Sports
Wike Set To Reward Athletes 2022 National Sports Festival
In his usual way not allow hardwork and sacrifice go down in vain, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the reward of athletes who have done FCT proud during the 2022 National Sports Festival.
It will be recalled that the past administration could not honour the due to reason best known to them, but after a prolonged delay from the past administration, the present administration under the able leadership of the FCT Minister, Wike has graciously agreed to reward the athletes for their effort.
In a statement issued by the Director of Sports FCT department Mr Luka Istifanus revealed that, FCT Minister in his magnanimity has said that rewarding athletes is what they deserve as they have worked hard to represent the FCT.
“FCT in 2022 hit a milestone like never before when they emerged 9th position which has never been done by the FCT team in the past National Sports Festivals.
“Athletes are elated to have a sports loving Minister like his Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who rewards hardwork and excellence.
“We have enjoyed good attention from the Minister since he assumed office,he understands that Sports is a key factor in the FCT and the country,he is always concerned about the welfare of the athletes that is why he approved this reward for them to keep representing the FCT with a winning mentality.”
He also highlighted that the FCT is preparing really well for the 2024 Gateway Games taking place in Ogun state in January 2025.
However, the award ceremony is scheduled for sometime in December 2024.
On the other hand, athletes has also appealed to the People’s Minister, to extend the gesture accorded to the senior elite athletes of the National Sports Festival to the U-15 as well that represented the FCT at the National Youth Games in 2023 and 2024 as they came 7th and 9th on the table respectively.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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