Sports

Sports Minister Welcomes Nigeria’s Delegation from the World Athletics Championships

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2023

…Assures increased funding for athletics

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh was present at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 12:08 am, on Tuesday, to receive Nigeria’s delegation from the World Athletics Championship that took place in Budapest, Hungary.

The team of 25 athletes, comprising 11 males and 15 female athletes, including Women’s 100m hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan flew the White and Green flag at the annual track and field event.

Enoh, who was appointed sports minister a few days before the commencement of the Championship in Budapest, said that he needed to be physically present to welcome the athletes, to signal his commitment towards increased attention to athletics.

Reacting to the plea of the team, the Minister assured the contingent of adequate funding under his leadership as the sports minister. He noted that long-term preparation and planning is needed for the team to succeed at tourneys and no stone will be left unturned to that effect.

The championship was held between August 19th – 27th, 2023 in the Hungarian capital city.

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Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

11 hours ago

November 8, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.

In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.

“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.

The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.

Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.

She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.

According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.

“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.

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