Super Eagles will win World Cup if Orji Uzor Kalu becomes Nigeria's President

Nigeria’s hope and aspirations of winning the coveted World Cup trophy will become a reality sooner than later only if former Abia State Governor and current senator representing Abia North district at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, becomes the country’s president in 2023, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Nigeria is due to conduct a general election in 2023 to elect new leaders including the country’s president to oversee their affairs at national and regional levels.

As the election date draws closer with each passing day, Nigerian Journalists who spoke on the background of the endorsement of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria by former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida IBB said should the Abia State born sports administrator and politician decides to contest for the number one position in the country and emerges victories, Nigeria’s hope of winning the World Cup is a huge possibility.

Recall that the former Military head of state, IBB in a recent interview disclosed that given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the needed chance and support to become the president of the country, he would transform the nation.

Speaking, IBB noted that for equity and fairness in the country, the North should support the South-East region to produce the next president adding “We have the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu who is interested in ruling the country and why not,” he said.

Reacting to the endorsement, a renowned sports journalist and TVCNEWS presenter, Akiri Miyen said that he is convinced beyond doubt that if Orji Uzor Kalu becomes Nigeria President, Super Eagles of Nigeria will win the World Cup.

“I swear if Orji Kalu becomes President, Nigeria will win the World cup. Where is the God of Nigeria?,” He Said.

Another sports journalist based in Abuja, Ebube Dike said he has no doubt about Chief Orji’s pedigree in ensuring that Nigeria wins the World Cup under him as Nigeria’s President.

“There is no doubt about his capacity and ability as a seasoned sports administrator as well as a trusted politician who have governed his state for two terms and etched his name in sports history that no current or former Governor has attained.

As the governor of Abia State, hé sponsored the state’s Football club, Enyimba International to win the CAF Champions League twice in 2003 and 2004 seasons. He was the first and only Governor to achieve that in the country.

“If you look at Enyimba, despite their relative dominance in the domestic league, it has not been translated to the continent since the Senator left office in 2007.

“Do not also forget, that there was a time he had a go at the CAF presidency. It was because of his football antecedents as well as in sports generally that he was crowned Africa’s Pillar of Sports.

“So I have no doubt about what he can do with regards to sports especially football. Winning the World Cup under him as President is a realisable dream,” he said.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was the Executive Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007 during which he reconfigured sports in general and football in particular in the state.

Under his governoship, Enyimba International Football Club became a dominant and fearsome club not just in the domestic league – Nigeria Premier League (now Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL) but that dominance was extended to African continent as the club made up of reputable players took the CAF Champions League and Super Cup by storm winning the two trophies back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

At the domestic league, the “People’s Governor,” as he was popularly referred by his beloved Abia people, made it possible for Enyimba to win the League on five occasions. Enyimba International FC were champions of the Nigeria league in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Ostensibly, the team had the greater chunk of their 8 league trophies under him.

It is undebatable, that since he left office in 2007, Enyimba have not been able to reincarnate their former self both at home and abroad.

They have only won the league three times since then in 2010, 2015 and 2019.

Since winning the CAF Champions League in the 2000s, Enyimba’s best performance at the continent post-kalu have been Semi-finals in 2008 and 2011 and Confederation Cup in 2018.

As an APC chieftain, It would be easy for the Igbos to clinch power through APC if Orji Kalu wins the presidential ticket in 2023.

Orji Kalu was born on 21st April 1960, he is representing Abia North in the Nigeria Senate. According to IBB, Nigeria “needs a President who is not above 70 who would lead us to the promised land.”

It is hoped that the Igbo political elite as well as the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC will give him the needed maximum support and encouragement to ascend the highest position in the land because beyond sports and football, the Africa’s Pillar of Sports have distinguished himself meritoriously.

And Nigeria football in particular and sports in general will breath a breath of fresh air.

Source: https://bestchoicesports.com.ng/2023-election-nigeria-will-win-world-cup-if-orji-uzor-kalu-becomes-president/ 

Retention of athletes is our top priority, say Sunday Dare

By Akin Bolarinwa

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics Games in France , honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare says Team Nigeria athletes would be encouraged to keep representing the nation at the highest level.

The minister says there is no need for concern about the athletes allegiance and representation.

<p>"We are doing our best to support our athletes both home and abroad. The "Adopt an Athlete" program has come to stay, shall be sustained for many years to come and it would continue to serve as a veritable tool to gather necessary support for the Athletes long.

