Sports
Anyanacho Olympic Camp buoyed by Sports Minister’s Visit
Tokyo Olympics bound Elizabeth Anyanacho has been buoyed by a surprise visit paid by the Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, to her Olympic training camp.
The 22-year-old Elizabeth, who is the first Nigerian woman in 16 years to qualify for the Olympics in Taekwondo, is currently battling with six other national champions in a special Olympic fight camp set up to boost her preparations.
Other national champions present at the special Olympic training fight camp organised by Olympic medalist Chika Chukwumerije include African Champion, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, African bronze medalists Juliet Dennis alongside national athletes Helen Okoko, Judith Usifoh, Peter Itiku and Ifeoluwa Ajayi,
Mr Dare, who has been visiting Olympic athletes in various qualified sports, dropped in on the unsuspecting camp to observe the training and encourage the athletes.
Speaking to the athletes after the session, the youthful Minister expressed satisfaction at the high level of training observed and promised to support the preparations of Elizabeth towards the goal of a podium finish in Tokyo.
“I am happy with the intensity and level of training that I have seen here today. I want to assure Elizabeth that, despite the constraint of resources expressed in recent times, the sports ministry will extend all possible support to ensure she achieves her podium dream in Tokyo,” he said.
The Minister thanked the national champions that came for the special camp, urging them to present a formidable resistance to Elizabeth which will further aid her training.
He said, “I thank all the national champions here today. Your role is important. I want you to train hard and help Elizabeth prepare, so when she gets to Tokyo, she will be ready for her Olympic opponents.”
The Honourable Minister promised that support for all athletes will not end with the Tokyo Olympics.
“After the Olympics, sports and life will still go on. We will keep supporting all our athletes even after the Olympics is finished,” he assured.
Responding to the surprise visit and words of encouragement by Mr Dare, the first-timer Olympian Elizabeth Anyanacho thanked the Honourable Minister for the visit and presented souvenirs in appreciation.
“I thank the Honourable Minister for this surprise visit. It gives me a lot of confidence to know that the government and the people of Nigeria are behind my preparations. I will keep working hard with my technical crew to make a positive impact at the Tokyo Olympics,” she assured.
Elizabeth Anyanacho, who is the second ever Nigerian female to qualify in Taekwondo for the Olympics, will be competing at the Tokyo Olympics on 26th July, 2021 in the female -67kg category.
Sports
Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season
Ibrahim Lawal
Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.
The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.
James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.
The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.
According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.
His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.
James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.
Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.
His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.
James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.
At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.
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