Sports

Awoniyi visits alma maters, donates books, writing materials, cash to teachers

Published

3 years ago

July 3, 2023

….Begins renovation of classrooms

Joel Ajayi
Super Eagles of Nigeria and Nothingham Forest of England striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, on Monday visited his alma maters, Adetunji Nursery and Primary school, Alfa Yahaya, Ilorin and Government Day Secondary School, Airport, Ilorin.

Awoniyi who was received by the Proprietor of Adetunji Nursery and Primary school, Mr AbdulRahman Adetunji, was conducted round the school premises.

The Nothingham Forest forward who was welcomed to the school premises to a large scream from the pupils later addressed them.

The Super Eagles marksman urged the pupils never to stop dreaming of becoming whatever they desired to become in the future.

“This man (Adetunji) standing beside me is a huge inspiration, he made me the Games’ Prefect while I was in primary 4.

“He was always encouraging us, his support then was a driving force and I am where I am today because I listened to the teachers.

“You need to listen to the teachers and follow their instructions always” Awoniyi said.

Awoniyi after donating cash to the teachers and also donated books and other various writing materials in his elementary school.

While at his secondary school, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Airport, Ilorin, the Super Eagles’ striker was noticed by the students amid large chant of “Awoniyi! Awoniyi!! Awoniyi!! as they made their way out of the class to receive and welcome him.

The Nothingham Forest man who was received by the Principal of the school, Mr Olayinka Aremo, was delighted to see some of his old teachers who rushed to hug and take photos with him.

The school management expressed appreciation and thanked him for embarking on the renovation of six classrooms and a Hall at the school.

Awoniyi was hosted to a prayer session as members of staff took turn to pray for him one after the other.

He addressed the students and also urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the school even as the striker expressed hope that they can become someone like him in the future.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.

In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.

“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.

The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.

Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.

She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.

According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.

“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.

Share on Facebook