Sports

Polo, Veritable Tool Of National Unity, Sports Minister

Published

4 years ago

September 12, 2022

Joel Ajayi

Minister of youth and Sports development, Chief Sunday Dare has said that, the Keffi Unity Polo Tournament will go a long way in creating harmony among Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Minister who was at the closing ceremony of the tournament on Sunday in Keffi, Nasarawa state, said that his ministry has been supporting any sporting activity that promotes unity among Nigerians.

He praised the objective of the tournament, which according to him attracted several dignitaries and politicians from different political parties.

According to him, using polo as a tool to promote unity of our country is very encouraging and we pray that more people will play Polo.

”The ministry will always support every sport that engages Nigerians and promotes unity, whether it’s polo, golf, football or athletics

” The idea of hosting a national polo game came up and Wadada discussed it with us and we supported it.

”I am happy to see the dignitaries here and polo has truly been used to promote harmony, so, Wadada had done a great job.”

It was reported that at the final of the tournament, Team Malco Mines defeated Team Keffi Ponys 8-7 via penalty shootout to win the tournament’s champion trophy.

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Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

3 hours ago

November 8, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.

In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.

“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.

The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.

Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.

She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.

According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.

“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.

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