Sports
Proprietress Wants Youths Participation In Sports
Proprietress of Premier International School, Wuse 2, Abuja, Ruth Garba, has called on parents to encourage their children to participate in sports for moral and intellectual development.
Garba made the call over the weekend in Abuja during the school’s inter-house sports event.
She said that the call became necessary because most parents do not see sports as an important factor in their child’s development.
She said that the children needed to be encouraged so that they would show interest in sports and eventually grow up to like and participate in it.
“I want to urge the parents to encourage the students to participate more in sports.
“After this event, we will compile the list of the outstanding athletes and encourage the parents to support and promote them.
“This is to ensure that they show interest in sports from this stage of their life and they will grow up with it.
“The problem is that most parents don’t see sports as an important thing in our children’s lives, so with the awareness they will be encouraged,” Mrs Garba said.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman said that the essence of sports in school curriculum was to among other things instil discipline in the children which invariably affects their daily life.
“The essence of sports for children in school is to give them opportunity to excel in whatever field they choose because it takes a disciplined person to do sports.
“And once you are disciplined in the sporting arena, you are expected to take that discipline to the outside world and in your everyday lives,’’ Abubakar said.
A JSS one student of the school, Zubaida Galadima, who won two medals at the event, said that she was encouraged to participate in sports by her parents.
She won gold medal in the 800 metres race and won silver medal in the 400 metres race.
“My parents have been giving me support to take part in sports although I will like to be a veterinary Doctor, but sports is one of my hobbies and I will proudly represent Nigeria if called upon in the nearest future,” Galadima said.
She said that the facilities in the school contributed to her performance, according to her, “I train every time whenever it is time for physical education in school.”
Another student of the school, Ahmed Alhassan in JSS 3, who won gold medals in the 100 metres and 200 metres race, attributed his success to the confidence given him by his coach.
“I feel happy and proud and I want to show appreciation to my coach, Mr Bolarinwa Babatunde, who gave me confidence to do what I did today because it was not easy at all,” he said.
The event, which is the second edition featured sports in march past, 100metres, 200metres, 400metres, 800metres, sack and relay race events.
The students were divided into six colours of houses with each house representing each of the Area Councils in the FCT.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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