While praising Team Nigerias outing at the just concluded Tokyo Olympics games, Chief Sunday Dare stressed the need to improve the welfare package of the athletes because they deserve much more.</p>

He said the 10 year sports development plans are not negotiable because it is the panacea for total sports growth.</p>

The preparations for next Olympic games in Paris starts with the World Junior Athletics Championships holding in Nairobi, Kenya from next week.

Moshood Abiola National Stadium wears new look

 

Football action will  soon return to the main bowl of the newly renovated Moshood Abiola National Stadium , Abuja as the pitch is now lush green  and the  scoreboard functional. 

The new -look of Stadium  was made possible by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare after he made a pitch to business  mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote who agreed  to bankrol the  rehabilitation  of the stadium.

 Prior to the intervention ,  the Moshood Abiola National Stadium had  deteriorated to the extent that the pitch had become an eye sore and the scoreboard dysfunctional.

The rehabilitation is in fulfilment of  the  mandate of the Minister  to renovate  existing   infrastructure, and develop grassroot sports.  

The adopt-a-pitch initiative  has resulted in the rehabilitation  of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, National Stadium Surulere, , Lagos and the Daura Mini stadium, Katsina State.

There are plans to  rehabilitate the Chief Obafemi Awolowo Stadium,  Ibadan, Oyo State through a private,  public partnership  model.

Signed

*Media office of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development*

Honourable Musa encourages women in Ado-Odo/Ota to vie for political office

 

Honourable Sheriff Adewale Musa SAM20 has charged women in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government to vie for political positions.

The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government boss who was ably represented by his vice, Honourable Mrs Olatunbosun Animashaun received in audience the National Council of Women Society (NCWS) led by the Ogun West Coordinator Alhaja T. A Aroboto who stated that the women body had come to congratulate the Executive Chairman and his Vice on their victory at recent Local Government polls and also intimate him on some of their programs ahead, as she outlined the objectives of the body, which is centred on gender equality in political positions.

Honourable Animashaun in her response appreciated Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele for her strong and determined heart to support women in taking up political positions which are in line with the objectives of NCWS. She promised the women in attendance of conveying their messages to the Executive Chairman and also pledged to support them in every aspect of their programs.

She also appreciated NCWS on behalf of the wife of the Executive Chairman as she was announced to be the next Grand Matron of the body in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, as the ceremony will be announced soon.

In a separate development, youths in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government have been tasked to take personal hygiene seriously.

Animashaun who declare open a One Day Training and Sensitize hundreds of Volunteer youths on the need to put an end to Open Defecation and Train them on HYGIENE & ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION.

The number two citizen of the gateway to Gateway State charged the youth volunteers to imbibed all the teaching on hygienic living and environmental sanitation as this will help Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government to be safe and free from environmental-related diseases.

Kogi Education Commissioner Expresses Satisfaction With Entrance Examination Conduct

 

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, has expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the 2021 Common Entrance Examination Council (CEE), held on Saturday across the state.

 

Jones made the assertion while speaking to journalists shortly after monitoring the conduct of the entrance examination at some Centres in Lokoja. 

  

The Commissioner thanked His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, for the prompt release of fund which had ensured the smooth conduct of the examination across the state.

Represented by Mr Dipo Ayenibe, the Director Exams, Admissions and Certifications of the Ministry, Jones said the government had put the necessary things in place by creating enabling environment for hitch free examination conduct.

According to him, by the ministry's statistics over 44,000 pupils of both public and private schools are sitting for the common entrance examination across the 21 local government areas of the state.

He expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise in Lokoja and across the state, saying the ministry have been receiving reports from its officials from all other LGAs of the state.  

He commended the teachers, pupils and their parents/guardians for their support and understanding in maintaining examination standards. 

Also speaking, Mr Kassim Abdulmalik, the Education Secretary, Lokoja Local Governments Education Authority, said the conduct of the exam was timely and without any form of challenges.

Abdulmalik, who doubles as Chairman, Forum of Education Secretaries, Kogi State, noted that the monitoring of the exam was decentralized at the local government level to ensure effective monitoring.

 

''The children arrived on time and exam started timely despite the rain, and where we have shortage of papers, we called the ministry and they responded immediately'', Abdulmalik said. 

