Sports
Maldivian President Hails Sunday Dare’s Impact on African, Nigerian Sports
The President of the Republic of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, over the weekend, showered encomiums on the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, for his huge impact on Nigerian sports since he assumed the ministerial position.
The Maldivian President said Dare’s giant strides in sports were a big plus to Nigeria and the African region.
At the Maldives 2023 Sports Awards, the Nigerian Sports Minister on 18th March 2023, received a ‘Special Recognition Award’ for his huge contribution to sports in Nigeria and the African Region.
President Solih said: “I congratulate the Sports Minister of Nigeria, and I want people to know that we followed his progress over a period of time before deciding to honour him with this Award.
He believe his positive steps will continue to boost sports in Nigeria in the years to come.
The Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Mahloof, also stated that the award was a recognition for Dare’s hard work within a short time in office.
Some global sports personalities were also conferred with Sports Icons Awards at the ceremony.
Nigerian football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, was top on the list of the icons recognised at the event.
Others were Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro and England’s ex- international goalkeeper David James.
In his response, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare thanked the organisers of the event and added that the recognition was a challenge to him to do more in any capacity he finds himself.
“It is a validation of the modest efforts we have made as a country in the past 3 plus years to reposition sports. There is still more to do and this award will propel us forward in the right direction “.
“This is a good one for Nigeria, especially with Kanu also recognised in the sports icon category,” he added.
Many Atheletes received awards in 18 categories, including national athletes of Maldives.
The Award ceremony was also graced by the Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Abba Yola, Managing Director and CEO of Premium Trust bank Emmanuel Emefienim, Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department Dr. Ebojaiye and others.
Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.
In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.
The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.
Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.
She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
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