FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 
​
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh has applauded the exceptional performance of Nigeria’s Super Falcons as they  reach the third round  of the African qualifiers for next year’s Women Olympic Football Tournament on a 5-1 aggregate win over Feisty Lucy of Ethiopia 

Speaking briefly 
after the match, which held 
at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja today, the Minister stated that Super Falcons have met the expectations of Nigerians with the defeat over the Lucy of Ethiopia and that this calls for our celebration, adding that the Team also needs the encouragement of all Nigerians both at home and abroad.

Senator Owan Enoh who informed that today's match was the second he had watched since his appointment as the Minister of Sports Development stated that Nigeria's performance in these tournaments  confirms  the policy objective of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Administration which is to ensure 
 the development of the sector so as to provide our teeming youth with job opportunities, alleviate poverty amongst them as well as ensure a safe, peaceful and united nation of our dream.

He assured that under his watch as the Minister of  Sports Development, the Ministry will live no stone unturned in ensuring that Nigeria records podium finishes 
 during all international competitions.

The Minister had prior to the commencement of the game charged the Super Falcons to redouble their efforts and consign  Ethiopia to the heap in order to reach the penultimate round of qualifiers for next year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France.

Signed 
Mohammed Manga FCAI
Director, Press and Public Relations 

October 31, 2023

​FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA. 

PRESS RELEASE 

FG CONGRATULATES OSIMHEN, OSHOALA FOR BAGGING 2023 BALLON D'OR NOMINATION AWARD

The Federal Government has congratulated 
Nigerian duo of Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for clinching the nomination for 2023 Ballon d'Or awards in the male and female categories, making Nigeria the first-ever African country to have nominees in both categories in the same year.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, while congratulating the nominees today in his office in Abuja, stated that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the entire Federal Executive Council as well as all sports loving Nigerians felicitate with them for  becoming one of the few players from the country to have achieved the feat. 

He informed that both players enjoyed an incredible year for their clubs and country with Osimhen, currently a leading scorer in the African Cup of Nations qualifying series, having seven goals. This, the Minister added, makes him the first male Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 24 years, apart from Kanu Nwankwo who was the last Nigerian player to be shortlisted for the award in 1999

Senator Enoh explained that the 24-year-old made history as the first African to be crowned Capocannoniere last season in the Serie A when he scored 25 league goals last term, beating off Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao to scoop the prize for the Best Striker in Serie A.

He noted that Osimhen also helped the team reach the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League and was instrumental to the sealing of a ticket by the Super Eagles to the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This feat, the Minister said earned the 24-year-old player, the accolade as the first African to top the Serie A scorers’ chart.

According to him, the Nigerian Sports Icon broke George Weah’s record for the highest goals scored by an African in the Italian league with the achievement, while the Napoli striker was the first from the continent to achieve the feat, adding that  the player also won the Scudetto after scoring 26 Serie A goals (31 goals in 39 games across all competitions).

Senator Enoh stated further that Oshoala, on her part ,*earned her consecutive nomination after a successful campaign with Barcelona Femeni where she won the Women’s Champions League.* 

Last year,  he said, she became the first African to be nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or and this time, she is the only African player listed in the women’s category

The Minister who disclosed  that the 28-year-old was the top scorer for Barcelona Femeni last season after she notched 26 goals (21 league goals and five in the Women’s Champions League) in all competitions, noted that Oshoala was also instrumental to Barcelona Femeni winning the league title and the Women’s Champions League last season.

The nomination of the duo for the awards, he added, not only made Nigeria  proud globally, but  will also spur the present administration to invest more in the development of sports with a view to ensuring that the country joins the Committee of sporting nations.

While urging the 
 Athletes to continue to make the country proud through podium finishes, Senator Enoh called on relevant stakeholders in the sporting industry to join hands with the government, not only for the purpose of the development of the sector, but also to ensure economic growth of our nation.

The prestigious ceremony for the final award is expected to be held in Paris on October 30, 2023.

