Sports
Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles to Soar in World Cup Qualifying Series
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has urged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to start their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series on a very strong note.
The Minister’s charge comes as the Super Eagles gear up for their opening match in the qualifying campaign.
Senator Enoh, a fervent believer of the team, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and highlighted the immense pride the nation holds for the Super Eagles.
He urged the technical crew and the players to put their best foot forward in these two games.
“The memory of losing out during the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.” He said. “The team should avoid leaving their fate to permutations. We should bring out their best to pick the first six points in front of us.”
“I have complete faith in our talented squad. The Super Eagles have a rich history of success, and we believe they are fully capable of securing two wins in the upcoming matches,” declared Senator Enoh.
“This is not just a football game; it is a representation of the spirit and resilience of the Nigerian people. I encourage our players to give their all on the field and make the nation proud.”
Senator Enoh also took the opportunity to commend the coaching staff led by Jose peseiro and support personnel for their dedication and hard work in preparing the team.
“As the Minister of Sports Development, I want to assure the full support of the Government. We will continue to invest in sports infrastructure, training facilities, and programs that nurture the talent of our young athletes,” Senator Enoh affirmed.
The Super Eagles open their campaign against Lesotho at home and face Zimbabwe away on November 16th and 19th respectively.
Sports
Shehu Dikko: The Rejected Stone that Became a Cornerstone
By Joel Ajayi
The remarkable turnaround for Mallam Shehu Dikko serves as a powerful reminder that “one with God is more than the majority.”
The turbulent waters of sports politics almost swept him away. Bruised and battered by the machinations of his rivals, Dikko’s good name faced intense scrutiny. In 2016, on his way to Warri, Delta State, to contest for the position of President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), he was reportedly detained in Lokoja over an issue unrelated to sports. This attempt to block his ambitions was a testament to the lengths some would go to halt the Kaduna-born administrator.
In 2019, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) implicated Dikko in allegations of mismanaging $2.7 million from FIFA’s Financial Assistance Programme during his tenure at the NFF. The ICPC subsequently seized several of his properties. However, the Federal High Court dismissed the case after an order from the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, instructed a withdrawal of the charges. Through it all, Dikko remained focused on his mission to develop Nigerian football, contributing significantly to the league’s growth.
Though he contested the NFF presidency again in the 2023 Edo election, he lost due to unexpected opposition. Many assumed this would mark the end of Dikko’s influence in Nigerian sports. However, fate had different plans. Like Mordecai in the Bible, Dikko’s dedication and contributions were finally acknowledged, and he was appointed Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) by President Bola Tinubu. His new role marks a pivotal restructuring within Nigeria’s sports sector.
Dikko’s appointment signifies not only a redemption but a multiplication of honor. Initially aspiring to lead a single sports federation, he now oversees over 40 as head of the NSC. This unprecedented responsibility demonstrates the level of trust vested in him. Previously serving as Vice President of the NFF and Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Dikko brought strategic insight and growth to Nigerian football.
His track record as CEO of the LMC, where he notably enhanced the financial value of Nigeria’s football league, attests to his vision and commitment to both performance and commercial success. As a top sports administrator, Dikko’s expertise is expected to bring impactful changes to Nigeria’s sports landscape. However, the task ahead remains daunting. Revitalizing the nation’s sports sector will require collaboration across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including sports federations, athletes, corporate bodies, and government agencies.
Dikko has set out ambitious goals, emphasizing that his role extends beyond sports competitions. He envisions the NSC as an institution that shapes lives, fosters economic growth, and builds community. “My aim is to see sports as an integral part of Nigeria’s development agenda, not as an afterthought,” he said recently.
Though challenges persist—such as funding constraints, inadequate facilities, and limited athlete support—many believe that Dikko’s leadership could usher in a transformation. His ambitious plans for the NSC have sparked cautious optimism that Nigeria’s sports sector can become a model for development across Africa.
As Dikko embarks on this new journey, Nigerians remain hopeful that under his leadership, sports can become a unifying force, a robust economic driver, and a source of national pride.
Joel Ajayi is a sports writer and analyst based in Abuja.
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