Sports

AfricanGames2024: Sports Minister Visits Team Nigeria’s Training Camps to Motivate Athletes

Published

3 years ago

February 25, 2024

The Gleamer

…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.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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