Sports

Coach John Obuh Congratulates Chukwueze On Europa League Success

Published

4 years ago

May 27, 2021

Former Flying Eagles coach, John Sam Obuh has congratulated Super Eagles attacker, Samuel Chukwueze on winning the 2021 UEFA Europa League.

Chukwueze and his Spanish club, Villarreal Wednesday emerged champions of the UEFA second tier league after defeating Manchester United 11-10 in a pulsating penalty shootouts.

The match which ended one-all in regulation and extra time was decided after Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gae had his spot-kick saved by the Villarreal goalkeeper, Geronimo Rulli.

In his congratulatory message, Coach Obuh who has handled top Nigeria Professional Football League sides – Enyimba, Rangers, Akwa United, Kano Pillars, Kwara United – among others, described the victory as fitting.

“The victory is fitting because I have no doubt in Samuel Chukwueze’s capacity and ability to deliver. His move from Diamond Football Academy in Abia State direct to the senior team of Villarreal is a testament of his talent and he never fall short of it.

“I congratulate him for doing Nigerians proud. He was not in the final match but Nigerians rooted for him and supported him and his club to emerge victorious,” he said.

The former Golden Eaglets handler also congratulated other Nigerian players who won various leagues and cups in Europe.

“This year has been spectacular, no doubt, for Nigeria players in Europe.

“Kelechi Iheancho and Wilfred Ndidi won the English FA Cup with Leicester City.

“Asisat Oshoala won the Spanish female league with Barcelona Feminni as well as winning the coveted UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo won the Scottish Premier League with Rangers, going all season undefeated for a second time after 1898 feat. And a host of other Nigerians not forgetting Paul Onuachu who won the Belgian cup,” he said.

The former Udoji United players however advised Chukwueze to remain humble in victory adding that at 22 years of age, he still have a long way to go in building his talent to stardom.

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Sports

Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports

Published

1 hour ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.

“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.

A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.

Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.

Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.

“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”

He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.

> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.

The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.

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