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Nigeria’s Under-19 Cricket team to make a World Cup appearance in over 100 years

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Nigeria’s Under-19 Cricket team to make a World Cup appearance in over 100 years

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare, Friday, received the Under-19 Cricket team led by the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Prof. Yahaya Adam Ukwenya

Recieving the team, the Minister praised the young team for qualifying to represent Nigeria at the world tournament. “The first time in a hundred years, that for me is a very important milestone in sports development in this country. It also signposts the fact that this country is a bundle of talents. The number of talents we have in this country just in the sports arena alone is massive. It shows that there’s nothing when it comes to sport that Nigerians put their hands on that they cannot excel.

He expressed optimism that though the team has been grouped with tough teams, they would excel at the competition. “This team will go there and do Nigeria proud. They are going there not for trials but to compete against the best”, he said.

“When you look at the profiles of these teams, it is very intimidating but you must play the game and win. Sometimes when you lose, you have also won because you have competed with the best. The fact that you are on the same platform and pedestal at the World Cup shows that you are good enough to compete so bear that in mind when you step out to play.”

He on behalf of the Sports Ministry and the Federal Government thanked the team and Federation as a whole for the sacrifices they have made and urged them not to relent because their efforts would not go unnoticed. He also intimated the gathering that efforts were on to secure private partnerships for funding for the Federation.

“When you return, matter what happens at the competition, I and all the Directors at the Ministry will take you to see Mr. President”, he promised.

The President of the Cricket Federation who spoke earlier, presenting the Under-19 team to the Minister, said, the team’s qualification process started in August last year with the Division 2 Africa Qualifiers as underdogs and emerged victorious. “We were then invited to play the African finals in March this year and against all odds, these boys won the tournament, winning all matches of the tournament”, he said.

He added that the boys have been in camp for over two years and have made sacrifices qnd suffered losses but have not relented.

The President who pointed out that the boys have surpassed his expectations, hoped their qualification will open the doors to many Nigerian teams appearing in International Cricket Council tournaments and World Cups.

 

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Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

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Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

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