Sports
Team Accident: Airwariors Basketball Club Thanks NBBF, Fans, Vows To Vow To Strive For Excellence On And Off The Court
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of an Abuja-based female Basketball club, Air Warriors Alhaji Abdulmajid Solademi has thumbed Nigeria Basketball Federation, the fans, and well-wishers for their support and prayers over the team accident that happened on their way to Lagos to participate in the final 8 of the 2024 edition of Zenith basketball tournament.
In a statement released by the chairman of the Air Warriors team, he expressed that, though the team’s promising season hit the rock the club is determined to continue to strive for excellence on and off the court.
According to the statement: On the morning of 7/10/2024, tragedy struck when the Air Warriors basketball club team bus was involved in a devastating accident on Lokoja highway, leaving players, coaches, and fans shaken.
“The team was on their way to the Zenith/NBBF final 8 when the bus swerved off the road, turning their celebratory mood to horror. The scene was chaotic with shattered glass, twisted metal, and cries for help.
“Emergency responders rushed to the scene to rescue trapped passengers and stabilize the critically injured. The extent of the damage was dire, with dislocations, severe concussions, and lacerations.
“Although no lives were lost, the Airwarriors family was left reeling. The team’s promising season hung in the balance as players, staff, and fans rallied around the injured.
“This incident serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. The Airwarriors vow to support their teammates, rebuild, and honor their resilience, continuing to strive for excellence on and off the court.
“The team would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the basketball community, fans, and well-wishers who reached out to commiserate during this challenging time. They are particularly grateful to the medical teams, emergency responders, and fellow basketball clubs and teams who offered words of encouragement.
“The Air Warriors Basketball Club will provide regular updates on the team’s recovery and progress. For now, their focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring their speedy recovery.”
Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
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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