Sports

Chairman House Committee On Sport Hon. Ekene Adams Hails Super Eagles After Booking AFCON Final Ticket

Published

1 year ago

February 8, 2024

AFCON 2023: House Committee On Sports Chairman Hon. Ekene Adams Hails Super Eagles After Setting Up Ivory Coast Final Clash

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Adams has again congratulated the Super Eagles for booking a place in the final at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire

The Super Eagles defeated South Africa Bafana Bafana 4-2 in a pulsating encounter on penalties after a one-all draw in regulation and extra time of the first semi-final in Bouake.

According to Honourable Ekene the Super Eagles have shown great character and determination to be in the final with the quality of play from the group stage to the semi-final.

“I want to congratulate the Super Eagles for another milestone at the ongoing 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations because achieving this feat is not an easy task and it is worthy of note that the entire nation is proud of them.”

“As a Committee, we will continue to give necessary support to the team as they prepare for the final stage of the tournament, and as the Speaker had earlier promised the boys will be handsomely rewarded when they return to the country,” he stressed.

The Kaduna-born sports administrator stated that the Committee is backing the team to bring back the cup to Nigeria as a repeat of what happened in 2013, charging the players and backroom staff not to relent in their effort to get the job done in the final on Sunday in Abidjan against host Ivory coast.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

18 mins ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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