughest AFCON ever and we must win on Wednesday to make Nigerians happy again.

“It is good for us to win laurel here that we can present to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) back home. The Government and the people of Nigeria have supported this campaign in a robust manner.”

Team captain Mikel John Obi promised that the team will fight hard against the Carthage Eagles on Wednesday in order to salvage something from the tournament.

“We are as disappointed with the result as our fans, but that is football. We really and truly appreciate the support of the Federal Government and also the NFF.

“We are determined to go into Wednesday’s game with renewed commitment and hunger so that we do not leave this competition empty –handed.”

An own goal by William Ekong saw the Desert Foxes in a 1-0 lead at half time. Forward Odion Ighalo made no mistake from the spot in the 72^nd minute after the Video Assistant Referee awarded Nigeria a penalty following a handball by Aissa Mandi. But Riyad Mahrez, whose cross Ekong inadvertently diverted into the net in the first half, powered home a fierce drive from a free kick at the edge of the box, with seconds left, to give Algeria a 2-1 win.

Nigeria and Tunisia will make it a date for the third place match on Wednesday at the Al Salam Stadium, one of the venues in Cairo. The match starts at 9pm Egypt time (8pm Nigeria time).

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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.

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