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
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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