Sports

Minister Drums Fresh Support For Home- based Eagles

Published

5 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

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

20 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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