Sports
NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Urges Nigerian Para Badminton Team to Excel in Spain
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has charged Nigeria’s para badminton team to give their best and make the nation proud as they prepare to compete in two major international tournaments in Spain.
The tournaments mark a crucial step for Nigeria’s para badminton athletes in their quest for global recognition, providing them with an opportunity to compete against the world’s best.
The first event, the 2025 Spanish Level 2 International Para Badminton Championship, will be held in Victoria, Spain, from March 4 to 9, 2025. Five Nigerian players will compete in the singles category, including:
- Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles)
- Okoro Chinyere Lucky (Women’s SL4 – Singles)
- Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift (Women’s SL4 – Singles)
- Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles)
- Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles)
Following this, three players will participate in the Spanish International Level 1 Para Badminton Championship in Toledo, Madrid, from March 12 to 16, 2025:
- Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles)
- Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles & Doubles)
- Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles & Doubles)
In addition to their individual events, Jeremiah and Eze will team up in the Men’s SL3-SL4 Doubles category, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global para badminton circuit.
Hon. Olopade, in his message, emphasized the importance of these tournaments, stating that Nigerian para athletes have consistently demonstrated resilience and excellence on the world stage.
“This is another opportunity to showcase the immense talent that Nigeria possesses in para sports. I urge our players to stay focused, compete with determination, and continue to make the country proud. The NSC remains committed to supporting and elevating para sports in Nigeria,” he said.
He further highlighted the growing significance of para sports in Nigeria, stressing the need for increased investment, infrastructure, and grassroots development.
“Para athletes have shown time and again that they are just as capable of bringing glory to the nation as their able-bodied counterparts. We must ensure they have access to world-class training, exposure, and support systems. The NSC is committed to creating more opportunities for them to excel,” Hon. Olopade added.
These tournaments serve as a crucial platform for Nigeria’s para badminton athletes to prove their mettle and enhance their rankings as they strive for greater representation in global competitions, including the Paralympics.
Sports
Grassroots football Guru: Celebrating Nureni Makanjuola’s Contributions to Nigerian Football
In the realm of Nigerian football, few individuals have made as profound an impact on grassroots development as Nureni Makanjuola, popularly known as MK. As the proprietor of Water FC of Abuja, MK has been instrumental in shaping the future of Nigerian football, one young player at a time.
MK’s love affair with football began at a young age, and his passion for the beautiful game only grew stronger with time. However, it was his realization of the vast, untapped potential in Nigerian grassroots football that spurred him to take action. Determined to make a difference, MK established Water FC, a platform dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and developing young football talents.
Water FC, under MK’s guidance, has become a beacon of hope for young Nigerian footballers. The club’s academy provides a conducive environment for youngsters to hone their skills, with top-notch coaching, training facilities, and equipment. MK’s commitment to grassroots development is evident in the club’s scouting network, which identifies and recruits talented players from all over the country.
The success stories emerging from Water FC are a testament to MK’s vision and dedication. Several players who have passed through the club’s ranks have gone on to represent Nigeria at various international levels, including the U-17 and U-20 World Cups- a case in point is Babatunde Micheal. Others have secured professional contracts with top Nigerian and European clubs, a clear indication that Water FC is producing talents capable of competing on the biggest stages.
MK’s impact extends beyond the football pitch. Through Water FC, he has empowered communities by providing opportunities for young people to engage in sports, thereby promoting social development and cohesion. The club’s presence has also stimulated local economic growth, with businesses and services springing up to cater to the needs of players, coaches, and visiting teams.
As a role model for philanthropy, MK’s selfless contributions to grassroots football development have earned him recognition as a role model for philanthropy in sports. His commitment to giving back to the community, without expecting anything in return, is a shining example for others to follow. By investing in the future of Nigerian football, MK is inspiring a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
We conclude this price by stating explicitly that Nureni Makanjuola (MK) is a true champion of grassroots football development in Nigeria. Through Water FC, he has created a platform that not only discovers and develops young talents but also empowers communities and promotes social growth. As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to MK for his tireless efforts in shaping the future of Nigerian football. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his impact on the beautiful game will never be forgotten.
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