Sports

Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles To go For Trophy in Cote D’ivoire

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2024

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National team, the Super Eagles prepare to take on the rest of the continent at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged the team to imbibe the spirit of resilience and togetherness in order to bring the trophy home.

In an inspiring address during the team’s farewell dinner, Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of wearing the Nigerian badge with patriotism at the tournament. He urged the team to embody the “never say die” spirit of Nigeria, reminding them to play not only for themselves but also for their families and the nation at large.

“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation,” he stated, highlighting the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.

Acknowledging the comprehensive support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the team’s readiness, the Minister urged the Super Eagles to seize every opportunity from the very first game.

“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit that you carry,” he charged.
Expressing personal commitment, Senator Enoh pledged his presence in Ivory Coast to offer on-ground support and work closely with the NFF to maintain focus and motivation within the team.

“I assure you of undistracted support and endeavor to secure all that is rightfully yours, ensuring your representation of the fatherland is marked by your commitment.”

In attendance, the Governor of Lagos State and his dear wife who hosted the dinner , the Super Eagles players,Coach and technical team members ,the NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Sanusi Muhammed and members of the board,past president of the NFF Amaju Pinnick, corporate organisations, gentlemen of the press amongst others.

Nigeria is hunting for its fourth continental glory, after the triumphs of 1980, 1994, and 2013. The Super Eagles will ruffle feathers against Equatorial Guinea in its first game on Sunday, January 14th, before wrestling against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire four days later.

Its last group game will be against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22nd.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

8 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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