Sports

Sports Minister’s aide showers Encomium on NFF President Pinnick Amaju

Published

4 years ago

May 21, 2021

On VisionFM, 92.1 this morning, Mr. Kola Daniel, the media aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare bore his mind on the international friendlies that have already scheduled. Speaking on the friendlies, Mr. Daniel acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Football Federation, in preparation for the AFCON qualifiers. In this regard, he had the following to say:

“Talking about the friendlies between Cameroon and of course, the Mexicans, both friendlies to me is a welcome development. It is more or less a way to prepare the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the world cup qualifier. Back to what the NFF president said in his interview, about the preparations for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and they have started in the right step for me. I want to thank the NFF, most especially, the NFF president, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, for going extra mile to get this friendlies for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. I want to salute his doggedness, tenacity, his sparking sense of humour, for putting this into gear. You and I know that over the years, President Amaju Pinnick has been getting quality friendlies for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, that is the more reason why we have qualified back to back for AFCON, knowing full well, they have got quality friendlies.”

“His personality has really assisted the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s sourcing for funds, and any cardi-logistics aspect of it. It is not easy to organise a friendly match to play in Los Angeles in the United states and don’t forget about Austria.”

” It requires a huge amount of money flying the players, appearances and other logistics. So you must give Kudos to the NFF president and as well, FIFE council members. By and large for me, they are on the right track.”

Also, talking about the relationship with the minister of youth and Sports, it has been fantastic. It has been a robust relationship both institutionally, I have enjoyed what I call a cordial relationship working together harmoniously to ensure sports, most especially football, moves to the next level.

I want to use this medium again, to say that the super Eagles of Nigeria have got someone in the helm of affairs, talking about the president of NFF, whose passion lies in ensuring that the super Eagles of Nigeria and all other national teams, including the Super Falcons who have friendlies and don’t forget the youth national team, the Flying Eagles as well as the Golden Eaglets who have quality friendlies and be in the right frame of mind when they have quality matches”.

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Sports

Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports

Published

1 hour ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.

“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.

A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.

Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.

Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.

“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”

He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.

> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.

The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.

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