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Nigeria Pillar of Sports Does Out N.1m To First Gold Medal Winner at National Youth Games

The Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike JP has congratulated the winner of the first gold medal at the ongoing National Youths Games (NYG) Delta 2023, Ogodo Goodness, who just won the first Gold medal for Delta State in the Weightlifting Snatch 45kg event.

The former president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) made the congratulatory statement in Ilorin, while interacting with a group of newsmen who visited his office on Saturday.

The Pillar of Sports also annonced a cash donation of ₦100,000 (One hundred thousand naira) to Ogodo who represents Delta State, and lifted 44kg to win the first gold medal, at the ongoing NYG in Asaba.

The renowned Sports philanthropist commended the sense of discipline, dedication, and and championship spirit being inculcated into the (athletes) whom he described as Tomorrow’s Champions Today.

According to him, Nigeria has a very bright future, in these crops of young talents that the youth competition always throws up.

The Anambra State-born business mogul therefore, commends the vision of those who conceived the idea of such competition, and the efforts the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the Honourable Minister for Sports Development, the host state Delta, the Main, as well as the Local organising committees, for the take off of the competition, despite the initial challenges.

Chief Ejidike, in his charismatic manner, promises to grace the closing ceremony of the games, to personally present the prize money to Ogodo, encourage the champions, as well as other participants in the games not to rest on their oars, as they have the world ahead of them to conquer.

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AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.