Sports

Minister Drums Fresh Support For Home- based Eagles

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2021

Joel Ajayi
Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has once again canvassed for more injection of home- based players into the mainstream Super Eagles.

Speaking on Tuesday when he visited the Home- based Eagles at their training in Abuja, the Minister said ” I’m happy that the conversation and the meetings we’ve had in the past several months with the NFF about changing the phase of our football development is beginning to bear fruits. I’m an advocate of a blend of home -based and foreign- based players to create a level playing field.They are all talented, so we need to give them equal chance to compete for the Nigerian jersey. That has been the history and tradition of Nigerian soccer, So the opportunities should be the same. Let them fight for the spots. Whether home or foreign based, it’s your talent that counts”.

On the friendly game against Mexico in the United States, the Minister said “It really gladdened my heart when I heard that the team will be traveling to the USA to play a friendly against Mexico. The Friendly important as you have an opportunity to showcase your talents and also displace some players in the main team.”

“Ensure that when you go out there you make this country proud. I’m sure the NFF will not just make this a show, I’m sure that Nigerians will see 3-6 of you eventually end up in the main Super Eagles.I watch the professional league very closely, I’ve seen some of the fantastic goals goals some of you have scored.As I walked into your training, I asked if the 5 top goal scorers in the domestic league are in this team and I was told that just 4 of them are in. This is important because a goal is a goal, If you’re placed in the team and you play well you will score goals for this country.”
“So you have an opportunity to improve yourself. I’m sure sure when next we play our Nations or World Cup qualifiers, we are going to to see home and foreign- based players blend together which would mean that this country is maximizing her talents.I’m sure you’ll do the country proud .It might not count with FIFA because It’s friendly but it’s going to count for us”he assured

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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

39 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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