Some Exam Supervisors at the Centres visited, commended the State Government and the Ministry for putting the necessary arrangements in place in ensuring a smooth and hitch free examination.

Mr Musa Sulieman, the Exam Supervisor of Holy Trinity School centre, said that a total of 17 schools both public and private, with population of 487 pupils sat for the exam at the centre.

On his part, the Supervisor of Lokongoma LGEA School Centre, Mr Abdulmalik Abdullahi, said that pupils from 29 schools sat for the exam at the centre, adding that the conduct was successful.

One of the pupils, Ezekiel Ogunleye from Mamas Christian Academy, said he was excited to participate in the entrance exam as he would be advancing to secondary school.

Other examination centres visited were: Saint Mary LGEA School, Army Day Secondary School Barracks, Saint Luke Model School Adankolo, among others.

End

Dare salutes gallant 'Team Nigeria', says preparation for Commonwealth Games will start now!

 

By NSM Media

Nigeria's contingent to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games returned to a red carpet reception at the Nnamdi Azikwe international Airport Abuja on Saturday. 

The gallant ambassadors were recieved on arrival by the honourable minister of youth and sports development, Sunday Dare who had arrived a few days earlier to prepare the grounds for these heros and heroines of out time who defied all the odds posed by a difficult pre-olympic preparation caused by the Corona Virus Pandemic, to make Nigeria proud in Tokyo. 

Dare used the ocassion to salute the team for their gallant performance and informed them that president Mohammadu Buhari is very proud of the team not only for winning medals at the Olympics but for comporting themselves in a manner that is expected of Nigeria sports ambassadors at international sporting events. 

      "Today, we celebrate you just as millions of Nigerians who stayed glued to their Television set at odd hours of the day to watch and pray for you. Together, we say, thank you for putting smiles on our faces. That moment when the Nigeria flag was hoisted, that moment when two Nigerians stepped on the podium as the world sang the Nigeria National anthem in unison, will remain indelible in our hearts as we look forward to a more glorious outing at the fast approaching commonwealth games. We have learnt lessons in Tokyo and these lessons will put us in good stead for the commonwealth games. Our preparation starts today!" He declared"

Earlier, the minister had told this reporter that president Buhari is very happy with the performance of team Nigeria at the games, reiterating that, the decision to increase their bonuses is an indication that Mr president was very impressed and will be willing to support team Nigeria and any Nigerian youth that brings glory to this country in every sphere of human endeavors.

Najeem Celebrates MFM Player Of The Season Award With Teammates

MFM Football Club of Lagos rock solid defender, Adeyinka Najeem received the Sportflames Player of the Season Award in a mini celebration with his teammates, he also revealed, his new challenge is to boost his career and play in a better league next season.

Najeem who emerged winner of Sportsflames/MFM Player Of The Season Award after he beat three other nominees, the club's Vice-Captain Akanni Elijah (Attacking Midfielder), Adeniyi Bamidele (Goalkeeper)  and Adikwu Moses (Defender).

A delighted Najeem who took home a trophy and a cash sum of 25, 000, told the media: "I'm delighted with this award as it's the right tonic for me and reward for my hard work for the team during the season.

"It's not just an award but one that will boost my career. It was not easy winning this award as MFM FC had players that were outstanding this season.

" I really appreciate my teammates for their support and love shown throughout the season, now that the season is over, the new focus for me is to move to another league to further my career. I hope the right offers comes too as I know with God all things are possible."

According to Olatoye Olawale, Managing Partner Sportflames Communications  organizer's of the Award, says the reason for this award is to encourage players that has distinguished themselves with their performance and also our own Corporate Social Responsibilities;

In his words," We are very glad to have achieved this again, after three seasons, we had the Maiden edition in 2017, but due to situations we could not do it again, but we are back and better now, the winner is excited, we are excited and everyone present at the Stadium are all excited, which means we have achieved our aims and purpose, putting smiles on faces and encouraging talented players"

" Najeem, is a player we have watched and monitored for a long time, his style of play is different, he always listens to correction and ready to learn, his ability going forward supporting attacks is always very beautiful, everyone loves him and you could see that today, he has proved to everyone that he is a worthy winner. 

Finally," we are not stopping here, we would keep improving every season, our desire is to expand this Award Presentation, hopefully we can do other teams aside MFM, then maybe we can make it a National Award Ceremony. 

