Sports
FG urges sports directors to make success of Para-Games
Ensure successful hosting of the maiden edition of the National Para Sports Festival scheduled for April 9 – 16, 2022 in Abuja, the federal government has urged Directors of Sports of the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare made the call on Thursday in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja during a meeting with the Directors of Sports of the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Minister said that the Para-Sports Festival was aimed at giving People Living With Disability (PLWD) in sports, a sense of belonging and an opportunity to exhibit all their potentials.
He added that the Festival will also afford them the same opportunity as their able bodied counterparts to strive for excellence in the field of sports.
According to him, the competition will create an opportunity for development of Para-Sports in Nigeria as well as contribute to the socio-economic growth of the country.
Dare explained further that with Nigeria’s excellent performances in international Para-Sports events, People Living With Disability must be given an opportunity to continually showcase their talents through the creation of an enabling environment for sporting competitions.
“With Nigeria winning a total of 36 gold medals, 18 silver medals and 16 bronze medals at the Paralympic Games from 1992 till date, Para-athletes must be given the platform to hone their skills for the next generation of talents, to find fulfillment through games like these.
Let me also inform you that the Games will feature para-athletes from all around Nigeria, as various events will be held across no less than 15 para-sports”, he said.
The Minister who led the Directors of Sports in the States on the tour of facilities for the hosting of the Games called on them to come up with effective modalities that will ensure the success of the forthcoming Para-Games.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director, National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Peter Nelson, assured that the Committee of State Directors of Sports will bring their wealth of experience towards ensuring the successful hosting of the Games.
***Urges Super Eagles To Go For Gold
By Friday Idachaba Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has applauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their Wednesday night triumph over Bafana Bafana of South Africa and qualification for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ododo who gave the applaud in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah on Thursday in Lokoja commended the Super Eagles for their display of resilience and the “Can-do Spirit” of Nigerians.
He said that the Eagles in the thrilling semi final encounter held their nerves throughout the game and the emotionally charged penalty shootout won by the Super Eagles 4:2.
The Governor noted that the build up to the game demonstrated the undiluted passion by which Nigerians are known to rally in defence of their country in difficult times.
Ododo equally urged all Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles to soar in their quest to bring home the coveted continental trophy.
“This win by the Super Eagles proves that Nigeria has what it takes to bounce back from its temporary setbacks as a nation.
“We are inspired as a country and we must all support the Super Eagles to bring home the trophy as they go against the Ivory Coast in the Final this weekend”, Governor Ododo said.
The Governor also urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for the Super Eagles to clinch the Nations Cup adding that the team needed the support of all Nigerians to bring home the trophy. (Ends)
The Nigerian National Team, Super Eagles has defeated South African Bafana Bafana on penalties at the Stade de la Paix (Stadium of Peace) in Bouake, Ivory Coast to advanced to the final of the African Cup of Nations
Kelechi Ihenacho scored the winning penalty for Super Eagles as Nigeria displaced the South African team from the final of Africa Cup of Nations
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 67th minute through a penalty after Osimhen made his mark.
South Africa star player Mokoena equalised in the 90th minute sending the game to extra time, the extra time ended in a stalemate, and the game advanced to penalties.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, saved two penalties, while Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty to send the Eagles to the final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has defeated Angola in the quart final duel with Angola to advance to semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Lookman’s first half goal
Moses Simon’s perceptive pass gave Lookman the rear chance to score his third goal of the knockout stage
With the victory over Angola the Super Eagles have been tipped to be the new tournament favourites however their opponents with confident had created occasional scare.
This is the first time Nigeria have won four consecutive matches at a single Afcon edition without conceding a goal.
Having scored two goals against Cameroon in the last 16 as his first ever Afcon goals, Lookman has become the fourth Nigerian to score at least three goals in the knockout rounds of a single Afcon tournament, after Odion Ighalo in 2019 (4), Jay-Jay Okocha in 2004 (3) and Rashidi Yekini in 1994 (3).
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