The Senate has urged the Federal Government to escalate its investment in sports following the remarkable victories secured by Nigerian sportsmen and women at the CAF Awards in Morocco last Sunday.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen clinched the Men’s African Player of the Year Award, Asisat Oshoala secured the Women’s African Player of the Year Award, Chiamaka Nnadozie was honoured with the Best Goalkeeper of the Year title, and the Super Falcons claimed the Best Women National Team Award at the event.
The Senate, via its Committee on Sports Development, while extending congratulations to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the exceptional achievements of Nigerians at the Awards ceremony, stressed that these achievements should serve as a clarion call for the government to intensify its support for sports and engage the private sector more extensively.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports Development, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, underscored the significance of the awards, labelling them as bold statements made on behalf of Nigeria by the triumphant winners.
He further characterized the collection of awards by Nigerians as a new dawn for sports in the country, aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu.
“This sweeping success achieved by Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the entire Super Falcons Team should be harnessed for nation-building,” Senate Sumaila said in a statement.
The Committee pointed out the unparalleled pride and glory brought to Nigeria by the sports sector, emphasizing its pivotal role in diversifying the nation’s economy.
The statement also pledged a departure from past practices, advocating for deserved and substantial rewards for the achievers to serve as motivation for others striving for excellence.
