Sports

Future Of Football Is In The Hand Of Youth Players-Sports Minister

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, on Monday revealed that the Future of football is in the hands of Youth Players.

Dare stated in Abuja during a welcome reception for the victorious U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles who emerged winner of WAFU B zone championship in Niamey, Niger republic over the weekend.

He said the youth indeed, have a lot of potential for development of our football and there is a need to nurture them the most.

According to him, Fifa doesn’t joke with the issue of youth football and countries that depart from the development of youth football do it at their own peril.

“I am appealing to NFF to Keep the team together, organize training, friendly matches for them, we will support all our national teams, we will make sure that our domestic league gets a rebirth and accord the quality it deserves, Nigeria must not throw away these young people.

“I want you to maintain the same level of discipline on all sides. This is the only way we can have players who will go on to play for Super Eagles as well as top clubs in Europe.

“The future of football is in the hands of these young ones and we must do all to ensure it remains the same.”

He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to work toward the improvement of domestic leagues in the country.

The minister said though, the performance showed the commitment of the board of the NFF toward improving the game of football in the country but there is need for them to do more.

In his remark, the General Secretary of NFF Dr. Mohammed Sansui, lauded the minister for his commitment to the growth of the game.

However, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have qualified for the 2023 U-20 African Championship in Egypt.

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Sports

NFF President Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off in Kaduna with Exciting Opening Ceremony

Published

12 hours ago

November 13, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The NFF President Cup Football Tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs began in style on November 12, 2024, marking a key step in promoting football development in Kaduna State and across the league. The tournament, held at the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium, will run until November 20 and promises fans thrilling preseason action and intense competition among participating teams.

The opening ceremony was a highlight, with Kaduna State’s Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, officially launching the event by kicking off the first ball—a symbolic gesture underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing sports and supporting local football talent. Professor Gugong remained for the inaugural match, where two local teams, Kada Warriors FC and Kawo FA, delivered an exciting performance. In a closely fought game, Kawo FA emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Kada Warriors FC.

Chairman of the tournament, Hon. Magaji Alhasan, welcomed the teams and officials in his opening remarks, applauding Kaduna’s warm hospitality. He assured all participants that fair and transparent officiating would be a top priority, with oversight directly under his supervision. Alhasan also expressed his hopes for the NFF President Cup to become an annual tradition, providing a vital platform for NNL clubs to prepare for each season.

With four matches scheduled daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the tournament promises a nonstop display of football talent that will captivate fans and further enhance Kaduna State’s reputation as a center for sports.

The tournament serves as an essential preseason platform, allowing clubs to refine their skills and gear up for the forthcoming National League season.

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