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.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

10 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

Share on Facebook