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Sports Minister Meets President Tinubu in Aso Rock to Give Debrief on Sports Industry

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.

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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.