Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Monday, rallied support of critical stakeholders and Nigerians for Finidi George, the newly appointed Coach of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles.

Speaking at the unveiling of Finidi George as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles on Monday inside the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Senator Enoh who observed that the appointment of Finidi George as the National Team Coach was well received by Nigerians expressed his confidence in his ability to take the Super Eagles to a new height.

For this to happen, he stated that the new coach requires the support of all Nigerians for him to succeed. According to the Minister, with his appointment, Finidi George has the responsibility to bring back the liveliness and excitement of the Nigerian Football.

The Minister stated that the administration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ started with so much support for Nigerian Football adding that, we can’t afford to let him down.

Earlier in his remarks the President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)’ Dr. Ibrahim Muza Gusau, stated that the appointment of Finidi George signalled a new dawn in the history of Nigerian Football. He said that his appointment was in line with the clamour of Nigerians for the appointment of an indigenous coach to handle the Super Eagles.

He explained that it was in deference to this yearning that the federation directed the technical team saddled with the responsibility of picking the coach to look inwards and choose an indigenous coach for the national team. Now that the choice of the coach has been made, he called on all Nigerians to support him to succeed in his new role especially with the the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in sight.

He assured that as a policy, the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF gave Finidi George the freehand to choose his technical staff. Ibrahim Gusau stressed that the assistants will be paid on game-by-game basis to avoid crisis in the payment of their allowances that had bedevilled the process in the past. He also assured that they will be entitled to bonuses and entitlements enjoyed by players and coaches.

In his response, Finidi George, the newly appointed Coach of the Super Eagles thanked NFF and Nigerians for his appointment. He promised to put in his best in the task of lifting Nigerian Football to the next level.
Former Nigerian international, Daniel Amokachi(Assistant Coach),Olatunji Baruwa( Goalkeeper Trainer), Chima Onyeka(Fitness Trainer)and Benjamin James were also unveiled as members of the technical team.

Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa to provide a comprehensive account of his stewardship within the sports sector.

The meeting highlighted the significant achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

During the briefing, Minister Enoh outlined the successes achieved across various sporting events, including the African Cup of Nations, the African Games, and the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas. He emphasized the positive strides made by Nigerian athletes on the international stage, showcasing the nation’s prowess and determination in the world of sports.

He outlined the vision of the Ministry, to increase private investments in the industry as well as advance sports for development and development of sports.

President Tinubu commended Minister Enoh for his dedication and proactive initiatives in advancing the sports industry. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the minister in driving positive change and promoting excellence within the sector.

Minister Enoh expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his steadfast support and advocacy for the sports sector.

He credited the president’s bold leadership and visionary policies for the transformational changes witnessed in Nigerian sports. Enoh noted that under President Tinubu’s guidance, the sports industry has undergone a significant facelift, ushering in a new era of growth and opportunity, with the Ministry of Sports now standing alone from youth development.

The discussion also centered on the upcoming Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris, as well as other international tournaments on the horizon. Minister Enoh provided insights into Team Nigeria’s preparations and outlined strategies aimed at ensuring a successful outing for the nation’s athletes.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Team Nigeria’s participation in the Olympic Games, pledging to provide the necessary resources and assistance to facilitate their success. He expressed confidence in the abilities of Nigerian athletes and reiterated his belief in their potential to excel on the global stage.

In closing, Minister Enoh extended his gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and commitment to the advancement of Nigerian sports. He thanked President Tinubu for his invaluable guidance and reassured him of his continued dedication to driving excellence and innovation within the sports sector.

Team Nigeria have registered six boxers to fight for places at the forthcoming Paris 2024 Games second Window qualification tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Secretary General of Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Dapo Akinyele disclosed that elite boxers across the globe will converge in Bangkok from May 23 until June 3, 2024 for intense battles for Paris Olympics spots.

Akinyele stated that the Federation is focusing on female pugilist because they stand a better chance of punching their way into the French capital, Paris for the Games.

“If all goes as planned, we shall take four female and two male boxers to Bangkok but if we have to reduce the overall figure to five, we shall present three female and two male pugilists.” The seasoned adminstrator stated.

“We have to project and focus on our strength and I’m sure will shall cement our place at the 2024 Olympic Games.” He added.

Nigeria will fighting for honours in the 50, 57, 66, 75 and +92kg categories.

At the first Window of the Olympic Games Boxing Qualifiers in Italy, no Africans out of the sixty seven that competed secured an Olympic slot.

Athletics, Badminton, Female Basketball, Female Football, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling are some of the sports that Team Nigeria will be represented at the Paris Games.