By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT athletes and coaches preparing for the 2025 National Sports Festival to strive for victory.

Wike made the call while receiving the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the festival, scheduled for May 16 to May 30, 2025, in Ogun.

The symbolic torch was presented to the minister by FCT athletes and officials of the National Sports Commission at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The presentation followed the official inauguration of the torch by President Bola Tinubu.

The minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, advised the athletes and coaches to train hard to achieve excellence and win many medals for the FCT.

He expressed the FCT Administration’s commitment to youths’ empowerment and the development of sports in the territory.

Wike urged the athletes to go out there with determination to excel.

“Go out there and come back with results.

“We will be here waiting to receive the laurels, as many as you can come back with,” he said.

Wike further encouraged the coaches to impart their knowledge and skills effectively to the athletes, promising that exceptional performances would be duly recognised.

The minister, while emphasising the role of the festival in fostering national unity, commended the efforts of all stakeholders to make the festival a success.

He particularly commended Mr Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Youth Development Secretariat and the members of the National Sports Commission, for the good work they had been doing for a hitch-free sports festival.

The Director of Sports, FCTA, Luka Istifanus, assured the minister of adequate preparation to ensure the success of FCT athletes at the festival.

Istifanus also called on the athletes to strive for victory and bring pride to the FCT.

The Torch of Unity, a traditional symbol of the festival, representing Unity, strength and sportsmanship, will continue its journey from the FCT to all the 36 states of the federation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Boxing enthusiasts in Nigeria have paid tribute to former U.S. heavyweight boxer, George Foreman, who died on March 21 at the age of 76.

They shared their thoughts with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Saturday, following the death of the boxing legend.

NAN reports that the renowned pugilist passed away at his Houston home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mathew Okugbe, Co-ordinator of Yucateco Boxing Promotions, described Foreman’s passing as a sad loss for the global boxing community.

He said that Foreman elevated the sport with relentless energy and admirable sportsmanship, earning respect from fans and rivals alike.

“It’s a painful demise. Despite his age, we didn’t expect it. He remained a professional, committed to becoming one of the sport’s greatest,” Okugbe said.

He recalled Foreman’s iconic 1974 fight against Muhammad Ali, famously called the ‘Rumble in the Jungle,’ still regarded as a historic boxing event.

“His skills were matched only by the best of his era. His victories drew crowds who came to witness his unmatched power,” Okugbe added.

He also praised Foreman’s tactics and discipline, which continue to inspire and shape young boxers around the world.

“We watch his fights on YouTube, using them to train young fighters to master his techniques and develop strategic prowess.

“Indeed, we will miss him. He will always be remembered for his immense contribution to the sport,” Okugbe said.

Similarly, Azania Omo-Agege, Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, said Foreman’s death was a significant loss to boxing’s global community.

“Like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, he was a father figure in the sport who drew people to boxing through his passion and skill.

“He was an icon known for his doggedness and talent, performing at the highest level and entertaining fans even at age 45.

“My deepest thoughts go to his family. May they find comfort in the legacy he left behind. May his soul rest in peace,” Omo-Agege said.

Also, Dapo Akinyele, former Secretary General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, described Foreman’s passing as a huge loss to boxing.

“Foreman gave his all in every bout. He was a great entertainer whenever he stepped into the ring.

“He fought at the highest level, facing tough opponents in his prime. His 1974 fight with Ali remains unforgettable.

“His knowledge and contributions shaped the sport, inspiring younger boxers to pursue greatness,” Akinyele said.

Foreman recorded 81 fights with 76 wins, including 68 by knockout, and only five losses in his professional boxing career.

He is considered one of the greatest heavyweights ever, remembered globally as a boxing icon and legend of the sport.

Born on January 10, 1949, Foreman was also a businessman, minister, and author, with a career spanning from 1967 to 1997.

Nicknamed “Big George,” he was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist in 1968.

Outside the ring, he gained fame for promoting the George Foreman Grill, which became a popular household brand.

His family released a statement on Instagram, saying, “Our hearts are broken at the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr.

“He died peacefully on March 21, surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, loving husband, and proud father and grandfather.

“A humanitarian and two-time world champion, he was deeply respected — a man of faith, humility, and discipline.

“He fought to preserve his name and legacy for his family. We thank everyone for the love and ask for privacy at this time,” the family said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Some football fans on Friday commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they beat Rwanda 2-0 in their Group C encounter of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in different interviews that the result was a very good one as they believe the victory will spur them to achieve more wins.

Victor Osimhen’s two first half goals was good enough to seal the victory for Nigeria as new coach, Eric Chelle, picks his first win.

Olayinka Akintola, a football fan, congratulated the Super Eagles for an all-important win.

“It is now the qualification has started for us; we have to get more results like this and hope that other teams like South Africa who are leading with 10 points can also slip.

“We have to play very well in our next match; it is very important we get the three points available, we cannot afford to play draw or lose any other match,” Akintola said.

Similarly, Agbo Adeola said that the match was well contested, and Nigeria deserved the result they got.

“We are obviously in a tight corner, teams like South Africa, Benin and even Rwanda with 10, 8 and seven points will not be easy to overtake.

“They will want to work very hard to hold on to their points and build on it to be better placed in the group.

“We can only hope on luck and work very hard to at least win our other matches to give us the morale booster we need to go into each game,” Adeola said.

Another football fan, Gift Murphy, said that Nigeria was playing in a difficult situation having played poorly in the other previous matches.

“We can only pray that other teams also do not win their matches, such as South Africa, Benin and Rwanda, but it is hard to say such.

“Every other team wants to be at the Mundial come 2026 and for Super Eagles to be able to turn things around, it would be something special.

“I congratulate them in the victory against Rwanda and wish them all the luck they need to go to the next world cup,” Murphy said.

Ghenga Olaseni, a football analyst, said that the team was waking up at a very crucial time and that all hope was not lost.

“We just have to keep winning, initially the group did not look like a threat to us but unfortunately we played ourselves into difficult circumstances.

“It is very important we continue to back the team to pick their good result, especially when they play teams like South Africa and Benin.

“Because all those teams would be hoping to win or draw, so it’s going to be very hard but we just have to keep fighting and be positive for all our games ahead,” Olaseni said.

Many other fans prayed that Nigeria’s match with Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday, would be another win. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor

By Olayinka Owolewa

On-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored twice on Friday to revive Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a crucial victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles started the match brightly, controlling proceedings from the outset.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.

The former Napoli forward doubled Nigeria’s lead three minutes into first-half injury time, finishing off a counterattack to silence the packed Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa