Sports
AFCON2023: Ex-Sports Minister Chief Sunday Dare Expresses Confidence In Super Eagles
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s immediate Past Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare believes that the Super Eagles of Nigeria stand a good chance of excelling at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) that will take place in Ivory Coast this January.
Despite a less-than-stellar performance during the qualifiers, Chief Dare said he believes that the Super Eagles possess the capability to soar to new heights and make a significant impact in the tournament.
“While their performance during the qualifiers may have had its challenges, the Super Eagles still possess the latent ability to elevate their game and assert Nigeria’s football dominance on the African stage,” stated Chief Sunday Dare.
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable display in the initial games during the AFCON in Cameroon 2022, Chief Dare emphasized the importance of replicating that cohesive team spirit and hunger for victory.
“In the AFCON in Cameroon in 2022 we saw what our players did in the first three games. That’s the high point and they need to achieve that same team spirit, cohesiveness, and thirst for victory.”
However, the former Sports Minister cautioned that strategic decisions in the lineup, substitutions, and timely adjustments would heavily influence the team’s path to victory.
“Football is a tactical game and being able to read the game and make adjustments are ingredients of victory. It’s either you get it right or you get burnt. The game of Football is a cruel one and victory comes only to the tactical, astute, and professional.”
The ex-Minister concluded by rallying Nigerians to throw their support behind the Super Eagles.
“The Super Eagles represent our national pride, and our support should be unwavering. Let us stand by our team and cheer them to victory.”
Nigeria is housed in Group A, and will face hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
Sports
Culture Comes Alive in Abuja as 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament Kicks Off in Grand Style
By Joel Ajayi
It was a spectacular showcase of culture and tradition at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honors, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.
“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”
With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.
“Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”
The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.
Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.
As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.
This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.
Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport: “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.
Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.
“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.
Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region.
Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.
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