Connect with us

Sports

Amusan returns in November for the 2nd Tobi/Abiola Ijebu Sprint & Relays Meet

Published

on

After crowning a challenging season with a Diamond League trophy in 100m hurdles in Eugene, USA on Sunday, Tobi Amusan is set to return to Nigeria in November to do what she loves doing best, giving the younger ones opportunities to showcase their talents.

And from November 3rd to the 4th, young athletes from all the nooks and crannies of Ogun State will converge at the iconic Otunba Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu-Ode for the second edition of the Tobi/Abiola Ijebu Sprint and Relays Meet.

Amusan and Abiola Onakoya are beneficiaries of youth development programmes in Ogun State which led to their discovery as young athletes, they both got scholarships to study at the University of El-Paso, in Texas, USA.

Before their graduation from the school, both represented Team Nigeria at the youth, junior, and senior levels.

After winning laurels for Nigeria and being a good ambassador of the country, they believed the best way they could give back to their community is to give younger ones opportunities.

 This edition has the support of the His Excellency the Executive Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun who named  Amusan Ogun State Youth Ambassador after she broke the 100m hurdles record at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.

Amusan who also won the gold medal in the event is the first and only Nigerian to win a gold medal in the World Athletics Championships since the inaugural edition in 1983.

It is in recognition of her contributions to the growth of athletics from the grassroots and also her achievements that earned Amusan the ambassadorial role.

Unlike the inaugural edition which was limited to Ijebu-Ode, this second edition has the blessing of the Ogun State Government, so it will cover all the schools from across the state.

Apart from certificates and medals winner of this edition will also go home with spike shoes, canvas, and other items, aside from the prizes that will be awarded to winning schools.

Continue Reading

Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

on


…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy


By Joel Ajayi


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.


Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.


 “This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.


He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.


“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.


The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.


Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)