Sports
FG urges D’Tigress not to slack but maintain lead, applauds their excellent performance
The Federal Government has called on the D’Tigress to ensure they maintain the lead at the 2023 AfroBasket FIBA Women’s Competition in Kigali, Rwanda.
The team trounced Egypt 83 points to 65 in their second Group D match yesterday.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar gave the charge on Monday in his congratulatory message commending them for their excellent performance since the beginning of the tournament.
Director of Press andPublic Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted Alhaji Ismaila to have informed them that sports loving Nigerians are glued to the competition, especially following the performance of its athletes in all championships in recent times.
“As a nation, we want to remind you that we are following and monitoring your exceptional performances in all the events our athletes are participating in.
So far, you are doing great. We are proud of you and we want you to go all out, fully determined to maintain the lead and raise our nation’s flag high by recording podium finishes.
“We are solidly behind you. We commend you for making the country proud. Continue to maintain the lead”* he said.
Speaking further, he commemded the Ministry’s officials, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the Technical Crew for their doggedness in ensuring the realization of goverment’s sporting initiatives, policies and programmes for the betterment of our teeming youth.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the Ministry determination to continue to deploy all necessary administrative measures to ensure the development of our athletes in line with the policy thrust of the Federal Government.
This he said proving them with the opportunity to exhibit and showcase their sporting talents across the globe.
He expressed optimism that with the commitment and skills displayed since the beginning of the event by Team Nigeria, the country is sure to clinch the Trophy.
Alhaji Ismaila therefore called on all Nigerians both at home and abroad to pray for the nation’s athletes to ensure podium finishes in all their competitions.
Team Nigeria started their Game with a win against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Against Egypt, Nigeria won the first and second quarters, by scores of 10–18 and 13–24, while Egypt won the third quarter 19–14. D’Tigress won the fourth quarter 23–27 to end the game.
By this, Nigerian senior women’s Basketball team, D’Tigress, are through to the quarterfinal stage of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament holding in Kigali, Rwanda.
This is the third consecutive victory for Nigeria over Egypt, having also beaten the North Africans in 2015 and 2017. D’Tigress has so far won five continental championships, which include the last three women’s AfroBasket competitions.
***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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