Signed 
Mohammed Manga 
Director Press & Public Relations 
September 8, 2023

​FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 

FG MEETS NFF LEADERSHIP, BRAINSTORMS ON WAY FORWARD ON SUPER EAGLES COACH

 Charges Super Eagles to beat São Tomé and Principe 

With the Super Eagles set to take on São Tomé and Principe in a dead/rubber AFCON Qualifiers in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital on Sunday, September 10, 2023  the Federal Government has met and brainstormed with the Leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with a view to finding solution to the issues surrounding the contract with the Super Eagles Coach 

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, who met with the team in his office in Abuja yesterday, reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to the development of sports in the country

Senator Enoh informed that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's passion for development of the sector makes the meeting imperative, especially considering the fact that Nigerian Super Eagles are set to meet Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo, weekend.

He stated that government was committed to re-engaging and extending the expired contract with the Super Eagles Coach to the end of February 2024, provided that the terms for the extension meet the requirements of the parties involved.

Enoh stated that he will celebrate a victory from the team, which would come as a good welcome gift for the present administration.

“Even though we are home and dry in the qualifying series, I will be excited if the Super Eagles can beat São Tomé and Principe for the generality of Nigerians, as we celebrate this new phase of our sports", he said.

The Minister therefore charged NFF and the Coach to work assiduously towards ensuring the victory of the team at the match

Ealier, in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated that the meeting with the NFF Leadership was conveyed to provide for better opportunity for the resolution of issues surrounding the contract of the Super Eagles Coach, Jose Santos Paseiro.

He explained that the NFF, beyond being a Parastatal of the Sports Development Ministry, is a key stakeholder for the success of sports development in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary therefore called on the NFF Leadership to continue to support the efforts and initiatives of the Honourable Minister and the Ministry towards the realization of the objectives and policy thrust of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

While briefing the Honourable Minister at the meeting on the issues surrounding the extention of the contract, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau stated that NFF Leadership had on several occasions engaged the Super Eagles Coach on the way forward and that he had agreed on the salary cut for the duration of the extended contract.

 He  therefore advised for consideration of the extension of the contract.

Thus, the meeting, which had 1st Vice President (NFF), Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Legal Counsel Barr. Okey Obi, with some Directors of the Ministry in attendance, resolved to adopt NFF's opinion, which is to extend the contract to February 28,  2024

By this, it means that the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr. Jose Santos Peseiro have reached an agreement for the latter to continue in his role as Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team of Nigeria, Super Eagles.

As stipulated in the original contract, drawn in May 2022, the Portuguese has been handed the mandate to lead the Super Eagles to, in the minimum, the semi finals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Cote d’Ivoire in a few months.

Peseiro, who has steered the Super Eagles through the qualifiers and to a ticket with a match to spare, including a 10-0 record international win against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco in June 2022, has now agreed to continue in the role after accepting a pay cut on his earlier terms, with the new agreement also putting him in charge of the Super Eagles B – the home-based professionals who contested the biennial African Nations Championship.

Signed
Mohammed Manga 
Director, Press & Public Relations 
September 3, 2023

By Faith Itohan Omozopkia 

Former player of the defunct Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM FC, Olalekan Oshomo, has expressed confidence in helping his team, Crown FC gain promotion to the NPFL ahead of the 2022/2023 Nigeria National League, NNL Season.

The former Aklosendi FC of Lafia, (Nasarawa State) centre-back in an exclusive interview with titansportsnig.com said that top flight football can be achieved with the support of the club's management and collective effort of the players, which he believes he can also contribute his quota.

"I know that this coming season is going to be a successful one, a season of promotion for Crown Football Club because we are working towards it and i know that with the support of the Management, God Almighty with the collective effort of us the players, we will make it.

"I have already spoken to my teammates that we have to work very hard for the season and be united in order to achieve our aims, objectives and hopefully, we are going to get the promotion."

Oshomo, who joined the Ogbomosho (Oyo State) based club towards the end of last season made four appearances and will be anticipating to enjoy more game time when the second division of the Nigeria football kicks off by March.

#AthletesDream
#NNL
#NPFL

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has praised the Super Falcons of Nigeria for emerging victorious at the just concluded CAF Africa Cup of Nations championship held in Accra, Ghana.

The Super Falcons defeated Bayana Bayana of South Africa 4-3 on penalty kicks.

Nimord commended their undying spirit throughout 120 minutes despite the threats from their South African counterpart during pulstulating encounter.

