SPORTS
NFF Hooks MTN as Official National Teams’ Communications Partner
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
Nigeria’s football firmament was emblazoned in all-yellow on Thursday as the Nigeria Football Federation and MTN Communications signed a partnership agreement that made the telecommunications company the “Official Communications Partner of the Super Eagles and other National Teams.
”At an event attended by, among other eminent dignitaries the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare in Lagos, both parties inked an agreement that is worth N500 million-a-year with several other opportunities and possibilities in the mix as the contract runs.
“This is something I will call a marriage of the king of telecom and the king of sports.
MTN is the king of telecom and Football is the king of sports, as is well –established. This event today is in sync with the thinking and desire of the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for our sports federations – which is for them to be self –funding. I appreciate MTN for taking this step and I encourage other corporate bodies to come and partner with our sports federations. Government alone cannot do it all.”President of the NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick lauded MTN for its patience, doggedness and forthrightness along the line while the partnership was being processed, and said he was overwhelmed with joy that the day has finally come to consummate a relationship that he had dreamt so much about over the years.
“MTN is a really big and capable partner to have on your side. I thank them for their forbearance while the process was on and so many crooked sticks were turning up. My joy is that today has come. We have this vision as a Board of the NFF to achieve absolute self-funding for the Federation before we leave office, and I believe that with this, we are walking close towards realizing our vision.”
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola said his company was also excited to partner with Nigeria Football, which he described as “a platform to support a force that greatly unifies Nigerians,” saying it has always been the dream of his company since coming into Nigeria 20 years ago to find and utilize a platform that unites and impacts on the lives of Nigerians.
“No platform unites, excites and entertains people and nationalities more than football. MTN sponsored the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 – the only one that has been held on African soil till date. We have also sponsored several editions of the AFCON. Even though this is our first time getting involved with the National Teams in Nigeria, we have sponsored several grassroots and impactful programmes on football in this country. It is a delight to get onto the really big time with the NFF and it is an opportunity we do not take for granted.” Chairman of MTN and pioneer Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, Dr Ernest Ndukwe described the union as “a significant partnership.”
Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa also led William Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen to the epoch-making event.
SPORTS
Mbappe says Winning Champions League Matter of Pride
Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has said that helping his hometown club to finally win their first Champions League title is a matter of pride for him.
This was after he scored twice to help guide his side to a 4-1 comeback win at FC Barcelona and into the semi-finals with a 6-4 aggregate victory on Tuesday.
Mbappe, who is set to leave PSG in the summer with Real Madrid as the biggest favourite to sign him, told reporters that his future is not in his mind and that his focus is totally on bringing glory to the French capital.
“I have the dream of winning the Champions League for Paris,” Mbappe told reporters at Barcelona Olympic stadium on Tuesday.
“I’m proud to be at PSG since the first day.
It’s not because there are good times and bad times that my pride takes a hit.“The pride of playing for this club, of representing the club of the capital of my country, it’s something special for me who grew up there.
“To experience an evening like this one as a Parisian, it’s great. We have one more step to go before we reach the final in Wembley, so we need to stay calm.”
After loosing 3-2 in the first leg in Paris, PSG fought-back down 1-0 at FC Barcelona after the locals went down to 10 men just before the half-hour.
This was when last man Ronald Araujo was red-carded for fouling Bradley Barcola.
Former FC Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele equalised for the visitors just before the break while Vitinha and Mbappe finished the job in the second half.
The result meant PSG would face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals after the Germans beat Atletico Madrid also on Tuesday.
PSG achieved success having failed to get past the round of 16 in the last two seasons and being pinned against the ropes by a FC Barcelona side who were in the ascendancy.
The Parisian put on a gritty performance to make the most of the home side’s mistakes and turn the tie around.
“We beat a great team this evening, but even if we had lost, I would be proud to be Parisian. Now it’s certain that during evenings like this, the pride is even greater,” Mbappe said.
“We are very happy, we beat a team that we wanted to beat and to be closer to the final.
“This one is for the fans that came here to support us and those back home. It’s a night to be proud.”(Reuters/NAN)
SPORTS
Sports Ministry to Ensure Early Release of Funds for 2024 Olympics – Enoh
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, has said that the ministry would ensure the timely release of funds to prepare Nigerian athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The games will take place from July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris .
The minister gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan.
Enoh stressed the importance of securing funding in a timely manner to facilitate comprehensive preparations for the Olympic Games.
He added that the ministry will actively pursue partnerships with private individuals and the corporate sector to bolster financial support and ensure that athletes are set up for success.
Drawing from the successful model implemented during the African Games in Ghana, where all athletes were insured, the minister pledge to build on that success.
“Plans are underway to provide insurance coverage for Team Nigeria athletes to mitigate risks associated with injuries and unforeseen circumstances, reflecting a proactive approach to athlete welfare,” he said.
Enoh also announced plans to implement salaries for grade A athletes, noting that the initiative aims to provide ongoing support and motivation to athletes as they prepare for the Games, enabling them to focus on their training and performance without financial constraints.
The minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s athletes and their potential to achieve success at the Paris Olympic Games.
Reports says that the Paris 2024 will feature the debut of breaking (also known as breakdancing) as an Olympic event.
The Games will be the first to feature identical number of athletes between men and women. (NAN
SPORTS
PSG can Recover to Win Tie Against FC Barcelona – Enrique
Paris St Germain Manager, Luis Enrique, said he is still confident his team can overcome a 2-3 home loss to FC Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final.
Enrique hopes PSG can shine against the Spanish side next week to progress.
Still looking for a first Champions League crown, PSG gave up a 2-1 lead late in the second half on Wednesday against an FC Barcelona side who made the most of the chances they had.
The result meant FC Barcelona earned a narrow advantage for the return leg in Spain.
“It is clear that all defeats hurt and annoy, but I believe we played a good game against a very strong team,” Luis Enrique told a press conference.
“We are only going to change the things that didn’t work, we always have to appreciate what a match of this magnitude means.
“We’re going to Barcelona with a lot of desire. It’s a positive point of view to think that we can win there. It’s going to be a final for us. I’m confident in my team.”
Luis Enrique refused to comment on Kylian Mbappe’s performance, as the France captain was shackled by Barcelona’s defence and had little impact on the game.
The Spanish manager, who won the treble with Barcelona in 2015, said his side deserved to win and that Barca were not necessarily favourites even with a win in hand and the home field advantage.
“We are going to go to Barcelona to fight a war,” he said.
“I never see the opposition as favourites, whoever they are. In top-level competition, that’s how I see it. And I will continue to believe that we will go to Barcelona to win the game.
“I repeat. We could have won this game. (Football) is about small details and let’s hope that the small details go our way in the second leg.” (Reuters/NAN)