Sports

FG Commends ABL Unity Football Tournament in Abuja

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2023

Joel Ajayi

Federal government has heaped huge praises on the successful execution of the inagural edition of the Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi football Unity tournament described the tournament as the best.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Abubarkar Ismaila while speaking at weekend during the grand finale of the tourney inside the Main bowl of Moshood Abiola National Stadium said that government will not relent in creating an enabling environment for Nigerian youth to be excel.

According to him, I am delighted to be very part of this occasion ABL Unity Football Tournament which is very much in line with mandate of government through Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

“That is why we partnered the organizer of this tournament, with aim of promoting unity amongst Nigerians and I must say that this commendable, it’s coming at the best time Nigeria need unity, I therefore commend you for this initiative.

“Our duty is to provide enabling environment for our youth to showcase their talent, hoping that organizer and critical stakeholders will identify them and provide opportunity to succeed in life.”
He however assured that the ministry will restructure the game of football for better performance.

Speaking also was the Initiator of the ABL unity tournament Mrs Adedayo Laniyi expressed that the championship have aim of fostering unity and discover grassroot talents for the national teams.

She added that, She will not relent her in her effort to ensure she put smiles on the faces of Many Nigerians through different initiatives.

“In the coming two weeks players discovered here, will be in camp and by September there will be upward movement of successful ones to abroad for better opportunities.
“Nigerian youth will no doubt have a place in international community through grassroot discovery that is our target.”

However, the Legend Football Club of Abuja has emerged champion of the maiden edition of the ABL Football Unity Tournament on Saturday in Abuja, after a 2-1 victory against their counterpart Maracana FC of FCT.

The three weeks explosive encounter see the champions smiled home with N3.5millions while the runner-up won N2 million as the third position pocketed N1 million.

The tournament, ABL FCT Unity football championship, started on July 8th of July and climax on Saturday 29th July 2023 with over 1,200 young footballers, with 80 teams in the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) competed for honours.

The diginitaries at occasion was the representative of the federal government and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Abubarkar Ismaila, The Onah of Abaji, His royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr) Adamu Baba Yunusa the Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the founder of Human Right Radio Ordinary Ahmed ISSA amongst others..

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Visits Team Nigeria in Camp Ahead of All-African Senior Badminton Championship

Published

1 hour ago

February 5, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says NSC is determined to encourage all Sports Federations
Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has revealed that the Commission’s leadership is determined to support and encourage all sports federations to excel.

The 2025 edition of the All-African Senior Badminton Championship is set to take place from February 10th to 16th in Douala, Cameroon. Team Nigeria, consisting of 10 players—5 males and 5 females—will compete in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories. The men’s team includes Nigeria’s number one player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori.

Olopade visited the team’s camp in Abuja on Wednesday to encourage them and bid the Nigerian Badminton Team farewell ahead of their participation in the championship. He extended a goodwill message from the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assuring the team of the Commission’s support and encouraging them to make the country proud.

He expressed confidence in the team, urging them to perform at their best. “My message was very clear. I conveyed the message from the chairman of the sports commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, and it was a clear one: we are determined to continue supporting all sports,” Olopade said.

“Moreover, when you look at the development and growth of Nigerian badminton, it is our responsibility, as leaders of the sports commission, to ensure that these athletes are encouraged to keep up the good work they have been doing for the country. They are the defending champions, and I’m not just here to encourage them. I have come to show our love, our support, and to ensure they are ready. They are well taken care of, and the confidence for them to excel is there. It’s all up to them to do well.”

In his remarks, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbi, stated that the Nigerian team is ready for the championships and that all the players understand the importance of the tournament.

“I’m confident that they will perform very well. We have a lot of potential, and the Director General’s visit to encourage the players will further boost their courage and determination. We are grateful for that.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, is aiming for a consecutive title at the 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship in Douala, Cameroon. Opeyori won the singles event last year and is now targeting another title in Cameroon.

At the previous edition of the tournament in Cairo, Nigeria won one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.

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