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Minister Enoh Meets SPRF Board, Wants Sports Sector Open To Private Investors

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that sports development in Nigeria is now open to corporate and private investor participation.

Senator Owan Enoh disclosed this today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja when the Board Members of Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF) led by its President Engr Musa Kida visited him.

He informed that the Ministry under his watch will remain open to collaboration with the corporate and private sector organizations in its resolve to ensure the development of sports in the country especially in such areas as grassroots sports development, scholarships for our athletes and infrastructure upgrades amongst others.

This is important, especially in this era of dwindling scarce resources. The Ministry is ready to collaborate and partner with the private and corporate sector organizations to provide them with the opportunity to compliment Government efforts towards the engagement and empowerment of our teeming youth so as to create jobs for them, alleviate poverty amongst them and position them for success in their fields of endeavour. This will also make our society better and safer for further investments by both the public, private and corporate organizations he said.

The Minister stated that the present administration under the Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is conscious of this reality which is why in its wisdom, created the Ministry of Sports Development, and assigned him to saddle its affairs.

Senator Owan Enoh stated further that government in its renewed Hope Agenda has also endosed the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration. A Policy Document that spelt out the benefits of the public private partnership as well as private sector involvement in the development of sports in Nigeria. The Document promotes such initiatives that help nurture the relationship that is private sector driven

He expressed optimism that with the calibre of the people that constitute membership of the Board of Sports Performance Reward Fund (BSPTF) which includes amongst others, the former Minister of State for Petroleum and later Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Professor Wale Sulaiman a world renowned Neurosurgeon as well as other distinguished personalities, if the potential of the initiative to Reward Nigerian podium finish athletes at international competitions is galvanised and rev-up, the development of youth sports within the country from the grassroots all the way to the Olympic heights will soon be achieved.

He therefore called on the Board Members of SPRF and indeed the private sector organizations to come out en mass and join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration to ensure the development of sports in Nigeria in line with global best practices.

Earlier in his remarks, the President Sports Performance Reward Fund, Engr Musa Kida thanked the Honourable Minister for the support and encouragement he has given the SPRF since his assumption of office and in receiving them inspite of his busy schedule.

He explained that, the reason why men and women of proven integrity who have been outstandingly successful in their various fields of endeavour have come together to birth and drive the Sports Performance Reward Fund was to establish a guaranteed and sure reward for generations of Nigeria’s sporting youth; make sports an oasis of excellence in Nigeria by complementing government efforts, and also to drive and motivate Nigerian Youth with sporting talent to put in the hard work and sacrifice required to be the best in the world.

Engr Kida expressed confidence that with the support of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, we can collectively make Nigeria a sustainable Global Superpower in all sports in not-too-distant future.

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Super Falcons Defender Chidimma Ogbuchi Signs 2 years Management Deal With TopPro

Super Falcons and Robo Queens defender Chidimma Ogbuchi has signed a 2-year deal with TopPro Sports Management Company.

While speaking during the sign-on event, the Chief Executive Officer of TopPro Management Company, Ms. Ojuolape Kosoko, welcome the hard-tackling defender to the stable of TopPro, who are renowned for their astuteness, professionalism and reputable global football networks, that has seen several players on his stable including Super Falcons Striker Folashade Ijamilusi, earning lucrative football deals across the globe.

Kosoko, in her address to Chidimma Ogbuchi and her team of minders led by Coach Emmanuel Osahon, advised the player to remain focused, disciplined and of course, passionate about the game, while adding that her company would give the player all the necessary supports for further growth and development.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Zubairu bravely accepts the challenge of North Africans, South Africa

head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu

 

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May.

The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football.

In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness.

 

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

 

To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles up against Egypt, South Africa and Morocco

 

Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26th April – 18th May.

 

The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

 

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”

 

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.

 

Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

 

The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.  

 

GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania

 

GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

 

 

GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

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