Sports
CHAN2025Q :“I Saw Hope” – Gusau
Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian football following the CHAN Eagles’ emphatic victory over Ghana in Uyo on Saturday.
The jubilant NFF President described the win as a symbol of brighter days ahead for Nigerian football, particularly in 2025. He highlighted the team’s determination, noting that their performance demonstrated the resilience of Nigerians to overturn expectations.
“We are thrilled to close the year on such a high note,” Gusau remarked. “Securing a spot at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a key goal, and we’re delighted to have achieved it. Now, the real challenge is to prepare the team thoroughly to compete for the trophy in East Africa next year.” Gusau also congratulated the team and commended Nigerians for their unwavering support in the face of adversity.
Nigeria achieved a landmark moment by defeating Ghana for the first time in an African Nations Championship qualifier, securing their ticket to the tournament’s eighth edition, scheduled for February 2025 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. A scintillating 3-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium rewrote the narrative of Nigerian-Ghanaian contests at this level.
Three brilliantly executed goals within six minutes defined the encounter, delivering a crushing blow to Ghana’s aspirations. The Black Galaxies, despite their pre-match confidence, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attacking display.
The game began with Nigeria on the front foot, and in the 18th minute, Captain Junior Nduka’s precise long ball found Ismaila Sodiq, who broke Ghana’s offside trap and slotted past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Two minutes later, Nigeria almost doubled their lead, but Adamu Abubakar’s close-range effort was deflected by defender Abban Ebenezer.
From the ensuing corner, Nduka capitalized on Ghana’s defensive lapse, sending the ball into the net for Nigeria’s second goal. Just three minutes later, Saviour Isaac exploited a mix-up between goalkeeper Asare and defender Nurudeen Abdulai to score the third.
The Black Galaxies, overwhelmed and disoriented, were fortunate not to concede a fourth before halftime when Sikiru Alimi missed a golden opportunity after being set up by Isaac.
In the second half, Nigeria maintained their dominance, with Isaac and Alimi coming close to increasing the lead. Despite Ghana pulling one back through Stephen Amankona in the 72nd minute, the damage was already done.
The loss capped a dismal year for Ghana, marked by the Black Stars’ early exit at the Africa Cup of Nations, their failure to qualify for the next edition of the tournament, and the Black Starlets’ inability to reach the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Nigeria, silver medalists at CHAN in 2018, celebrated their return to the tournament with gusto. The victory over perennial rivals Ghana was particularly satisfying and underscored the promise of a brighter future for Nigerian football.
Sports
NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.
Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.
In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.
“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.
“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.
Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.
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