Connect with us

News

Director General Gafaar Praises Performances Of Lagos Athletes

As the competition enters its fifth day on Wednesday, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, commended the performances of the players of the Lagos team during the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Gafaar said the results released on Tuesday after the day’s proceedings showed that all athletes were good ambassadors for the state, adding that more medals would be won as the tournament progressed.

“I am satisfied with the results of my players so far. They make us proud. I think they are responding very well to what we have thrown at them through good training,” he said.

The DG highlighted the contribution of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose assistance helped make the trip to the Games successful and possible,

According to him, the generosity of the Governor has shown that he is driving us to this point, and I am happy that the children are reciprocating with their achievements and showing our dear governor that he is not supporting them for nothing.

“As a responsible father, he was very supportive in everything we did,” he said.

Gafaar highlighted the rule-abiding policy in Lagos that enabled most members of the Lagos squad to overcome screening hurdles before the start of the tournament on Saturday.

“Lagos shows class in everything we do. That’s why we call ourselves a “Center of Excellence”. We will maintain our profile. We know that most athletes are getting older and there should be a program to replace older athletes. This is why we are so committed to dedicating more resources to this development program.

“Everyone knows that in Lagos State we do not cut corners on costs. Our development program policy is realistic, and we must ensure that the rules of the game are followed scrupulously and to the letter.

Gafaar also revealed the mutual working relationship between the Sports Commission and various clubs in Lagos and commended the clubs for supporting the Commission to ensure a successful performance at the 7th National Youth Games.

“I must commend Ikoyi Club, Lagos Country Club in Ikeja and other private clubs in Lagos who believe in our grassroots programs. They supported our public-private partnership to promote sports development in the state.

“We create a strong synergy with our stakeholders, especially parents. I would like to congratulate all the parents of these children for believing in us and sending their children to take part in the Youth Games. I’m glad some of them are here. They have come from Lagos to see for themselves, and I think they are happy to see their children making the entire state proud. I must say that I really appreciate all the parents for their support,” said Gafaar.

Team Lagos are second on the official medal table as at Tuesday night with 12 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze behind Delta who are leading with 21 gold, 14 silver and 9 bronze, while Team Bayelsa are in the third position with 9 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals.

The action continues across sports at various centres on Wednesday.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria

In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.

Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.

 

Continue Reading

News

Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.


Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.


Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”


January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.


Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.


Stay Updated With Sports Market International

For the best, fastest, and most engaging sports stories across football, transfers, betting insights, and analysis, Sports Market International remains one of the best sports blogs in the sports media space.

📩 Want To Advertise With Us? Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Your brand deserves premium visibility in the sports market — let’s make it happen.

Continue Reading

News

World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.


Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.


“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”


Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.


So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

Continue Reading

Trending