World News Update

_Hails courage of injured Sanusi, Aina and others_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, extends his heartfelt love and support to Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, who recently underwent surgery after bravely playing through pain to defend Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations held in Cote d'Ivoire. In a statement on Wednesday, Senator John Owan Enoh expressed his deep concern for Troost-Ekong's well-being and wished him a swift and successful recovery. He commended Troost-Ekong for his dedication to representing Nigeria on the international stage, despite facing physical challenges. "The dedication and resilience demonstrated by William Troost-Ekong is truly commendable. His willingness to push through pain and continue to lead our national team exemplifies the spirit of a true leader and warrior. We extend our love and support to him during this period of recovery and eagerly anticipate his return to the pitch," said Senat...

 The West African nation of Ghana is agog with fanfare, pomp, and excitement as the countdown continues for the 13th edition of the All African Games set to take place in the bustling capital city of Accra. With only 11 days left until the grand opening on March 8, 2024, anticipation is reaching fever pitch across the continent. The African Games, known for its celebration of talent, unity, and sportsmanship, is set to showcase the best of African athleticism. This edition promises to be a spectacle, featuring 8 Olympic Sports, 15 Non-Olympic Gems, and 6 Spectacular Demonstration Sports, drawing participants and spectators from far and wide. Mr. Mustapha Ussif, the Ghanaian Minister for Youth and Sports, expressed Ghana's readiness to host the prestigious event. He highlighted the significant investments made by the government in the sporting sector, emphasizing the event's importance for national development. Ussif stated, "The forthcoming 13th African Games carries immen...

  _Charges Athletes to deliver best ever appearance_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has issued a rallying call to Team Nigeria athletes, urging them to strive for excellence and make the 2024 African Games the nation's best appearance at the Games. Senator Enoh's call comes as Nigeria gears up to compete in the prestigious sporting event to be hosted in Accra, Ghana. In an impassioned address to the athletes during an interactive session on Wednesday, Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of giving their all and aiming for nothing short of gold in all sports and events. He encouraged the athletes to tap into their potential, showcasing the spirit of resilience, determination, and sportsmanship that defines Nigerian athletes. "I encourage you all to make this edition our best African Games appearance. I urge you all to draw inspiration from Nigeria's African Cup of Nations performance and make the nation proud," the Minister ...

_Says more work needs to be done on local football, sports funding._  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has attributed Nigeria's commendable performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Côte d'Ivoire, to the collective efforts and determination of all stakeholders involved in Nigerian football. However, he emphasized that there is still significant work ahead for the Ministry and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to elevate Nigerian football to its rightful place on the continent and globally. Speaking during a media interview, Senator John Owan Enoh underscored the importance of developing local football, particularly focusing on enhancing the Nigerian league. He highlighted the need for increased funding as a crucial factor in the overall development of sports. "The success we witnessed at the 2023 AFCON was a result of a combination of factors - first, the leadership of the country, Mr. President demonstrated ...

_Commends YBP, Sues for Establishment of National Boxing championship_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has reiterated the Ministry's determination to nurturing boxing talent at both grassroots and national levels. This dedication was underscored as the Ministry forged a new partnership with Yucateco Boxing Promotion (YBP) aimed at promoting the sport throughout Nigeria. Senator Enoh facilitated the partnership as he hosted the YBP team, led by Omolei Y. Imadu, at the Ministry on Thursday. The collaborative effort signals a significant step forward in enhancing the visibility and support for boxing within the country. "The cornerstone and future of our sports resides at the grassroots level thus I am excited to engage with individuals who work at the grassroots level," remarked Senator Enoh. "Our country has a glorious past in boxing, but it is gradually losing that glory.  Nigerians have the innate ability to excel in any sports...

  Amidst the anticipation surrounding the Edo APC Primaries, the Presidency has made it clear that it will not endorse any specific candidate for the gubernatorial ticket in tomorrow's election. Contrary to speculation, a source close to the Presidency disclosed that rather than favoring a particular senatorial district, the focus is on ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, given the caliber of individuals vying for the position. Efforts by certain Edo leaders to garner support from President Tinubu for their respective candidates proved unsuccessful, highlighting the neutrality maintained by the Presidency in the run-up to the primaries. Scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, the APC Edo Primaries promise to be a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape, with contenders vying for the party's ticket in a fiercely contested race.

Amidst the anticipation surrounding the Edo APC Primaries, the Presidency has made it clear that it will not endorse any specific candidate for the gubernatorial ticket in tomorrow's election. Contrary to speculation, a source close to the Presidency disclosed that rather than favoring a particular senatorial district, the focus is on ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, given the caliber of individuals vying for the position. Efforts by certain Edo leaders to garner support from President Tinubu for their respective candidates proved unsuccessful, highlighting the neutrality maintained by the Presidency in the run-up to the primaries. Scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, the APC Edo Primaries promise to be a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape, with contenders vying for the party's ticket in a fiercely contested race.

_"All hands to be on deck towards achieving success in Accra"_ As Nigeria consolidates efforts towards Africa Games 2024, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged Team Nigeria officials and vendors serving the team to ensure quality in athletes' nutrition and welfare, as training camps open from tomorrow across five locations in the country. Senator Enoh appealed to vendors not to undermine national efforts by attempting to put pecuniary gains ahead of national interests. he warned that the Ministry will spare no time in cutting ties with vendors who do not adhere to quality in its service to the athletes, as they prepare for the Games, that will hold in Accra, Ghana, from March 8 - 23, 2024. "I am appealing to you all not to sabotage the preparedness of our athletes because of profit-making. I will make unannounced visits to the camp to personally see the standards in each camp," he said. "I know some vendors alread...

