The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Minister lauds Europa Cup  winner Lookman, extols Boniface, Tella

    Minister lauds Europa Cup  winner Lookman, extols Boniface, Tella

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has showered encomiums on Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for his extraordinary performance in the Europa League final.

    Lookman scored a historic hat-trick, leading Atalanta to their first European title on Thursday night in Dublin, Ireland.

    Lookman’s three goals secured a 3-0 victory for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen, ending their opponents’ 51-game undefeated streak and marking the first-ever hat-trick in an  Europa League final. This victory also signifies Atalanta’s second major trophy, their first since winning the Coppa Italia 61 years ago.

    Read Also: Boniface, Lookman clash as Leverkusen, Atalanta target Europa Cup

    In his congratulatory message signed by his  Special Assistant (Media), Diana-Mary Nsan, Senator Enoh praised Lookman’s exceptional talent and dedication, which have brought immense pride to Nigeria.

    “Ademola Lookman has demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, leading Atalanta to a historic victory. His performance in the Europa League final was nothing short of spectacular, and he has made Nigeria proud on the global stage. We celebrate his achievement and look forward to many more milestones in his career with club and country,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Minister  has  extended his congratulations to Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, who played pivotal roles in leading Bayer Leverkusen to the final. Their contributions were integral in securing the German Bundesliga title, with the German Cup still within reach.

    “Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella have also shown exceptional prowess and determination throughout the season. Their journey to the Europa League final and success in the Bundesliga is commendable. They serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Nigeria and around the world. I urge them to take pride in their performances and success this season,” Senator Enoh added.

    The Nigerian football community celebrates these achievements, reflecting the growing influence and talent of Nigerian players in international football.

    Lookman scored the opener in the 12th minute through superior sharpness, before hitting a brace with a fine curler in the 26th minute. He secured his hat trick in the 75th with a pile-driver hit of a goal.

  • Paris 2024: Senate passes anti-doping bill for reading

    Paris 2024: Senate passes anti-doping bill for reading

    The Senate  yesterday  passed for second reading,  a bill which seeks to prohibit Nigerian athletes from consuming performance enhancing substances during or after sporting competitions.

    President Bola Tinubu had sent a request to the Senate to enactment the law last week through a letter read on the floor by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.

    The bill was titled “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024.”

    It was meant to domesticate and enforce in Nigeria, the international convention against doping in sports ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

    Read Also: UK varsity withdraws 60 Nigerian students

    It was also meant to establish the Nigeria anti-doping centre to implement Nigeria’s obligations to the World Anti-Doping Code in conformity with international standards.

    The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in his lead debate explained that the proposed legislation, when signed by President Tinubu, would facilitate the  establishment of an independent body that would be  charged with the responsibility for the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code, and International standards subscribed to by Nigeria.

    Bamidele said it would protect the rights of athletes to participate in doping-free sporting activities.

    He also said it would promote fair and equal treatment of all athletes and their health.

    Bamidele  said: “It will co-ordinate and harmonise effective sports anti-doping programme at the national and international levels, with regard to detection, deterrence and prevention of doping.

    “It will provide measures for the prevention and control of doping in sports.”

    He added: “The UNESCO Convention, had, in October, 2011, made an interim arrangement whereby the National Anti-Doping Committee was established.

    “However, in legislation, its committee was not backed by legal instrument or legislation, its operation and objectivity remain weak and unattainable.

    “As a result, the current administration deemed it necessary to introduce this Bill because of its strategic importance and in recognition of the fact that Nigeria is a sport-loving country.”

    “The country has numerous sports enthusiasts, who view sports as an epicentre of unity and togetherness.

    “Therefore, it is imperative that the Senate aligns itself with the reasoning of the Executive as this Bill seeks to bring about improvement and ensure fair-play in the sporting environment.”

    Senators in their contribution supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a second time when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Akpabio thereafter referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports for further legislative work.

  • Tinubu urges private sector, NGOs to key into sports development  

    Tinubu urges private sector, NGOs to key into sports development  

    President canvasses  investment for  school sports, facilities

    President Bola Tinubu has called on government and individuals to invest more in sports development from the primary schools to help the nation harness the inherent opportunities in the modern sports.