He said, "The Volleyball family congratulates the Super Falcons for conquering Africa for the 9th time and ultimately qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup tournament in France.

"You made Nigeria proud despite threats from South Africa during the final in Ghana to clinch the trophy and be the best female national team on the African continent yet again through hard work. I charge you to remain focus ahead of the World Cup in France", the Kaduna Beach Soccer Chairman said.

Nimrod commended the leadership of the country’s football for motivating the female team before the final adding that the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has repositioned football in Nigeria.

He also commended the chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode for her determination in taking Women's football to the next level.

​After an exciting and exhausting match-up against the South Africa at the Women's Nation Cup finals, the Super Falcons of Nigeria win the 9th time, to prove dominance in Africa.

The game was won at a penalty shoot out, 4-3.

The Super Falcons have won this title back to back, five times in a row (1998-2006), then three times in a row (2014-2018).

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President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Dr. Engineer Musa Kida, put up appearance to support the team

The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has praised Nigeria’s Super Falcons for picking one of the two 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup tickets billed for France.

The Super Falcons defeated the Lionesses of Cameroon 4-2 on penalties after the match ended goalless in extra time to also advance to the final of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations at the Accra Sport Stadium In Ghana and also a World Cup ticket .

Barrister Dalung congratulated the players for their hard fought victory describing the game as a nail biting semi final.

“The match went into extra time and penalties and that showed how difficult it was for the girls to achieve success. The Super Falcons were determined and disciplined and qualified for the final through hard work, team work and their doggedness.
​
“I am happy with the team and the technical crew for putting Nigeria on the global map once again with their qualification for the World Cup next year. However, the final test comes on Saturday when they play the last and decisive game. They have won this competition a record eight times and I have no doubt that they will bring back the trophy to Nigeria for keeps.”

Barrister Dalung is currently in Tokyo Japan attending a ‘Country Meeting’ with Tokyo 2020 organizers, where countries are expected to make final decisions on their participation at the next Olympics.

The final of AWCON comes up on December 1, 2018 at 5pm

The Football tournament which started few weeks ago with about 25 male teams and 4 female teams undoubtedly has finished this evening with spectators cheering up their teams that made it to the finals. In addition, the FCT FA football league which has foster many talents over the years has indeed empowered several youths who look forward to play abroad.

Earlier today during the female final match, Beautiful Tours Angels conceded defeat to Blessed Unity Queen in a 0-1 encounter after both side couldn't convert their chances at 1st-half.

Amazingly, Bridget Blessing was lucky enough to strike an early goal at 49th minutes shortly after they resumed 2nd half as a result leaving their opponent unhappy.

According to (Fct Sports Director) Chief. Dilichukwu Onyedinma, while briefing Journalists, "I'm proud the league ended this way, because we're trying to be gender sensitive since it has been male tournament, but it's nice the female teams has come to stay. She added, we look forward to improve this development as you all know, "Football is always ringing bells than any other Sports" she maintained.

Alhaji. Musa Tally (FA chairman) emphasized, "I've pledge support for the winners, but the conduct of the player's is very paramount. Hopefully, we intend to expand this competition next year as we will like to address challenges and complains from the teams" he added.

Meanwhile, in the male match Flomat FC defeated WACO Academy 1-0 to wear the 2018 FCT FA league crown.

Ikenna of Flomat FC was on target in the 27th minutes after a putting a wonderful display to penetrate the WACO defense.

WACO was denied chances of redeeming themselves in the 1st-half by Flomat's shot stopper Moses Adah.

The 2nd half saw WACO dominating the game with series of pressure on the defense line of Flomat but their efforts were not enough to savage the situation.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Chris Johnson (Coach) said, "I'm extremely excited with my team performance but it was a tough game" he summarized.

While Olushola Omole, the (CEO) told new men, "I'm so glad we won but never taught we could come this far, because they keep impressing us, so i decided to motivate them more. Adding, "our aim is to give hope to the hopeless and ensure the player's dreams come through since almost all of them are from the streets in order for them to have a better future" Omole concluded.

Conclusively, the result means Flomat FC has qualify for the National Division 4 play off that will give them a chance of competing at the Nigeria Premier League if they emerge victorious. Likewise the Blessed Unity Queens who claimed the female category.