Sports
NOC President Hails Water FC Boss Makanjuola for Impactful Grassroots Football Development in Nigeria
Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has hailed grassroots football advocate, Nureni Makanjuola apopularly known as “MK”—for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of football at the grassroots level in Nigeria.
Gumel made the commendation on Sunday while receiving the CEO of Water Football Club, based in the Federal Capital Territory.
During the meeting, he praised Mr Nureni’s impactful work behind the scenes, which has helped nurture thousands of young talents across the country.
“Meeting you today brings me great joy. It took me a while to finally know the face behind the smiles of so many young Nigerians. Your contributions through football are truly inspiring,” Gumel said. “We must continue working together to uplift our youth and society at large.”
For over two decades, MK has remained a silent force in grassroots football development, mentoring young players, guiding them to national and international stages, and using sport as a tool to combat poverty and instill discipline.
Despite operating largely outside the limelight, many of the players developed under Makanjuola’s guidance have gone on to represent Nigeria at major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, and various youth championships globally.
In recognition of his long-standing, selfless service to youth development and nation-building through sports, MK was recently listed among the 100 Most Influential Progressive Nigerians by Progressive Media.
Sports
LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Salifu Usman Receives SWAN Fellowship In Recognition Of Sports Development Efforts
Salifu Abubakar Usman, Group Sports Editor of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, has been honoured with the Fellow of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award, in recognition of his exceptional support for the association, professional journalism, and his significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The esteemed accolade was presented during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, held in Abuja, marking 60 years of excellence in sports journalism across the nation.
Upon receiving the award, Salifu expressed profound gratitude, describing the honour as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to further his lifelong dedication to sports reporting, promotion, and growth.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration for me and my family, and I believe it will encourage me further in sports reporting and sports development in Nigeria,” he stated.
Salifu highlighted that this recognition serves as a morale boost following decades of hard work and impactful contributions within Nigeria’s sports community and beyond.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration attracted prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to celebrate individuals and organisations whose efforts have significantly advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
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