    He  also urged the private sector, non-governmental organisations and international partners to key into sports development in the country for greater impact.

    Addressing delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory at the 1st  National Council on Sports (NCS) organized by the federal ministry of sports development in Enugu on, Tinubu represented by the minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, noted that building a robust sports ecosystem that supports the nation’s athletes and promotes healthy living among citizens was not a project the government could handle alone.

    Read Also: Tinubu to attend inauguration of Déby as Chad’s President

    He added that sports was  not just a source of entertainment and recreation but a big business as well a powerful tool for fostering unity, promoting health, and driving economic growth.

    “In Nigeria, sports have historically been a unifying force, a strong platform for soft diplomacy, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and fostering a sense of national pride and identity,” he said. “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the tremendous potential that sports hold for our youth. Sports can provide a pathway to personal development, offering our young people opportunities to build character, discipline, and leadership skills. It is our responsibility to create an environment where these opportunities are accessible to all.”

    The president also emphasized the need for development of sports infrastructure, saying it is a major force that would lift the nation’s sports.

    He continued: “In line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, we must invest in modern facilities and ensure their maintenance and accessibility. Our athletes deserve the best training environments to compete at the highest levels and to bring glory to our nation.

    “We also need to invest in sports development right from the primary school.

    “The government cannot do this alone. We need the active involvement of the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and international partners. Together, we can build a robust sports ecosystem that supports our athletes and promotes healthy living among our citizens”.

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, in his address, charged the delegates to come up with strategies that could make sports more attractive for private sector investment, stressing that it must be taken to a level where the teeming youths must aspire to belong to it.

    He observed that sports generally had declined in the country, following derelict infrastructure, funding gaps among others, stressing that the country had not emerged the first position in all Africa Games since 2023 when it was hosted in Abuja.

    Mbah also emphasized the need to pay attention to grassroots development of sports, explaining that it was from there that qualified athletes are built to compete in world tournaments.

  • Enoh lists reforms amid challenges in sports sector

    Enoh lists reforms amid challenges in sports sector

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh , has listed  the reforms he has initiated  even  as  he earmarked some of the challenges impeding the development and growth of sports in the country.

    Delivering a keynote address at the 1st National Council on Sports meeting in Enugu, the minister  stated that in spite of the myriad of problems he met on ground following his appointment, he has initiated a raft of reforms and policies in his concerted effort and commitment to launch sports on the path of development.

    Having aggregated the problems and challenges that continue to hinder the development of sports, Senator said  he launched WAIFAR, a 6-Point Agenda which he envisioned to champion the welfare of athletes, adopt sports as a business, activate Early-age sports and to reposition the Sports Federations for impact.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: Enoh describes Finidi’s appointment as symbolic, momentous

    He said: “Over the past months, I have traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria listening to everyone. We have embarked on reforms that would reposition Nigerian sports globally and return us to our erstwhile greatness and also give our sports men and women that single thing they have sought for years- that Nigeria loves and cares for them as much as they love and care for Nigeria.”

    In addition to the ongoing implementation of these reforms, the minister underscored ground breaking partnerships the Ministry of Sports Development has forged with the private sector, including agreement with Yanga Games Technologies (YGT), a private sector company to help Nigerian sports raise N35 billion over the next four years to augment budgetary allocations from the Federal government, struck an MOU with Effa Management Ltd to help create facility clusters in the six geopolitical zones and an agreement with GTI to reintroduce and revamp the competition formerly known as the Challenge Cup, now to be known as The President Federation Cup among others.

    Harping on the impact of sports on the Socio-Economic development of the country, Senator Enoh noted that substantial investment in sports infrastructure, talent development and grassroots programmes will not only nurture athletic excellence but stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities and promote healthier lifestyles.

    He called on the Council to focus on some key priorities in the course of its deliberations in order to harness the potential of Sports for National Development.

