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Sports Minister Conveys Support Super Eagles Winger Moses Simon, Other Athletes Facing Injury Layoffs

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Thursday conveyed heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to injured Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, as well as other Nigerian athletes facing injury layoffs.

During a visit to Nantes, France, Special Assistant on Grassroots to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Chief Anthony Adeboye Adeyinka, conveyed the message on behalf of the Minister to demonstrate solidarity and support to Nigerian athletes currently injured.

Chief Adeyinka extended the Minister’s regards to Moses Simon, affirming the Government’s support and well wishes for his swift recuperation. He assured Simon of the Government’s solidarity and emphasized the Minister’s directive to convey his best wishes personally.

“I am here on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, to extend our solidarity and support to you during this challenging time,” said Chief Adeyinka. “The Minister instructed me to convey his greetings and assure you that the Government is fully behind you, wishing you a quick and complete recovery.”

Expressing gratitude for the visit, Moses Simon expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s leadership and commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian athletes, both past and present. He highlighted the importance of such gestures in fostering a sense of belonging and support among athletes representing Nigeria on the global stage.

“I am delighted to see you, and I appreciate the Minister’s thoughtful gesture,” remarked Moses Simon. “His leadership and demonstrated passion for the welfare of athletes like myself reaffirm our confidence in the Government’s support system. I am grateful for the encouragement and well wishes.”

The visit underscored the Government’s commitment to the well-being and welfare of Nigerian athletes and served as a demonstration of solidarity with Moses Simon and other athletes during his recovery process.

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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.