Sports

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

Published

4 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

Portable to Light Up NNL Super Four Final with Special Performance

Published

17 hours ago

May 6, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Afrobeats sensation Habeeb “Portable” Olalomi is set to headline the closing ceremony of the 2026 NNL Super Four, organisers confirmed on Wednesday at the Remo Stars Stadium.

The Ogun State-born entertainer will bring his trademark high-energy performance to Ikenne, delivering a mix of viral dance moves and hit songs as the Nigeria National League (NNL) crowns its 2025/2026 champion.

The finale will not be about music alone, as fans are also in line for exciting rewards. Two lucky spectators will each win ₦500,000 in a live raffle draw to be conducted by Portable himself, while the first 200 fans to arrive at the stadium on the final day will receive ₦5,000 each.

“We’re rewarding the fans who show up early and bring the atmosphere that makes Nigerian football special,” a Toptier Sports Management official said. “From Portable’s performance to the cash giveaways, we want a full festival of football in Ikenne.”

After a rest day on Tuesday, action resumes on Wednesday, May 6, with two crucial fixtures at the Remo Stars Stadium.

The opening day of the tournament attracted several prominent figures in Nigerian sports, including Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, and Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname, all present in Ikenne.

This year’s NNL Super Four features Doma United, Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees, and Inter Lagos—all of whom have already secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League. The tournament will now decide the overall champion of the season

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