Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning the state as a hub for local and international sporting events, following the successful hosting of an international friendly match between Nigeria and Cameroon at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Speaking to journalists after the Super Falcons defeated the Lionesses of Cameroon 2-0, Abiodun disclosed that more events were lined up for the arena, which includes the U-18 and U-20 African Athletics Championships and the WAFU regional competitions.
“We are determined to create an enabling environment for a thriving sports economy. What you are seeing now is just the beginning,” he said.
The governor said this international fixture demonstrated the success of the state’s strategy to attract high-level sports engagements.
He emphasised that the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena would serve not only as a platform for nurturing youth potential but also as a unifying symbol across Nigeria.
“The success of this event, coming just after we hosted the 22nd National Sports Festival, shows that we are doing something right,” he said.
“With every decision we take, we are intentional and deliberate. We do not want to be defined only by our industrial strength or our educational achievements, we want Ogun to be known as a gateway to excellence, tourism and sports.”
He added that sporting events provide a rare avenue for national unity.
“There is nothing in Nigeria that unites us like sports. It breaks barriers of tribe, religion, or region. For those 90 minutes, no one remembers if he is Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa – we are all Nigerians.”
It was also revealed by the Nigeria Football Federation that a total of N30m was awarded to the two national teams in appreciation of their performance.
The Super Falcons received N20m, while the visiting Lionesses were gifted N10m.
NFF commended the gesture, describing it as a motivation for the players.
The federation’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, stated that such support from government leaders helps athletes deliver exceptional performances.
“The financial incentive has been well-received by the team and I believe this is an added psychological boost apart from the victory over the Cameroonians,” Sanusi said.
“We sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Abiodun, for this unforgettable act of kindness and magnanimity.”
The match served as part of the Super Falcons’ build-up to the Women Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco exactly one month away, where Nigeria is grouped alongside Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria.
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