Connect with us

Sports

World Cup Qualifers: Ex-international Commends FG, Blames Super Eagles For Loss

Published

on

Ex-international, Waidi Akanni, has commended the Federal Government for a top notch preparation put in place in build-up to the Nigeria-Ghana World Cup Qualifiers.

According to Akanni, had it been the Super Eagles prepared the same way the Federal Government through the Ministry of Sports and Youths Development put everything in place, Nigeria would have defeated the last Word Cup qualifiers match against Ghana.

Advertisement

The Ex-international, while lamenting Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the World Cup, said the Federal Government deserves a pat on the back for the excellent preparation of the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Akanni, who is the CEO of Match International, noted that efforts put into the build-up was unprecedented in the country’s history: “Truth be told, I have never seen a situation in which we prepared for a game the way we did against Ghana. What we had could pass as exceptional preparation- not seen in recent times. The federal government through the sports ministry put everything into our preparation to ensure we had a world-class venue,” he said.

READ ALSO: W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Defender Pens Apology To Nigerians

Advertisement

He continues: “The minister Sunday Dare and the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismail Abubakar, were on everybody’s neck to see that virtually everything needed was in place. The SA to the President Daniel Amokachi, Mary Onyali, the stadium manager, all the directors in the ministry worked round the clock.

“They all deserve a pat on the back. It is only unfortunate that on match day proper, our boys failed to come to the party a situation that saw us failing to pick the World Cup ticket.”

Akanni stressed that if the Super Eagles players had fought the way the sports ministry did ahead of the game Nigeria’s flag would have been hoisted in Qatar.

Advertisement

We may not have qualified but those whose efforts deserve commendation must be commended,” Akanni stated.

Advertisement

Sports

Enabulele Hails Edo-born Athletes’ International Feats

Published

on

By

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed delight over the outstanding performance of Edo athletes representing Nigeria on the international stage.

Enabulele, while describing the athletes as worthy ambassadors of the state and the country in general, singled out the impressive participation of seven Edo kickboxing athletes in Team Nigeria at the African Union Kickboxing Championship in Cameroon.

Advertisement

In a congratulatory message signed by his media aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele lauded the accomplishments of Flora Ugwunwa and Christopher Michael, who clinched gold medals at the 2025 World Para Athletics (WPA) Grand Prix in Tunis, Tunisia.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Go For Victory, Enabulele Tasks Bendel Insurance FC

INFO DAILY reports that Ugwunwa bagged gold in the F54 women’s shot put and discus events, while Michael emerged victorious in the T11 men’s 100m event.

Advertisement

He said: “The remarkable performance of the country’s para-athletes in Tunisia, where Nigeria finished second overall out of 42 participating nations with 10 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals, is highly commendable.”

The Edo sports boss, while recalling the impressive performance of Team Edo during the recently concluded National Sports Festival (Ogun 2024), where Edo kickboxers secured 20 gold medals, said the feat which earned many of them national call-ups.

READ ALSO: Priotize Okpebholo’s ‘Catch Them Young’ Initiative, Enabulele Charges Sports Association Chairmen

Advertisement

Enabulele reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development and consistent support for para-athletes and other promising talents who continue to bring pride to Edo State and Nigeria.

“I’m proud of our athletes. Flora, Christopher, and our kickboxing team have done exceptionally well. This is what we want to see—Edo athletes in large numbers representing Nigeria at global events,” he emphasized.

Enabulele added that the achievements of Edo athletes reflect the deliberate investments in sports development by the current administration.

Advertisement

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Full List: Maresca No Longer Needs Nine Players At Chelsea

Published

on

By

Chelsea are preparing for another major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as nine players set to leave Stamford Bridge.

New manager Enzo Maresca is keen to trim the squad further, targeting players who no longer fit into his long-term plans.

Advertisement

According to BBC Sport, the Italian tactician has identified nine players who are now available for transfer.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Chelsea Women Dance To Viral ‘Shake Body’ Song After FA Cup Win

The players reportedly on the exit list include Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Advertisement

Sterling and Félix were both omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, struggled to make an impression at the Emirates and failed to secure a permanent move.

Félix, meanwhile, was on loan at AC Milan from January until the end of the campaign, but the Serie A club have reportedly decided against making the deal permanent.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

NPFL: Go For Victory, Enabulele Tasks Bendel Insurance FC

Published

on

By

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged Bendel Insurance Football Club to go for victory.

His charge follows the official announcement of the commencement of the 2025/26 season by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Advertisement

Announcing the commencement in Abuja, Elegbeleye said the season will run from August 22, 2025, to May 24, 2026.

He emphasized that maintaining a stable football calendar is critical to Nigeria’s improved performance in continental tournaments.

READ ALSO: 2024 NSF: Enabulele Confident Edo Cricket Teams Will Win Medals

Advertisement

Reacting to the announcement, Enabulele commended the NPFL leadership for the consistency in scheduling.

The Edo Sports Commission Boss who spoke through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, called on players, coaches, and the entire management of Bendel Insurance FC to approach the new season with renewed vigor and a winning mentality.

We are aware that the league calendar has been stabilized. This means every club must be better prepared. For us at Bendel Insurance, this is a fresh opportunity to compete strongly, win games, and aim for the top. The people of Edo State deserve nothing less,” he said.

Advertisement

Enabulele also pledged continued support for the team’s technical crew and urged the players to maintain discipline, focus, and unity both on and off the pitch, he also appreciated His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for their unwavering commitment and support in elevating the team.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version