Sports

We Will Reward More Hard Work, Wike Tells FCT Athletes

Published

10 months ago

January 16, 2025

… Rewards athletes from 2022/23 sports festival and youth games with cash prizes

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has revealed that FCT under his watch will not toil with labour and sweat of athletes, saying, that there will be more reward for any athletes who put FCT on the part of success.

He gave this assurance yesterday in Abuja during 13th Edition of FCT Sports Award Night for FCT Athletes and officials to the Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF, and 6th and 7the editions of National youth games in Delta State 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“Award ceremony victorious athletes in the capital city have “Sports For All” as a theme.

For over two years, athletes who represented the FCT at the 2022 National Sports Festival and the 2023 and 2024 National Youth Games went unrecognized by the previous administration.
However, upon assuming office, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike took a decisive step to ensuring the athletes received the acknowledgment due to them.

Minister, who was represented by the FCT Mandate Secretary, Social Development, Hon Ibrahim Aminu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing sports development in the FCT and pledged to create an enabling environment for youths to excel.

In her welcome address, the Secretary of Social Development Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere commended Wike for his magnanimity in rewarding our young athletes.
She, however, charged the athletes to continue striving towards the greater height of FCT as well as Nigeria at large adding that FCT will not allow their sweat go in vain.
Other stakeholders present applauded the FCT administration for recognizing the athletes with the awards, stating that the gesture would serve as a strong motivation for them ahead of the next festival.

Some of the athletes shared their thoughts on the award, highlighting its significance and the positive impact it would have on their careers.

Gold medalists from the Delta 2022 Sports Festival received ₦600,000, silver medalists ₦400,000, and bronze medalists ₦250,000. For the Youth Games, gold medalists were rewarded with ₦400,000, silver medalists ₦300,000, and bronze medalists ₦200,000.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

11 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

Share on Facebook