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NSC Chairman Pledges Inclusiveness In Sports Administration

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has promised to involve all stakeholders in the quest to actualize the sports economy and grassroots sports development mandates of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Speaking when a delegation of Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) paid him a working visit, Mallam Dikko reiterated his position that no crucial stakeholder will be left behind in the pursuit of the Commission’s vision.

His words, “We have the sports economy mandate from the President. He has also instructed us to take sports development down to the grassroots hence he appointed a senior special assistant on Grassroots Sports Development that works with us here in the Commission. These mandates can only be actualized with the full involvement of all stakeholders.

“That is why we don’t close our doors to such visits. In such meetings, we field suggestions that guide the steps we take. No crucial stakeholder will be left behind. All we need from you is to come to us just as you people have done. It is not necessary to run to the media when you can talk to us. We are open to further engagements to cross-fertilize ideas.”

He promised to revisit the earlier administration’s promise to include the group in the board of the Sports Federations.

“It is good to hear that you had already gotten the approval from the former sports minister to include your association in the boards of the Sports Federations. So we have to see how we can activate it to have you included in the Boards”, he said.

He noted the immense contributions of women athletes in the nation’s past sporting exploits.

“Women had always been our collaborators in winning medals and laurels in sports. We had agreed with the Olympians that ex-internationals have to be part of our teams to major Games. This also goes to this group. We have no doubt that women need some representation in the teams because of their peculiar nature and we will see to that”, he noted.

The NSC helmsman pointed out plans to strengthen the zonal offices of the Commission.

“The zones will be like the mini Sports Commissions. We are going to have Federal Sports Commissioners in zones. We will task them on bringing talents from the zones. There is already provision for zonal offices in our budget. The grassroots development of sports will hinge on schools sports which all of you are products of.

“We are setting up the centers of excellence down to the LGAs, states and zones. You can be rest assured that we are seriously on the task of ensuring that the conveyor belt of talents is sustained so that we can have more of you in the younger generation”, he concluded.

The delegation was led by the association’s president Dr. Toyin Aluko.

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Morocco 2024: Flamingos to begin camping for South Africa’s Bantwana on Sunday

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, kickstart their preparations for their two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash with the U17 girls of South Africa, known as Bantwana.

The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists were drawn bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, while Bantwana fired from all cylinders to steamroll their counterparts from Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, winning 12-1 in Gabon and 9-1 in South Africa.

“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early for this second-round fixture, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do. We are aware that matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always full of heat, huge emotion on the part of players, officials and the fans, and determination to conquer on the part of the players.

“The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.

On his part, Head Coach of the Bantwana, Ntombifuthi Khumalo has sounded a warning to the South Africa Football Association that his team needs longer preparation-period and reinforcements to be able to withstand the challenge of Nigeria in the games scheduled for the period 7-16 March.

“Yes, tactically they (Nigeria) are good, like us, but if you can measure when we play pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that – but we need to reinforce on that. If we can get support to get (reinforcements) because, as a country, I still believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team.

“Also, we need more preparation for the next leg, with a longer camp and friendly games, that will help us to ensure we are ready for the next round.”

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (the competition becomes an annual event from this year) will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5 teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has also been expanded to a 24-nation championship.

Coach Bankole Olowookere, who led the team to third-place finish in India in 2022 and to the quarter-finals last year, has called up a total of 30 players to begin the camping on Sunday.

The list includes goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood (four-goal heroine at last year’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

FLAMINGOS FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)

Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)

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Azpilicueta Names Drogba Among His Toughest Opponents

Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has revealed his three toughest-ever opponents, naming Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa.

Speaking to ESPN, the 35-year-old defender highlighted his experiences facing these formidable players during his illustrious career. Interestingly, Azpilicueta was teammates with all three during his time at Chelsea but also faced them as opponents in different competitions.

“Well, the one that comes out quickly is Eden Hazard because he was my teammate for a long time,” Azpilicueta said. “Also, when I was in Marseille, we played against Lille, and I remember Hazard giving us a tough time.”

He recalled facing Didier Drogba while the Ivorian striker was at Galatasaray:
“You know Didier Drogba, he was a tough striker when I faced him while at Chelsea.”

Azpilicueta also mentioned Diego Costa, reflecting on their encounter during Costa’s time at Atletico Madrid:
“Diego Costa was fierce. I would say he rounds up my top three toughest opponents.”

Azpilicueta’s career spans numerous encounters with top-tier players, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable defenders of his generation.

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Tella Nominated for Leverkusen’s January Goal of the Month Award

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has been shortlisted for Bayer Leverkusen’s Goal of the Month for January.

Tella’s nomination comes after his impressive strike during Leverkusen’s 3-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on January 10. The goal marked his first of the season for Die Werkself.

Also competing for the award are Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, and Patrick Schick.

Tella, 25, has made 16 Bundesliga appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side this season, showcasing his growing influence within the team.

Fans are expected to vote for the winner, with Tella hoping to clinch the accolade.