Sports
Bago Makes Case for improved sports facilities, as 42nd FEPSGA opens in Minna
The 42nd edition of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) opens in Minna, the Niger state capital with an appeal to government at all levels, individuals and cooperate organizations to take invest in sports development.
The Niger state Governor Rt. Hon Umar Mohammed Bago made the call in Minna on Thursday when he declared open, this year’s edition of the Federal civil service games.
The Governor who was represented by the Speaker of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji said that investment in sports development will go along way to addressing most challenges facing the country and therefore become very necessary for government at all levels to pay special attention to development of sports.
He disclosed that it was in that realization that his administration has taken deliberate steps towards providing world class sporting facilities across the state, beginning with the renovation and upgrade of the abandoned Bako Kontagora memorial stadium complex.
This he pointed out was the determination of the administration to create an environment where youths especially the athletes can thrive and achieve their full potentials.
He hinted that his government has commenced the construction of the second phase of Ahmadu Bahago Sports Complex currently hosting the FEPSGA, stressing that “the expansion will accommodate various indoor sporting activities.
The governor reminded the participants in the games that the Federal civil service games goes beyond sports but an avenue for national integration where people of different backgrounds come together to compete for trophies in a healthy and secured environment to foster a culture of brotherhood and sportsmanship.
Earlier the Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yomi Esan said the essence of the annual civil service games is about the wellness and wellbeing of the civil servants in the country, adding that it is not all about winning medals and trophies.
She urged the participants to take the games serious as sports has now become a multi-billion Naira venture all over the world.
Also in his goodwill message at the occasion, the former Minister of sports and youths development, Solomon Dalong, said that investment in sports will go along way in addressing the security challenges facing the country, stressing that “if we invest in sports we will have successes in addressing about 50 percent of our security challenges in this country.
The three days turnament will end on Saturday.
***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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