Sports
Minister charges NFF to build the will for Football devpt in the country
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has called on the Executive Leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to, as a matter of urgency, build sufficient will for the development of football in the country
He gave the charge on Wednesday in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja when he engaged the Board Members of the Federation, led by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau in a fruitful deliberation on issues surrounding the development of the Nation’s Domestic Leagues
A statement by the,
Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga quoted Senator Owan Enoh to have indicated that the government was concerned about the political will especially considering the fact that football has remained one of the key sports that did not only attract national attention from across the country irrespective of tribe, religion or ethnicity but most importantly, provide opportunities for inclusiveness through the participation of our teeming youth, both male and female in the game
That is why he stated further that, it is imperative for the Federation to pursue with passion and intention, the development of the game at grassroots level to provide more opportunities for job creation, poverty alleviation as well as unity and safety of the country.
He explained that the followership, interest, popularity and excitement that football generates around the country necessitates that careful and intentional actions must be taken for its growth.
“We must therefore be open to dissecting some of the burning issues in our football with a view to proffering workable solutions for them, he said
The Minister, who pointed out that the meeting was a family one, called on the Board to ensure they give themselves a timeline for the completion and harmonisation of all pending issues that hinder the development of football in the country.
“We must be open to dissecting some of the burning issues in our football. This is what this meeting is all about. It is important for us to know where we are as a fooball nation, what prospects we have as well as plans we have put in place.
“This sector is one where everyone is interested and wants to know what is going on. We should address topical and trending issues such as the 10 Year Football Master Plan implementation, membership of the Executive Board of the NFF, and the image of our league, amongst other issues.
“We must look at global best practices obtainable in thriving nations and leverage on that to build our leagues to international standards”
Senator Enoh pointed out that the Ministry will continue to play its supervisory role in ensuring that Sports Federations work round the clock to enable the country produce teams that can stand out in all its local and international competitions.
The Minister expressed government’s desire to see NFF develop football from the grassroots and also ensure adequate training on football to international standards.
He charged them to intensify campaigns that will create public awareness on all the league matches.
Enoh therefore called on the football body to work assiduously towards the realization of the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Ministries of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar said that the meeting was conveŕned to provide for opportunity to brainstorm on issues and challenges affecting the growth of football in the country with a view to finding sporting solutions to them
He assured that the Ministry will continue to ensure the implementation of the policies, initiatives and programmes of the Federal Government that will help drive the development of sports with a view to bringing about economic growth of the nation
In his remarks at the meeting, the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau said the immediate challenges bedevilling the football body is how to ensure that the Super Eagles begin the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign on a strong note come the month of November, adding that everything would be done to see the Super Falcons qualify for the Women Olympic Football Tournament in Paris next year.
He assured that NFF as a body will work assiduously to ensure the development of the games at the grassroots level, promising further that the body will not only ensure high performance at the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire but also embark on sensitization and creation of public awareness about the activities of our leagues
Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hosted Kogi-born sports sensation Matthew Ovayioza Sarah at her Abuja residence, celebrating her remarkable achievements in weightlifting and arm wrestling.
Ovayioza gained global recognition after clinching two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship in Manama, Bahrain, marking her as one of Nigeria’s brightest sports stars. During the meeting, she presented her medals to the senator and discussed her need for financial sponsorship and access to advanced training facilities to prepare for future competitions.
A statement by her chief Press Secretary Orogbonlo Isreal in a statement quoted her to have commended Ovayioza for her resilience and dedication, despite facing numerous challenges, and encouraged her to remain focused.
“Your achievements are a source of pride for Kogi and Nigeria. We will ensure you receive the support you need to excel further,” she said.
In a gesture of support, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan provided ₦2 million to the athlete and pledged to seek additional resources from relevant government bodies to aid her career.
Ovayioza has an impressive record of accomplishments, including, 2 Gold Medals in Weightlifting World Championship, Bahrain (2024), 3 Gold Medals in Nigerian National Weightlifting Championship, Abuja (2024) and 2 Gold Medals in Armwrestling African Championship, Accra (2023).
Others are 1 Bronze Medal Nigerian National Sports Festival, Delta (2022) and 1 Gold & 1 Silver Medal at National Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2022) and 2 Gold Medals Bamitonia Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2023)
She also holds three national records in weightlifting, including a snatch lift of 117 kg, a clean and jerk lift of 138 kg, and a total lift of 255 kg. Ovayioza is currently ranked World No. 3 in the 76 kg weightlifting category.
Beyond weightlifting, she is a two-time African champion in arm wrestling’s 71 kg category and a multiple-time Nigerian champion.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s support underscored her commitment to fostering grassroots talent and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to excel on the global stage.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has extended heartfelt congratulations to teenage motorsport sensation Ugo Ugochukwu Orlandi for his groundbreaking victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix.
Writing on his X-Handle, Obi lauded the 17-year-old driver for becoming the first American in over 40 years to win the coveted FIA World Cup title.
He described Ugo’s achievement as a historic moment of pride and inspiration, highlighting his exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work.
“Ugo’s outstanding victory stands as a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and consistent dedication qualities that our youth today can demonstrate when given the right support and guidance,” Obi said.
Born to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, Ugo’s diverse heritage was also celebrated in Obi’s message.
He emphasized the young driver’s role as a beacon of inspiration for Nigerian youth, showcasing how passion and opportunity can lead to remarkable success.
Obi also commended McLaren Racing for its pivotal role in nurturing Ugo’s potential and investing in the future of young talents in motorsport.
He described Ugo’s success as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and supporting young people’s aspirations.
“Beyond making history, you have inspired millions,” Obi wrote, expressing optimism about Ugo’s continued rise in the motorsport world.
The victory at Macau is the latest milestone in Ugo’s fast-ascending career, solidifying his position as a future star of international motorsport.
As Edo Queens prepare for a crucial face-off with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a heartfelt message of support, rallying the team to victory.
The match, set for Saturday, November 16 in Casablanca, Morocco, will determine whether the Queens advance to the semifinals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have praised the Queens’ achievements, acknowledging the determination and hard work that has kept them at the top of Group B.
He assured the team of his administration’s unwavering backing. “I want our girls to know that we are fully behind them,” the governor stated.
“They have nothing to worry about — their state and nation stand solidly with them. We want them to defeat Sundowns on Saturday and make Edo State and Nigeria proud.”
Okpebholo also expressed confidence that the Queens could go on to win the tournament, promising that his administration will prioritize sports development across Edo State.
“Go ahead and win the cup and bring it to your fatherland. Sports will surely receive the attention it deserves under my government,” he affirmed.
Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Premier League, began their CAF campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe.
A goalless draw with Egypt’s Masar FC kept them at the top of Group B, positioning them for a semifinal berth if they secure a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm local time on Saturday.
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