Sports
Nigerian Ambassador Hails Gusau, Wants Super Eagles To Go For AFCON Trophy, WC Ticket
Joel Ajayi
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Portugal, His Excellency Alex E. Kefas on Tuesday hosted the Nigeria contingent to the international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal, saying that the team’s victory over Mozambique in their second game has created a winning mentality that must be sustained in upcoming matches and championships.
Speaking while hosting the delegation of players and their officials, as well as the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Executive Committee member Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, and NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Ambassador Kefas lauded the leadership qualities of Alhaji Gusau and charged him to consolidate efforts to ensure the Eagles keep winning.
“We want a Super Eagles’ team that will, once more, be the joy of all Nigerians at home and abroad. Nigerians love their football and they love their National Teams, and I charge you to start winning the major trophies to make us all happy.
“The leadership qualities of the NFF President, Alhaji Gusau, are not in doubt. I know he has what it takes to ensure the Eagles keep winning, beginning with the Africa Cup and the ticket to the FIFA World Cup.”
Also at the reception were Ambassador Kefas’ wife, some players of the Super Eagles, technical and backroom staff of the Eagles and staff of the embassy.
With few weeks to the commencement of the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, the Super Eagles won their first friendly match in 55 months, defeating Mozambique 3-2 in Portimao on Monday to underscore that their ‘Let’s Do It Again’ mantra for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals is no fluke.
In an earlier game on Friday, Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons netted a last-minute equalizer to tie 2-2 with the Super Eagles at the same venue.
Sports
Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches
…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy
By Joel Ajayi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.
“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.
He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.
Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.
Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.
“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.
“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.
The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.
In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.
Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.
The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.
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