Sports

Sports Minister Extends Gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for National Teams’ Backlog, Boosting AFCON Preparations

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2024

…Says move further reiterates the President’s commitment to sports development

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent approval of a substantial N12 billion disbursement to address the longstanding outstanding backlog owed to Nigeria’s National teams, as well as boost the mood of the Super Eagles, ahead of the African Cup of Nations kicking off this weekend.

The payment encompasses the settlement of senior national team coaches salaries spanning 15 months, as well as the disbursement of bonuses owed to both senior and junior national teams (male and female). This significant financial injection is particularly timely as it arrived just when the preparations of the Super Eagles for the AFCON struck top gear.

The Minister thanked Mr. President for approving the funds, noting that it reflects his love for sports. He added that the approval not only serves as a morale booster for the teams involved but also underscores the government’s dedication to fostering excellence in Nigerian sports on the continental stage.

“This is a clear indication of Mr. President’s commitment to sports development. This explains why he made Sports Development a standalone Ministry, so as to pay closer attention to its pertinent issues. On behalf of the Ministry and the NFF, I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Senator Enoh said.

He assured the President Tinubu that the team will do everything within its powers to make the nation proud at the continental showpiece. Nigeria takes on Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, in its first game at the AFCOn before tackling Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau in Abidjan.

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Sports

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

5 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

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