Sports

Adequate preps will see Super Falcons through a difficult group – Waldrum

Published

4 years ago

October 25, 2022

Randy Waldrum believes nine-time African champions Nigeria can pull through a tough Group B of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand next year if they continue on the tangent of regular top grade friendly matches and camping programmes.

“I have mixed feelings because it is a difficult group. Host nations are almost always difficult to play, and more than that, Australia is a fantastic team. Also, we have the Olympic champions, Canada in our group. We played the Canadians recently in two friendly matches and I know they are highly motivated for the World Cup.

“I know some of Canada’s players very well. Then, we have Republic of Ireland. It is a tough group but I think it is the same with most of the groups. It is the FIFA World Cup so you are bound to play the strongest teams. All the groups are difficult and you know, there are so many good teams these days: that is where we are and it is a great thing for the women’s game.”

The American insists that the Super Falcons have the talent, guts and ambition to cause a storm at the finals scheduled for nine cities across Australia and New Zealand 20^th July – 20^th August next year.

“We have, no doubt, the talent to survive in this group. We just need adequate preparations such as the regular friendly matches during international breaks, and then the training camps. The girls are ambitious; they want to give their best at the World Cup. I trust that they will do Nigeria proud.”

The Super Falcons are in Group B of the finals with Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada. In two friendly matches in April this year, Nigeria lost one and drew one against the Olympic champions.

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Sports

NSC DG Olopade Applauds FCT’s Move to Develop Gwagwalada Mini Stadium

Published

12 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the planned construction of a mini stadium in Gwagwalada, describing the initiative as a significant boost to sports development in the territory.

Hon. Olopade said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

According to the DG, the proposed Gwagwalada Mini Stadium, when completed, will serve as an important sporting facility during the 2027 African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja, while also providing young athletes in the FCT with access to quality sports infrastructure to nurture their talents.

“As I speak, over 30 contractors have been mobilized to various sites to ensure that sporting facilities and infrastructure are put in place for both our young and elite athletes across the country, Hon, Olopade said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for sports development, noting that the Federal Government had committed over ₦200 billion to the rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“We are more than grateful at the Sports Commission because Mr President has been very supportive of sports like never before. His commitment to spending over ₦200 billion on infrastructure revamp across the country will ensure that indigent children have access to quality facilities to harness their sporting potential,” he added.

The DG emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a critical factor in achieving excellence, noting that the availability and quality of facilities play a major role in athletes’ performance and their ability to secure podium finishes at international competitions.

He described the planned construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium as a welcome development, commending Wike for his continued commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT.

“The construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium by the FCT Minister is a massive welcome development for the Sports Commission. The Minister deserves all the accolades for the good work he has been doing in the FCT, particularly in the area of construction and infrastructure development,” Hon. Olopade said.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of sporting facilities that will support grassroots participation, talent discovery and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

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