Sports
NSC To Create Pathway For Young Talents Through National Intermediate Games
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has stated the need for the establishment of the National Intermediate Games, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between grassroots development and elite/professional sports level.
The Intermediate Games will focus on athletes aged 16 to 18, providing them with a competitive platform that complements existing national events.
While the National Youth Games currently cater to athletes under the age of 15, and the National Sports Festival serves elite athletes without age restrictions, there has long been a vacuum for budding talents who fall between these categories. The Intermediate Games is poised to fill this critical gap, ensuring a seamless transition for young athletes on their journey to professional and international success.
Nigeria’s grassroots system has consistently produced world-class athletes. From the Golden Eaglets’ record five FIFA U-17 World Cup triumphs since their first victory in China in 1985, to the Nigerian female junior basketball team’s strong showing at the FIBA World Championship in the Czech Republic, the nation’s youth have consistently demonstrated extraordinary potential.
The Intermediate Games will harness this potential further, preparing athletes for international competitions such as U-18 and U-20 tournaments, while nurturing future elite and professional stars.
Notable sports icons including Gabriel Okon, Deji Aliu, Olusoji Fasuba, Nduka Ugbade, John Obi Mikel, Rashidat Ajibade, and Victor Osimhen are shining examples of talents who emerged from the grassroots to become global champions. The National Intermediate Games will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of such heroes, ensuring Nigeria’s dominance on the global sporting stage.
With this initiative, the NSC stated it is deliberate about its commitment to talent development, sports excellence, and the vision of nurturing athletes who will continue to bring glory to the nation.
Sports
“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports
Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his outstanding support to sports journalism and his immense contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The prestigious award was presented on Friday in Abuja during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, marking 60 years of promoting sports journalism and excellence across the nation.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving the honour, Makanjuola Nureni described the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration to me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the recognition serves as a morale booster after decades of hard work and silent impact in the sports community.
“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognized people like us,” Nureni expressed.
Makanjuola Nureni is the founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja that focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.
Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have gone on to represent Nigeria’s national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
His consistency, passion, and investment in the development of young athletes have made him a key figure in Nigerian grassroots football.
In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s unwavering dedication to the growth of sports and his continuous support for sports journalism and youth empowerment.
The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development and described him as a true partner in the promotion of excellence within Nigerian sports.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
Nureni’s recognition stands out as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of Nigerian football.
With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further cements his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria.
His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
