Sports

Stakeholders Score Organisers of Zaria Grand Prix High,as Winners Smile Home with Cash

Published

4 years ago

March 15, 2023

Stakeholders have lauded the just concluded Zaria Athletics Grand Prix held at the Sports Complex of Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria, Kaduna state.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, a former president of National , Nigeria Association of Technical officials ( NATO) Mr.Goodluck Akpodeh praised the organisers,as he listed the advantages of the prix to both the participants, as well as the development of the sport, athletics.

“I commend the organisers for organising a glamorous prix, despite the prevailing circumstances,as we are all aware how difficult the economy is.Also,being the first event of the year in this region,it has helped our athletes to check their fitness level and enhanced their performance level.This is not a league,but an avenue for atheletes to test their abilities,and also make money for themselves and better their overall performance at the international level.”Akpodeh stated.

Assistant Secretary of Kaduna Coaches Association,Mr. Mark Orduen,said the change of date affected the turn as about 700 athletes were billed to participate,but comnended 500 atheletes who participated at the prix.

“I commend the organisers for putting together a colourful event,as all the atheletes were adequately taken care of.The change of date affected the number of athletes who were supposed to be here.Nevertheless,we recorded 500 instead of 700,and for this, I commend those who came despite the short notice.I advice other stakeholders to emulate the organisers of Zaria Grand Prix.”Orduen stated.

Director of the Prix,Hon.Sunday Adeleye says he was thrilled about the talents discovered, and the overall impact of the event on the atheletes.He noted that more Prix will be organised to enhance the fitness level of the atheletes.

Cash rewards were given to various winners of the Prix.

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Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

20 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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