Sports
AfricanGames2024: Sports Minister Visits Team Nigeria’s Training Camps to Motivate Athletes
…Charges athletes to deliver best ever appearance
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has issued a rallying call to Team Nigeria athletes, urging them to strive for excellence and make the 2024 African Games the nation’s best appearance at the Games. Senator Enoh’s call comes as Nigeria gears up to compete in the prestigious sporting event to be hosted in Accra, Ghana.
In a Press statement issued on Sunday by the S.A. Media to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Diana-Mary Nsan.
In an impassioned address to the athletes during an interactive session on Wednesday, Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of giving their all and aiming for nothing short of gold in all sports and events.
He encouraged the athletes to tap into their potential, showcasing the spirit of resilience, determination, and sportsmanship that defines Nigerian athletes.
“I encourage you all to make this edition our best African Games appearance. I urge you all to draw inspiration from Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations performance and make the nation proud,” the Minister stated. “I want us to carry the same energy and zeal to this Games and get to a point in which The President receives us when we come back.”
“I am urging you all to raise the bar so high so that the Presidency also confers national honours on you as well, and I am sure you can’t wait to bring this to reality. It takes hard work, dedication, and giving your all. I am here to encourage you and work the talk!” Enoh added.
This unannounced visit allowed him to directly engage with the athletes and provide them with the necessary motivation and encouragement ahead of the Games.
Senator Enoh remarked, “I have full confidence in the abilities of our athletes to excel at the African Games. This is a pivotal moment for Team Nigeria, and I urge each and every athlete to rise to the occasion, push their limits, and make our nation proud. Together, let us strive for greatness and write a new chapter in Nigerian sports history.”
The Minister reiterated the government’s total support for sports development in Nigeria, affirming that investments in sports infrastructure, training programs, and athlete welfare remain top priorities.
With the African Games 2024 scheduled to take place between March 8 and 23, 2024, Team Nigeria stands poised to showcase its talent, determination, and competitive spirit on the continental stage.
The Minister concluded by thanking the athletes for their dedication to serve the country, as he urged them to be of professional conduct while in camp.
Senator Enoh has his eyes set on visiting other camps across the country, with athletes also training hard in Lagos, Ibadan, Bayelsa, and Gombe.
Basketball
WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji
Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.
Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.
“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”
The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.
“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.
The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.
In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.
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