    The key priorities according to him include leveraging sports to bridge divides and strengthen the bonds of unity among citizens, the empowerment of local communities through sports initiatives to identify and nurture talents, the enhancement of sports infrastructure nationwide, strategic investments in sports for significant Socio-Economic dividends, youth empowerment and development, international partnerships, Private-Public Partnerships and inclusivity and accessibility.

    The minister thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support he has continued to provide for sports development in the country.

    “Recently, as you would recall, Mr. President approved the sum of N12 billion naira interventions for football that enabled participation at AFCON and other competitions in addition to settling outstanding backlogs. From my several interactions with His Excellency, Mr. President, I want to assure you all that the best days for sports in Nigeria lie ahead of us,” he said.

  • Organisers guarantee  over N100m for 10th  Okpekpe Road Race

    Organisers guarantee  over N100m for 10th  Okpekpe Road Race

    Over a N100m will be on offer as prize money at the 10th Okpekpe international 10km road race which holds on Saturday in Okpekpe town in Edo state.

    The top five finishers in each gender category for the international elite field as well as for the Nigerian elite runners will battle for the prize money.

    Winners in each gender category will go home with $15,000 while second and third place finishers will be rewarded with $8,000 and $5,000 with fourth and fifth going home with $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.

    For the Nigerian elite athletes, a top prize of N500,000 will go to the winners of each gender category. Second to fifth place will be rewarded with N300,000, N200,000, N120,000 and N80, 000 respectively.

    Athletes who set an African/World record will be eligible for a special award of US$5,000 and US$2,000 for the Okpekpe race course record setter.

    Read Also: World Athletics confirms May 25 for 10th  Okpekpe Road Race

    The performance must be an improvement on the existing African/World and Okpekpe Course record in 10km. Performances that equal the existing African/World and Course record will not be eligible for the bonus award.

    The Okpekpe race 10km course record stands at 28 minutes and 28 seconds (28:28) for men set last year by Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and 32 minutes, 41 seconds (32.41) set in 2014 by Ethiopia’s Wude Ayalew.

    The African record for men which is also the world record is 26 minutes, 33 seconds (26:33) set by Kenya’s Rhonex Kipruto in 2020 while another Kenyan, Agnes Jebet Ngetich holds the African nay World record for women at 28 minutes, 46 seconds (28:46) set in January 2024 in Valencia, Spain.

    Meanwhile, Pamodzi Sports Marketing, organizer of the historic race said  they were  ready to organize an Okpekpe road race that befits its Gold Label status with application of the World Athletics Rules and Regulations as well as  the Competition and Technical Rules among other requirements.

    Race director, Zakari Amodu, promised that the event would live up to its billing as one of the prestigious road races in the world.

     “Everything is set for a good race on Saturday. We have covered all grounds necessary for a good race. We have all the materials we wanted for effective doping control including a doping station at the finish area in Okpekpe,” Amodu said. “What we are waiting for is just for the race day to be here so that we can put into practice all we have been doing in terms of keeping to the requirements.”

  • FIFA World Cup 26: FIFA replaces officials of Benin Republic, Nigeria clash

    FIFA World Cup 26: FIFA replaces officials of Benin Republic, Nigeria clash

    World-governing body, FIFA has made changes to the officiating team of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Benin Republic and Nigeria which is scheduled for the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian capital on Monday, 10th June 2024.

    The changes have sent packing Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, who was originally designated as referee for the encounter scheduled to kick off at 4pm. In his place, Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho will now be the referee.

    Read Also: FIFA World Cup 26: South Africa, Benin won’t  be easy for Super Eagles, says Rohr

    Weyesa’s compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew have been retained as assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2 respectively. However, another Ethiopian, Tewodros Mitiku, earlier designated as fourth official, has been thrown out, replaced by Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma.

    The originally-designated referee assessor, match commissioner and security officer retain their places in the Day 4 encounter that comes up only three days after the Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in a Day 3 battle.

  • NWFL Premiership Super Six : Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens brighten chances  for  title

    NWFL Premiership Super Six : Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens brighten chances  for  title

    Heartland Queens suffered a second consecutive loss to  dim  their chances at  the ongoing Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership Super Six playoff taking place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

     But host Bayelsa Queens secured a massive victory while Rivers Angels were held to a goalless draw as the Championship entered Matchday Three yesterday.

