Sports
FG doles out $25,000 to Team Nigeria Medalists, coaches in Birmingham
The Federal Government has $25,000 cash as rewarded to Team Nigeria Athletes who won medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as well as their coaches.
In a statement issued by director of press and public relations, Mohammed Manga it quoted the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare while making the presentation to the Athletes and Coaches at Hilton Garden, Birmingham yesterday, to have stated that the reward was one of the proactive measures put in place by the Ministry and President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration in particular, to boost their morale.
Represented by the Director, Federations, Elites and Athletes Department of the Ministry (FEAD) and Chef De Mission, Dr Simon Ebhojiaye, Dare said that the athletes and coaches were being rewarded for bringing glory to their fatherland.
He gave the assurance that the government will continue with its commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria.
This he said, was one of the reasons for the establishment of Parasports Department in the Ministry to further provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to also strive and excel in the field of sports.
The Minister expressed optimism that with the calibre of Athletes, Coaches, Officials and Technical crew Nigeria is having in Birmingham and their level of commitment and patriotism, the country is no doubt set to record more podium performances at the games.
He urged them to remain focused, determined and more committed so as to ensure that Nigeria remains among the topmost countries in the committee of sports.
Speaking earlier, the 59kg Women’s Weightlifting Gold medalist, Folashade Lawal, on behalf of the medalists and coaches expressed their appreciation that government is now being proactive, assuring that the reward will spur the athletes into winning more medals for the country.
She attributed the successes recorded so far to the glory of God, team work, discipline, hard work as well as government support to sports development in the country.
At the ceremony, the gold medal winners, Adijat Adenike
Olarinoye and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, received $5,000 each, silver medalist, Taiwo Laidi got $3,000; bronze medallists Edidiong Joseph Umaofia and Islamiyat Yusuf got $2,000 while their coaches were also given $3,000 respectively.
***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).
-
Crime6 months agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News3 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment7 months agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi6 months agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News7 months agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
News From Kogi8 months agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
Metro1 month ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News3 months agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu