Sports

Budapest 2023: Enoh Receives Team Nigeria, Commends Their Patriotism

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2023

Joel Ajayi

As the World Athletics Championship comes to an end in Budapest, Hungary, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has said that Nigerian Athletes who participated in the Competition deserve our commendation for their patriotism, especially in the face of the challenges that confronted them during the Tournament

The Minister disclosed this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja when he received the Officials, Athletes, and Coaches on their arrival from the Games

Enoh who advised the Athletes not to be weighed down by their inability to hit the target stated that as a nation, we still celebrate you because we know that you have put in every effort to make Nigeria proud

He explained that no greater honour could have been given to these athletes who went out to represent Nigeria in far away Budapest than coming out fully, not only to receive them back home but also to welcome them to appreciate their earlier efforts, aimed at raising the nation’s flag high

You may not have done as expected but as our representatives, we need to welcome you back, even if that serves as a motivation for you in preparation for future competitions Enoh said

The Minister expressed optimism that under his watch, the next events that will require athletes to travel to other countries will be more rewarding, both in terms of early camping, adequate training, and quicker release of funds.

Now that the game is over, he said, it is now time for us as a Ministry to examine the challenges faced at the World Championship to address them for more effective performances and podium finishes in subsequent global completions

Senator Enoh informed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the development of sports in the country, not only as recreation but also to provide opportunities for economic empowerment, job creation, security, and poverty alleviation, among others

The Minister who assured of continuous Stakeholder engagements, called on philanthropists and sports-loving Nigerians to join hands with the Ministry in her bid to fulfil her mandate to enhance the socio-economic growth of the nation.

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Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

11 hours 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.

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