Featured

National Teams Poor Performance: Minister Meets, NFF, Demands Written Explanation

Published

6 years ago

November 18, 2019

….Asks secretariat to submit nominal role

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare on Monday met the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to demand a written explanation as to the exit of Nigerian teams from football tournaments.

It will be recalled that, Super Falcons, and Under 23 could not secure 2020 Olympic tickets while Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were booted out of World cup in Brazil at round of 16 for the first time in more than 8 years.

Not Only that Home based Super Eagles were also failed to secure CHAN qualifications under the watch of Nigeria Football Federation NFF.

In a meeting that lasted less than 30 minutes on Monday in Abuja, the Minister directed that NFF should “provide the federal government with written explanation to the developments of our teams failing in four major tournaments.

He said: “From stock taking it is now time to render account to Nigerians,” he said even as he warned that “We need to take very difficult decisions.”

Also, NFF Secretariat particularly came under scrutiny for the technical failings of the board.

“We need to run a reality check. Nigerians are not happy with our state of football. We must start with the football administration. Nigerians want to see us working proactively to get things working again.”

“I am not saying we should win at all cost, beyond identifying various issues what do we need to do to deal with these issues. The board has a responsibility. I am asking the board to do surgical examinations of what has gone wrong with our football,” he said.

The Minister also demanded for the nominal roll of the NFF as it was revealed that the federation has continued to pay some people with expired contracts.

He said the Ministry’s concern goes beyond the dismal performance but is also about the domestic league.

NFF Chairman, Amaju Pinnick lamented that federation was faced with a toxic situation that affected its administration.

Share on Facebook

Featured

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

Published

1 week 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.

Share on Facebook