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NFF, Dons Task Super Falcons, Eaglets On Hard Work, Focus And Patriotism

Published

6 years ago

May 1, 2019

NFF, Dons Task Super Falcons, Eaglets On Hard Work, Focus And Patriotism

Joel Ajayi

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has charged the players of the Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the Golden Eaglet teams to imbibe the spirit of hard work, patriotism and nationalism whenever they are representing Nigeria in any competition outside the country.

The Super Falcon team is preparing for WAFU tournament and 2019 World Cup in France in June while Golden Eaglets qualified for the world cup in Brazil later this year.

He gave this charge at the seminar organized by the Federation, in Abuja, with the theme “Nationalism and Patriotism”

Sanusi said the players of two team should take the lessons from the seminar to their heart in order to be better players and better individuals going forward.

He lamented the behaviours of the Falcons players especially when they returned from Cameroon taking to the street protesting on the issue of Allowances and bonus: “As a player you need to put your country first in all you are doing. It’s painful that team came back from Cameroon and displayed some attitudes that is not good for the country, we don’t want th repeat of such that is why we felt that this seminar is apt.”

NFF scribes however, promised to ensure that all the bonus and entitlements of players are paid as at when due.

Also, the trio of University dons challenged players to make hard work, patriotism, focus, dedication and fearlessness their watchwords, while discountenancing all events and situations that could discourage them in their various national assignments.

Professor Florence Adeyanju of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria urged the Falcons and the Eaglets to always take pride in being selected to represent a country of about 190 million people, and have no fear of any team whenever they get to the field of play.

“Success favours only the bold. You don’t have to fear any player or team when you get to the field of play. Remember the country you are representing and be psychologically motivated that you cannot lose, that you are a champion already. Be full of positive thinking all the time,” she added.

On her part, Dr. Odunola Bello of the University of Maiduguri spoke on nationalism and patriotism, underscoring the need for players and officials to note allegiance to the nation at all times and display sense of communal spirit, tolerance, dedication and discipline in all that they do.

Professor Mariam Suleiman, who is Head of Department of Health Education and Human Kinetics, Ahmadu Bello University spoke on career guidance, charging the players to think of life after football and plan well for same.

“You are active and agile now, but after you must have reached your peak, you would no longer be that agile. What will you do after football? You should endeavour to seek relevant qualifications in such areas that you have flair. You should develop yourself so that you can remain relevant after football.”

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

Published

5 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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