At the end, Najeem pulled 40.8% of votes while his closest rival, Elijah got 28.5% votes. Goalkeeper Adeniyi Bamidele came third in the poll with 17.4% votes while Moses got 13.3% votes.

Onuwa Chukwuka (now with Lobi Stars) win the inaugural edition in 2017 owing to his brilliant form for the Olukoya Boys as they qualified for the CAF Champions League and was also instrumental in the famous CNN Goal Of The Week scored by Sikiru Olatunbosun against Rangers at the Agege Stadium.

Ado-Odo/Ota LG Boss collaborates with Citizen Engagement Platform for rapid development

The Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Adewale Musa (SAM20) hosted Ado-Odo/Ota Citizen Engagement Platform, a coalition of NGOs created with the aim to bring about monumental development to the gateway to Gateway State. 

The group that was led by AFED board chairman Mr Bolaji Oyedeko spoke extensively on their plans and ideas to help propel the Local govt to a greater heights.

The Executive Chairman Hon. Sheriff Adewale Musa (SAM20) in his response, appreciated the effort put in place before his emergence by the state Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and all political leaders within Ado-Odo/Ota for given him the ample opportunity that enable him translate dreams, ideas and plans into reality by achieving a greater and better Ado-Odo/Ota LG of everyone's dream. 

He also thanked the conveners of Citizen Engagement Platform just as he expresses his readiness to work with groups like this that have good intentions for the people of the area.

The Chairman told the group he was ready to key into integrity and accountability so as to  repose public trust and galvanise all opportunity within the cofers of the PPP initiative for the good people of Ado-Odo Ota Local govt. 

He then sought the support of the group saying, "for us to do it together as our slogan implies "Ajose wa ni'' and we shall also have a periodical performance evaluation that will be our guide.

The meeting came to an end as Mr Bolaji Oyedeko presented a document tagged "The People Chatter" which encapsuled eight key areas to work on for the betterment of the local government.

Tokyo 2020: Igali wants private sector investment in sports, says 'there are no shortcuts to success

 

By Akin Bolarinwa 

Bayelsa state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Daniel Igali has called for private sector to invest more in sports development. 

The Caretaker boss of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation advocates for a private driven sports environment because government alone can not fund sports. 

"I only wish the private sector will be more motivated and involved in our Olympic preparations and multi sport games and the preparation of our athletes". 

The Former Olympian stated that, Nigerians must also provide the needed manpower to support the federations both in administration and on the technical level ground.

 

"Why can’t we individually and collectively donate to support these athletes all through the 4 years," Igali asked rhetorically? Adding that "if we do then we should be expecting medals at every Olympics."

The former member of the Bayelsa state house of assembly declared that, there are no shortcuts to success except provision of sufficient funds and proper planning and that should be our main focus immediately after the conclusion of this event.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 'You are indeed a blessing to Nigeria', Sports Minister hails Oborodudu

Blessing Oborodudu's feat of qualifying for the final of the  68 kg female wrestling  event of the 2020 Olympic  has been  described  as a blessing that  wiped away the pain of the near misses in other events.

Minister  of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday said " This is Real Blessing to  Nigeria. Thank you blessing for wiping  away the pain of the near misses  recorded in other events. 

Nigerians are proud of you. The display is typical  of the never say die Nigerian  spirit. Keep the tempo going until we reach the ultimate  which is the gold. Dont give up the fight until you re-write Nigerian Olympics  history  with a gold medal in the kitty"

Blessing becomes Nigeria's first medalist in Wrestling.

 Her  qualification for the finals  guarantees a  gold medal or silver. 

 Odunayo Adekuoroye , Ese Brume and Grace Nwokocha are still in the running for medals.

Oborodudu defeated Azerbaijan's  Elis Manolova  and  Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan to advance to her first Olympic semi finals.

Signed

*Media Office of the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development*

Video: Blessing becomes Nigeria's first medalist in Wrestling

 

Oborodudu has indeed brought blessing for Team Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Blessing who defeated her opponent in the Semi final category of wrestling where she won convincely to the delight of the coach and as well the scanty spectators. 

She has qualified for the finals she will either pick up the gold medal or silver which means Team Nigeria has finally secured the first medal in Tokyo2020 Olympics while waiting for the likes of Adekuoroye Odunayo, Ese Brume and host of medals to do the magic by picking up medals for Team Nigeria and Grace Nwokocha is not left out.

