Sports

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

Published

3 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

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

50 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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