Sports

NPFL U-17: We’re Focused on Building a Formidable Team- Coach Chukwu

Published

8 months ago

July 29, 2024

Handler of the current NPFL U-17 Youth league All-star team, coach Ken Chukwu has reiterated that the main focus of all concerned is to build a team that would greatly represent the NPFL as they keep preparing for their upcoming tour of Spain.

He made this known to press men after the team’s 2-0 victory over HB Football Academy in their third tune up game yesterday, adding that winning is good, but the priority is to build a team that would represent the NPFL and the country at large.

“Winning is good, but for the purpose of this project we’re focused on building a team and I’m glad that the boys are getting the rhythm, said coach Chukwu, who now doubles as the technical assistant at Rivers United FC.

“We came in eight days ago and we’ve been working so hard because the process of building is continuous.”

Goals from Oscar Ozonwafor and Nwosu Chinedu saw the NPFL youth side beating one of the foremost Abuja based academies, and it was gathered from the handler that more players scouted from the Youth League are still being expected in camp in order to ensure that only the best of the best is selected for the said tour.

“We presently have 21 players in camp and we’re expecting more players that were selected during the Youth League, he said.

“The idea is to make sure that only the very best among the best is selected to represent the NPFL and the country at large, concluded coach Chukwu.”

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Sports

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

47 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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