Sports

Pitch Awards: Henry Nwosu pitches for Elegbeleye

Published

5 months ago

May 27, 2024

Joel Ajayi
A former Super Eagles player, Henry Nwosu has endorsed the nomination of the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye for the annual Pitch Awards Sportsmanship category for the year 2023.

In a touching testimony, Nwosu who has coached a number of professional league sides including Union Bank of Lagos and Gateway of Abeokuta, described the former National Assembly member as embodying the traits that are needed for leadership in the country.

“When I was the Coach of the U-17 team back in 2008, Elegbeleye saw me in Abuja and showed interest in how I was getting on with the job. I didn’t have any official car and was moving around in taxis.

“Three days afterwards, he called me to take delivery of a car. I didn’t ask for it and it was not as if we had a relationship beyond saying hello”, Nwosu recalled of his encounter with the then House of Representatives member.

On the Pitch Award, Nwosu who remains one of the best Super Eagles midfielders insisted that Elegbeleye merits the nomination and in his words, “he deserves to win this award and any award meant to recognise selfless contribution to sports by an individual”.

He said the selfless contributions of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) second vice president is such that “unlike some other people who would assist a Coach the way he did for me, Elegbeleye never for once called to send any player or players to me.

He didn’t even make a public show of the gift but was always ensuring that I had a free hand and was comfortable to carry out the task assigned to me by the NFF”
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, Remo Stars Chairman, Hon. Kunle Soname are the other two nominees for the Sportsmanship Award category.

Elegbeleye was in April crowned the Sports Administrator Of the Year, 2023 at the Sportsville Awards.

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Sports

Korean Ambasador Thumbs NTF, Pledges More Support

Published

8 hours ago

October 21, 2024

The Gleamer

..As Africa Teakwondo Union upgrade Korean Ambassador’s tourney to G1 ranking tournament
Joel Ajayi

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency KIM Pankyu, has thumbed the level of growth and development in the game of teakwoodo across Nigeria as he pledged more supports to the federation to enable more growth.

He gave this assurance weekend in Abuja at the just concluded 12th edition of Korean Ambassador’s Cup Teakwondo Tournament where over 200 teakwondo player competed for honour.

According to him, as you know, Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art loved by many people around the world. Not only does Taekwondo enhance your physical strength, it also disciplines your mind and soul.

“Taekwondo encourages competition, but at the same time teaches us fairness and respect. These aspects helped Taekwondo become a global sport. And now, thanks to people, I am proud to see the popularity of Taekwondo grow in Nigeria.

“The Ambassador’s Championship is part of our efforts to promote Taekwondo in Nigeria. It also aims to help Nigerian athletes to improve their skills so that they can compete on the global stage.”

And we will continuing supporting Nigeria to a stage where Nigeria will win gold medal in the game at Olympic or any world stage.

In his address, the President of NTF said that, the tournament creating a platform fforall our athletes to showcase their skills and passion for this beautiful martial art.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaches and officials who have devoted their time and expertise to support our athletes. Your hard work behind the scenes has been instrumental in making this championship a resounding success. It is your commitment that nurtures the talent of our athletes, shaping them into the champions of tomorrow.

“I am filled with optimism about the future of Taekwondo in Nigeria. Together, we will continue to work diligently to improve our training programs, expand our reach, and develop more young athletes. I envision a Nigeria where Taekwondo thrives at all levels, from grassroots programs to international competitions.”

He thanked all sponsors and partners whose generous contributions have contributed to the success of 12th Korean Ambassador Cup.In his remarked, the President Africa Teakwondo Union, Mr Ide Issaka, who was happy with level of progress in Nigeria announced that African union has decided to upgrade Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Cup Championship that has been existing in the last twelve years to the G1 ranking tournament in Africa where other Africa country will participating.

President who was represented by his vice president; chief Jonathan Nnaji the Africa Union is happy about the progress of the Taekwondo in the country expressed that, Taekwondo union, Africa Taekwondo union will continue to support the Taekwondo federation.

“It’s worthy of note that the Korean Ambassador has been sustaining the sponsorship for all these years. This to a very high essence, which has helped in no small measure in making Nigeria and Africa great. Also, the world at large.”

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