Sports

FG Confers Team Nigeria with National Honours, 200million

Published

3 years ago

September 15, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Team Nigeria athletes to the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and World Athletics Championships, Oregon, USA with National Honours Award and the sum of Two hundred million naira cash reward, following their stellar performances at the Games.

The President gave the awards today at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja during the Presidential Reception held in their honour to appreciate them for their podium performances at the competitions.
He stated that the present administration is committed to rewarding excellence, especially for members of such a heroic team who succeeded in putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians through their conquests that lifted the name of the country high in the global world of sports.

While applauding the athletes whom he described as champions and worthy ambassadors, the President said,

“you are indeed our dear Nation’s heros and heroines, you have distinguished yourselves with worthy ambassadorship of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He explained that the contingents’ outstanding performance had gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country among other nations. *”I watched with millions of Nigerians those exciting moments when you all brought smiles to us and our homes by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal bests in your career”* the President said.

President Buhari maintained that these feats have done the nation proud at the Games and Championships, as their exploits led to the singing of the nation’s anthem 12 times in a period of 14 days before a massive viewing audience across the over 210 countries and territories of the world.

This he added, is consistent with the determination of a nation which is always yearning for excellence.

The President who noted that the awards will further spur more Nigerian athletes into striving for greater heights, commended the Management and Staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, National Olympic Committee as well as the Coaches for their resilience in ensuring that so many laurels were won for the country.

While assuring that his administration will continue to create an enabling environment for the development of sports as a business, the President further called on private individuals to partner with government by investing in sports with a view to empowering our teeming youth thereby making them self reliant, self employed, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, stated that the year 2022 has become an outstanding year in the history of Nigerian sports and as such, cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

*”It is a year where many Sporting Federations have surpassed and are surpassing their previous performances. It has also become a year where many athletic records were broken. More is expected. It’s quiet a long list”* he said.

Dare therefore called on all Nigerians to drape these athletes with praise, recognition and appreciation for their sacrifice, talents, consistency, commitment, discipline, focus and above all, patriotism; adding that they have undoubtedly brought glory to the nation.

The Minister commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its commitment to the development of youth and sports in the country as well as laudable initiatives, like the Adopt-an-Athlete project which has birthed a new trajectory in sports and athletes’ performances.

In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of tge Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, urged Nigerian athletes to continue to justify federal government’s investments in sports by striving to keep the nation’s flag flying in the comittee of sporting nations.

Also, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, in a good will message at the event, thanked the female athletes for doing the nation proud and urged more women to rise to the challenge of contributing to the development of the country, not only in sports but in their various fields of endeavour.

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Sports

Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Published

2 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

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