Sports

Sports Minister, Sanusi To Receive Swan Top Awards

Published

5 years ago

December 3, 2021

Brila, Nta, Cool Fm Target Football Gold

Ministers of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare and his Federal Capital Territory Administration state counterpart Dr Ramatu Tijjani top the list of awardees for FCT SWAN WEEK 2021.

FCT SWAN chairman Bunmi Haruna disclosed this at a media conference heralding the SWAN week billed to hold from December 6 -9 in Abuja

Also slated to receive award are NFF general secretary, Dr Muhammad Sanusi, former NFF president Alhaji Sani Lulu and the Medical Director Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Otabor amongst others

“We hope to recognize the contributions of individuals that have distinguished themselves in sports development in the territory as well as honoring members who excelled in the discharge of their duties during the year

“We are kicking off the week with a novelty game between FCT NUJ selected and SWAN on Monday December 6 at the Turf Arena with the Sports Minister expected to officiate the game

“Other activities lined up for the week include seminar/ work shop, free medical checkup, football and table tennis competitions for both the young and veterans The week will be climaxed with the awards ceremony at the Lounge of the Moshood Abiola national stadium, Abuja” the SWAN Boss stated

Also speaking at the conference, the chairman of the SWAN Week Chris Onekpegu disclosed that the fixtures for the football will involve 14 teams with New comers Wazobia FM locking horns with serial winners NTA in the opening game. In the other fixtures, Brila FM will tackle Correspondent chapel while Nigeria Info will engage ITV. Vision will play love FM , TSTV vs Liberty TV, TVC VERSUS Arise TV and Trust TV versus AIT.

Also present at the press conference, the convener, Girl Child Values Support Initiative, Precious Wakili, she says they hope to partner SWAN to raise awareness about women and girls with disability.

“We are a nonprofit organization that is focused on empowering rural women and girls particularly women and girls with disabilities through Arts, Sports, Education, Storytelling, Advocacy and Health. We intend to use sports to fight against gender based violence using our hashtag #SPORTForACTIVISM”

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Sports

Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season

Published

11 hours ago

October 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Ibrahim Lawal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.

James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.

The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.

According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.

His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.

James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.

Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.

His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.

James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.

At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.

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