Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-15 03:17:13
The fifth PwC National U-17 Cricket Championship finals kicked off today in Abuja, with over 100 youths from across the country confirmed to participate in the event which will run until February 19. The competition promises to showcase the talent of young cricketers in Nigeria and provide an exciting platform for them to develop their skills and passion for the sport.
In less positive news, former Ajax and international winger Quincy Promes has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Dutch court for his involvement in smuggling over one thousand kilograms of cocaine. Promes, who is currently playing for Spartak Moscow, was not present in court to hear the sentence. The 32-year-old has faced previous attempts to extradite him from Moscow. It is a sad and disappointing situation for someone who once had a promising career in football.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq has taken a stand against cyberbullying by issuing a warning to those who try to bully him on social media. This move comes after Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was trolled online for his performance in the just-concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Sadiq’s message makes it clear that he will not tolerate any form of online mistreatment.
On a positive note, the Federal Government has recognized the efforts of the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON by conferring the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on all team members. This gesture serves as a token of appreciation for their performance at the tournament and highlights the pride and support that the government has for the national football team.
Looking beyond football, tennis in Nigeria has the potential to excel on the world stage, according to Thompson Ewetuga, the Technical Director of Vision 2020 International Tennis Academy. He believes that with support from the Federal Government to develop the sport at the grassroots level, Nigerian tennis has a bright future. Ewetuga’s comments echo the sentiment that investment in youth sports can propel the nation to success in various sporting disciplines.
In conclusion, the sporting landscape in Nigeria is multifaceted, encompassing highs and lows, accolades and challenges. The promotion of cricket, the recognition of football, the fight against cyberbullying, and the potential of tennis all reflect the diversity and potential of sports in Nigeria. It is important for the nation to continue fostering these positive aspects while addressing the issues that hinder the growth and development of sports in the country. With the right investments, encouragement, and support, Nigeria can truly shine on the global sporting stage.
