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NO NEED FOR ANY AGENDA OF DISTRACTIONS

Published

1 year ago

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by Micheal Obasi

…As Dubai is the Perfect Camp site for Super Eagles Preparations for AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire_

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently preparing for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in the United Arab Emirates thanks to the Nigeria Football Federation who are bent on ensuring the team gets the best of preparations before the mundial in Ivory Coast.

But surprisingly I have been reading in some quarters commentaries where the NFF was criticised for the choice of Dubai as the Eagles Camp site.

Offcourse everyone is entitled their opinion and their manner of reasoning but we strongly owe ourselves Informed information before ventilating our opinions.

It is also very important for people to understand that the NFF must have done it’s due diligence as regards the best camp site for the team in terms of weather, comfort and serenity.

All the Nigerians players are coming from Europe where they have being playing throughout the season in cold and freezing conditions but they are now going to Ivory coast where it’s going to be a complete direct opposite conditions.

And the Football House decided to choose a place like Dubai with similar weather conditions to what the players will confront in Ivory Coast.

So the big question is why the unnecessary criticism on the NFF?

I know we all owe our football constructive and objective criticisms but we must also burge ourselves from always setting an agenda of distraction and drama where there is none whenever the Country is on a major tournament.

Any regular traveller can easily attest to how serene Dubai is for any kind of hospitality and accommodation and the NFF actually got this very spot on to camp the Super Eagles there.

One can be rest assured of zero level of distraction for both the players and the technical crew which offcourse will afford them maximum concentration on the task ahead.

To further see that the NFF knows exactly what they were doing with the choice of Dubai , many other African Countries also have similar camp sites for their teams.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon for example are camped in Saudi Arabia, the Gambia are also currently using Saudi Arabia while DR Congo and Burkina Faso are camped in Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

I think what we all should be concerned about is how coach Jose Peseiro can get the best out of the array top class players in the Eagles Squad and have the likes of Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen firing in Ivory Coast.

Written by Micheal Obasi
Sports Journalist and Football Affairs Analyst

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Culture Comes Alive in Abuja as 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament Kicks Off in Grand Style

Published

6 days ago

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March 6, 2025

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By Joel Ajayi


It was a spectacular showcase of culture and tradition at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honors, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.


Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.


Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.


“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”

With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.


 “Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”

The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.


Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.


As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.


In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.


This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.


Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport: “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.

Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.


 “This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.

Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region.

Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.

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