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NANPF President, Babanginda celebrates with Eagles, Pinnick

Published

6 years ago

July 8, 2019

…urges them to go all the way

The president of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, Tijani Babanginda has joined millions of Nigerians to congratulate the Super Eagles for their heroic performance in their 3-2 second round win over defending champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Babanginda also rejoices with the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and other members of his board for the Super Eagles resounding victory.

Speaking from Egypt, the former Nigeria International says the performance of the team against Nigeria perennial rivals showed how determined the Genort Rohr tutored side is towards winning the trophy which Nigeria last won under late Stephen Keshi in 2013

The president of the Nigeria players Union is also full of confidence that the Super Eagles has the potential and capacity to go all the way in this year biannual Africa football fiesta.

“The Nigeria Player Union is so proud of the boys. They indeed made Nigerians and most especially the Nigeria players Union proud. We had never doubted their ability even after the Madagascar defeat we knew they would rise to the occasion at the right time.

“We want to wish them luck in their remaining matches praying that they come out victorious. The Nigerian players Union are right behind them, cheering them up, while waiting to join them and other Nigerians in celebrating the trophy,”

Babangida also praised Amaju Pinnick and his board members for the supports and motivation given to the boys stressing that it is indeed the result of their supports that is yielding dividend in the Super Eagles performance at AFCON.

“You cannot take away the fact that the Leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation has played a part in the success journey of the Super Eagles. So, we celebrate with them. It is always my idea that when people do well you celebrate them so that when you criticize when they do not do well they will understand,” Tijani Babanginda maintained.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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