Sports
FG Hails Nigeria’s Deaf Eagles’ Performance At World Cup
The Federal Government has applauded the Nigeria’s Men’s Deaf Football Team, also known as the “Deaf Eagles” for representing the country at the just concluded 4th edition of the World Deaf Football Championships held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, describing their participation as a clear demonstration of patriotism.
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, gave the commendation on Monday in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja when he received the athletes shortly after their return into the country from the tournament, which held from September 23rd to October 7, 2023
He stated that the Team deserves commendation from all Nigerians, not only for hoisting the Nigerian flag for the first time in four editions of the Tournament but also for clinching the 11th position in the world ranking for the game, even though it was its debut participation after three previous editions.
Enoh who explained that there is no greater demonstration of social inclusiveness in the sector than having the Deaf team travelling to represent the country in an international event of such magnitude, hailed the Team for its hard work and patriotism that has brought pride to the nation.
He described sports as the greatest tool for social inclusion as it has the ability to engender diversity, equity and inclusiveness in the society.
Vice president of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, foremost Sports Marketer and founder of Okpekpe Road Race, Mike Itemuagbor and top Sports Journalist and Media Strategist, Mitchel Obi have lent their voices in support of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).
The personalities with backgrounds in sports administration, marketing and media spoke separately in commendation of the festival, an initiative of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with Dunamis Icon as consultants.
“This is a positive addition to the evolving sports business ecosystem because it is not just a springboard for identifying talents, it also offers a platform to truly hone the skills of those already discovered”, remarked Obi, who served as Special Advisor to a former Sports Minister, late Anthony Ikhazabor.
He said the festival will be a flagship event in the region that would trigger interest in sports among the youths and people of the region.
Edo State-born Itemuagbor commended the NDDC for the decision to add sports in the list of their intervention projects in the region, adding that: “This speaks directly to the problem of youth restiveness which is of great concern to our people.”
Raphael Onyedika has now emerged as a major doubt for the Super Eagles’ must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
The midfielder was forced out early from last week’s league game against Standard Liege.
He has not recovered from the injury and so will miss today’s league match against Gent and may also miss a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Aston Villa yesterday.
The Super Eagles take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, before they face Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later in crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Al-Khalood defender, William Troost-Ekong, has shared his experience on the difficulties of winning the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while describing it a must win trophy.
The former Watford FC defender has competed in the tournament three times but has yet to lift the trophy.
“I’ve been there three times now, bronze medal, silver medal, but I haven’t had the chance to win it. That remains my ultimate goal,” he told Tidesports source.
“It means so much to me and all the kids growing up in Africa and Nigeria.”