Sports

Sports Devt: 36 Lions FC President Bags African Achiever Award in Sports

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2022

Joel Ajayi
The President of 36 Lions FC of Lagos, Gaafar Olawale Liameed has been honoured with an award of African achiever/best youth developer in sport development by the National Youth Congress (NYC).

The award was presented to him by the top echelons of the NYC led by the speaker of Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon Azeezat Yishawu and president of Nigerian Youth Congress, Blessing Akinlosotu at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of NYC president Akinlosotu said Gaafar was recognised for his outstanding accomplishments in sports development, especially grassroot football in Nigeria where he has produced several youngsters that have represented the nation and winning laurels for the country.

Responding, 36 Lions boss, thanked the organizer for the award, stressing that the award would spur him to do more for the youths especially taking many out of poverty and giving them a bright future.

The astute football administrator who also doubled as vice chairman of the Lagos Football Association was known as groomer of talents with several discoveries of raw talent.

Liameed was the only African who, in Rio de Janeiro 2016, groomed and presented three Nigerian Olympians (Imoh Ezekiel, Junior Ajayi and Sadiq Popo), who won bronze medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

He is the first person from Africa who is building a 36 000 square meter football vocational school for youths ages 14 to 21. He is the only club founder who gives his players 18 hours of coaching per week.

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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

51 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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