_Encourages all National Team Cadres to Embody Spirit of Patriotism and Excellence_ The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has extended his congratulations to Nigeria's Senior Men's National team, the Super Eagles for their remarkable ascent in the latest FIFA rankings. The team has surged an impressive 14 positions, climbing from 42nd to 28th position in the world, marking their highest placement in 16 years since 2008. Senator Enoh stated that this achievement reflects the dedication, resilience, and exceptional performance demonstrated by Nigeria's beloved Super Eagles. He commended the players, coaching staff, and all involved in their relentless commitment to excellence. "This is huge and commendable. I am truly elated that Super Eagles days of reckoning are back," said Senator John Owan Enoh.  "We can do better in the next FIFA ranking with churning out positive results that will make the fans happier," he concluded. "This ...

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has pledged to work with military and para-military institutions to develop world-class athletes who can win international accolades for the country. Senator Enoh made this commitment while delivering a speech at the first edition of the Military and Para-Military Judo Championship in Abuja on the 14th of February. He expressed his regret that the fertile grounds which military and para-military institutions once provided for producing sports talents have been eroded over the years. Therefore, he called for the resuscitation of this practice. The minister commended the Nigeria Judo Federation for initiating the Military and Para Military Judo Championship. He also encouraged other sports federations to follow in their footsteps and initiate partnerships with the military and para-military institutions to improve the chances of the country for podium appearances. The Minister promised to continue supporting the growth of variou...

_Says this is the best time for Corporate Organizations to Invest in Sports_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a further testament of the power of sports to unite the country and promote harmony amongst Nigerians. Thus, he has called on individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to invest more in sports. The Minister made the statement while addressing journalists on Thursday, in the aftermath of Nigeria's win over South Africa to secure progression into the final of the AFCON. Enoh said that the success of the Super Eagles has eliminated the appearances of division, as Nigerians at home and abroad have embraced each other as a united force to support the country and celebrate their victories. "I believe that the togetherness and unity that is greeting the success of the Nigerian team at the AFCON is a clarion call to all Nigerians, corporate organizations and th...

_Says victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of team_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has lauded the exceptional performance of the Senior Men's National team of Nigeria, describing  them as an "unstoppable force" after their semifinal win over South Africa on Wednesday evening.  In a thrilling match that captured the hearts of millions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria soared to victory against the Bafana Bafana, securing their place in the final of the African Cup of Nations.  Expressing his heartfelt congratulations, Senator Enoh commended the players, coaching staff, and all those involved in the Super Eagles' journey for their doggedness and determination. He emphasized the significance of their achievement in uniting the nation and inspiring future generations of Nigerian sports stars. "It is with immense pride that I extend my congratulations to our beloved Super Eagles for their remarkable vict...

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has secured the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira for the Super Eagles of Nigeria playing at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023. Senator John Enoh commended the enthusiasm of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State , Chairman of the Progressive Govenors’ Forum and all members of the Forum for the swift action taken immediately he spoke with the Forum Chairman on the need for the Progressive Governors to motivate the team ahead of the semi finals match against the South Africans. The Minister of Sports Development has further confirmed that the complete sum of Two hundred million Naira [#200,000,000] has already been redeemed to the players by the Progressive Governors’ Forum . Senator Enoh said: “I want to thank the Progressive Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state for galvanizing and redeeming the sum of two hundred million Naira only to the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently ...

_Nigeria to Participate in 25 Sports, 8 Olympic Qualifiers_ Team Nigeria's contingent to the 2024 African Games will open camp on February 15, 2024, in five states across the Federation, as preparation hits second gear for the Games, which will take place in Accra, Ghana from March 8 - 23, 2023. During a meeting with presidents of various sports federations on Monday, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan, addressed critical issues pertaining to the nation's preparation and participation in the upcoming event. Nigeria's participation will span 25 sports, with eight serving as Olympic qualifiers including athletics, badminton, cycling, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, and wrestling. Additionally, the country will compete in 15 non-Olympic qualifying sports such as arm wrestling, basketball (3x3), beach volleyball, boxing, chess, cricket, football, and handball. Furthermore, two sports, mixed martial arts, and scrabble, will be demonstrated by Nig...

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development,Senator John Owan Enoh on Thursday the first of February sent a heartfelt message to the Super Eagles of Nigeria  as a compatriot. The Nigerian National Team the Super Eagles is expected to play the National team of Angola , Palancas Negras  today the second of February 2024 , in the Quarter Finals  of the ongoing African Cup of Nations, Cote D’Ivoire 2023. Senator John Enoh’s succinct Letter congratulated the Eagles on their victory at the round of sixteen against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and applauded the improvements of the National team during the match. “You outclassed and thumped an old foe who came into the party determined to halt your resolute  march towards clinching the coveted trophy”. The Minister urged the team to stay the path of victory reminding them that the task is not yet completed. “… you have given a good account of yourselves so far, let me quickly remind you that the job is not yet done, an...