Sports

FG Fully Backs Nigeria’s bis to Host 2027 AFCON

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2023

..As Sports Minister, NFF jet out for meeting with CAF EXCO in Egypt

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will be attending the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, as the nation solidifies its bid to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament for the first time since 1980. Nigeria and the Republic of Benin presented a joint bid to host the tournament.

The Minister and the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) will be attending the meeting as representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria. During the meeting, Nigeria will make its presentation to the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African football, (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt.

Senator Owan Enoh is attending the meeting alongside top members of Nigeria Football Federation.

All countries who submitted bids to host the AFCON tournament in 2025 and 2027 respectively are expected to attend the meeting during which the Independent Assessment Committee of CAF will submit their reports for assessment and discussions by CAF EXCO.

The CAF team had previously visited Nigeria to assess facilities at different proposed host venues around the nation.

The Nigerian delegation includes the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and bid coordinator, Mallam Mainasara Ilo.

Nigeria will make a ten (10) minute presentation to the CAF EXCO, and thereafter will be allocated time to answer questions from its presentation.

The meeting will hold on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

1 hour 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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