    Heartland Queens suffered their second successive defeat following a 3-1 loss  against Edo Queens in the last game of matchday 3 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

    The Owerri Ladies, in last place with one point, remained winless in the tournament while Edo Queens jumped to the second spot in the standings with 6 points.

    Read Also: Bayelsa  to host NWFL Premiership Super Six tourney

    Chioma Moses and Kafayat Mafisere respectively in the  34th  and 37th  minute put Edo 2-0 up at halftime before Emem Essien added a third two minutes after the second half resumption before Emmanuella James pulled one back for Heartland Queens later on.

    In the second game of the day, five time champions Bayelsa Queens seized top spot after two goals in either half by Zainab Olopade  in the  23rd  minute and Chinyere Igboamalu in the 88th  minute handed the hosts a 2-0 victory over Confluence Queens.

    Bayelsa sit atop the pile with  seven points while Rivers Angels drop to third spot from first spot following a goalless draw against fifth placed Nasarawa Amazons in the day’s opener. Confluence Queens are fourth with three points.

    The Super Six goes on recess today while action resumes tomorrow  with matchday 4.

  • Dates fixed for National Sports Festival in Ogun

    Dates fixed for National Sports Festival in Ogun

    The Federal Ministry of Sports has announced dates for the 22nd  Nationals Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Ogun State. T

    his is one of the major decisions taken at the National Council of Sports meeting held in Enugu. The National Sports Festival will now run from 12th  to 25th  January 2025 even as the Games Village will open from 12th  to 14th  January 2025.

    The Opening Ceremony for the festival, tagged Gateway Games will hold at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta on 15th  January 2025 which is also the  Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD), also simply known as Remembrance Day in Nigeria.

    Read Also: As Ogun prepares for 22nd National Sports Festival

    It is observed on 15 January to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It also honours veterans of the World War I and II as well as the Nigerian Civil War.

     The competition period for the festival will be from 15th to 24th January while the closing ceremony will be on 25th January 2025.

  • Eaglets tackle Togo today after rains forced postponement  

    Eaglets tackle Togo today after rains forced postponement  

    Heavy rain in Accra  yesterday forced the organisers of the WAFU B U17 Championship to move the final group B tie between Golden Eaglets and Togo to today in Accra.

    “ Today’s matches  have been postponed   due to Force Majeure till tomorrow morning at 9am,” coach Manu Garba told NationSports last night. “Heavy rains for over three hours  made the pitch water-logged . Burkina Faso will also play Niger Republic  simultaneously at 9am  tomorrow (Thursday) when  we face Togo  “

    Read Also:WAFU B U-17 Tourney: Adams rallies Golden Eaglets  against Togo

    Nigeria have four points from two games, the same number of points with Burkina Faso that sits atop on goals difference of plus two, while Nigeria has plus one.

    Nigeria will face Togo today while Burkina Faso will trade tackles with Niger in a game that holds simultaneously as the Golden Eaglets game.

    Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire and Benin Republic are in Group A while Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger Republic are in Group B.

    Both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire  are already through to  the semi-final   as they awaits  the two others from Group B  after today’s matches.

  • President Federation Cup Round of 32 Results

    President Federation Cup Round of 32 Results

    FC One Rocket 0-1 Enyimba FC

    Wikki Tourist 2-0 Bendel Insurance

    Rivers United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

    Shooting Stars 2-0 Lobi Stars

    Abia Warriors 1-0 Supreme

    Sunshine Stars 1-1 Plateau United (3-2 on  penalties)

    Doma United 0-1 Kano Pillars

    Read Also: NAHCO chairman donates naira library to JABU

    Katsina United 1-0 Bayelsa United

    EFCC 0-0 Edel FC  (5-4 on penalties)

    Warri Wolves 0-1 Kwara United

    Abia Warriors 1-0 Sporting Supreme

    Nasarawa United 0-1 Sokoto United