She beat Azerbaijani Elis Manolova & Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan to advance to her first Olympic semi finals.

Tokyo 2020: Nwokocha, Oborodudu keep Team Nigeria medal Hope alive

 

Team Nigeria’s Grace Nwokocha on Monday in Tokyo  advanced to the semi-finals in the women’s 200 metres event.

Nwokocha ran a personal best of 22.47 seconds to finish third in heat 1 of the event to gain one of the automatic tickets to the semi-finals.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou won the heat with 22.30, while the Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo was second with 22.40.

In the same vein Blessing Oborodudu advanced into the semi-finals in the wrestling 68kg event after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Meerim Zhumanazarova.

Earlier, she defeated Azerbaijan’s Elis Manolova 13-2 in the quarter-finals.

Blessing  Oborodudu is now guaranteed a medal, while  Nwokocha is also a prospective  medal hopeful.

Tokyo 2020: Are commends Minister's effort in managing athletes ineligibility challenges

Former Director Of Grassroots Sports  Development  Dr Ademola Are has commended Sports  Minister Mr. Sunday Dare's efforts in charting a new course for the future of Nigerian  athletes.

Dr Are urged  the Minister to remain strong and  focused despite some let down, insisting  that the athletes have  proudly represented the country to the best of their abilities.

"The positive results of your determined efforts would be manifested in no distant future".

Anyone running their mouths should compare Nigeria's placements in sports with other government  Ministries and Department Agencies (MDAS)in the world rankings despite all the challenges. 

"The Lord is your strength and he will  reward  your efforts".

As a former athlete, I know how it feels, but your investment  will bring great reward  in the nearest future.

The future of Nigerian  sports is very bright" Are affirmed.

NPFL: We Are In Rivers For A Mission - Ozor

 

Former Success Academy, Benue state graduate, Ozor Benjamin, has restated his team's aim to upset their host (Rivers United) as Lobi Stars trade tackles with the Pride of Rivers in one of the Matchday 37 fixtures of the current Nigeria professional football league, NPFL season.

The Utility player (Ozor Benjamin) who can effectively function from the right full back position as well as a rugged and calculative center back divulged their mission to the oil rich Rivers State as they wish to achieve a double over the Rivers State owned team.

Haven dismantled the Coach Stanley Eguma tutored side at the Aper Aku stadium in the first round Fixture in Markurdi, Ozor express a high confidence of running away from Rivers State with a point(s) in the bag as they go toe to toe with the Rivers State based outfit on Monday.

"We are hopeful to get a positive and favourable result on Monday, is not going to be a 'Tea Party, but we believe in our ability and have resolved to give our opponents a run for their money"

'We came with the aim to put up a damage control to our disappointing last home fixture against Enyimba on Matchday 30, I foresee a good result come Monday"

Rivers United fixture against Lobi Stars has was been postpone to Monday following Rivers United involvement in the Semi-Finals of the Aiteo Cup.

Born on 1st May,1999, the 22years defender since teaming up with Lobi Stars in the current Nigeria professional football league campaign has established himself as an integral squad member of the Coach Kabiru Dog tutored side.

NNL: Ijaga in Jos with NAF Rockets to crash Mighty Jets

 

By Adams Jesse Odoba

Sensational striker Isreal Ijaga has disclosed that he is battle ready to crash highflying Mighty Jets at the new Jos Stadium in Jos when they face his side, NAF FC of Abuja  in one of the concluding fixtures of the on going Nigerian  National League (NNL).

Isreal Ijaga made this known during an exclusive interview with Adams Jesse as he said he is battle ready to lead his side to crush the Jos based side in front of their fans on Saturday.

"Yes, i am very optimistic that we will get a decent result when we travel to Jos against Jets, he said".

" The game is of most important as we need to avoid defeat of any kind to remain in the league".

On if he fancies his chances against the solid Jets side,  

"Surely, if given the nod to play against Mighty Jets then i have all it takes to wreck them and i believe we will get the job done, he conclude".

Ijaga Isreal joined NAF FC of Abuja from Amateur side Family Worship Center (FWC) FC where he scored 10 goals from 12 games to make the big move to the second tier of the Nigerian League.

Ijaga is one of the few young strikers that is fast, skillful and uses both feet to perfection with  scoring from tight situations his biggest asset.