Sports
Nigeria U19 Maiden Participation At The ICC Cricket World Cup In Malaysia Excites NSC
…. Approves Foreign Training tour in India for the team
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission, NSC, has approved a foreign training tour in India for the Nigeria U19 Women team who are currently preparing to feature at this year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, slated for Malaysia from the 18th of January 2025.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon, Bukola Olopade, revealed that the Commission is working closely with the Nigeria Cricket Federation, in the area of logistics, technical and financial support to ensure Nigeria put up a good outing at the World Cup.
” Starting the year with Nigeria’s maiden participation at the Cricket World Cup for our U19 girls is a big deal for us at the Commission and we are not taking it for granted at all”.
” This is a big deal because it is the very first time Nigeria will ever feature at any level of a cricket World cup which also shows the level of silent work that the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata and his team are doing in the sport which many people don’t even know about”.
“Myself and the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, are even more excited about this World cup because it fits into our Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy, RHINSE , campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where young girls can be taken off the street and are well engaged to make a livelihood from Sports participation.
” These are young girls of 19 years of age, set to represent our great nation at the biggest stage of World U19 cricket, therefore they need all the support both from Nigerians and the media”.
” Arrangements are on the ground for them to travel to India for a training tour already and from where they will proceed to Malaysia for the World cup”, he concluded.
Nigeria is among the four countries that will be making its debut, from the sixteen Nations that will feature in this year’s World Cup. Other debutants are
Samoa, Nepal and host Country Malaysia.
India are the defending champions, beating England in the final of the last edition in 2023 in South Africa.
Sports
Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports
Cyril Ogar
Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.
“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.
A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.
Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.
Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.
“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”
He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.
> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.
The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
