FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Aduku says Falconets ready to fly against New Caledonia

Photo : Forward Queen Joseph (left) in action against China on Thursday.   

Head Coach Moses Aduku has assured that Nigeria’s U-20 women national team, Falconets, will fire from all cylinders when they take to the pitch of the Stadion Miejski LKS Łòdź on Sunday against their counterparts from New Caledonia.

The debutants sit at the bottom of Group F, having lost 0-5 to China in their first match and 0-11 to Spain in their second match, with no point garnered and a goals difference of minus 16.

“The results in their last two matches notwithstanding, we will not under-rate our opponents. I am happy because the girls are in good spirits and ready to go, and there are no injuries in our camp as I speak.

“We all know the implication of our not scoring goals on Sunday, so we will go in there and focus on scoring goals to stand a chance of reaching the next round. We cannot afford to go back home now.”

Nigeria, on one point derived from the scoreless draw with China on Thursday, must win well to erase their two-goal deficit and have a healthy goals’ balance to make it to the Round of 16, no matter the result of the other Group F encounter between Spain and China.

 Musa Kida Commends President Tinubu For Promot Payment of D’Tigress Rewards

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Engr. Musa Kida, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the prompt payment of financial rewards to D’Tigress and their officials.

Kida praised the President for rewarding the team after winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament.

He said the gesture demonstrates the government’s commitment to sports development in Nigeria.

The NBBF President noted that the timely disbursement of the funds shows that athletes’ welfare is a priority for the current administration.

He added that such support will motivate other national teams to excel on the continental and global stage.

The captain of D’Tigress, while responding to the development, said the team is grateful to the President. She stated, “We are more than grateful to Mr. President, the First Lady, and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.”

Kida further urged corporate organizations and other stakeholders to emulate the President’s support for sports. He said sustained investment is necessary to maintain Nigeria’s dominance in African basketball.

He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to building on the success of D’Tigress. Kida said the team will continue to work hard to bring more honours to the country and make Nigerians proud.

NSC DG, Olopade Hails Gov. Peter Mbah on Conferment of Honorary Degree at Alma Mater, University of East London

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Law degree, honoris causa, by the University of East London in the United Kingdom.

Hon. Olopade described the recognition as a fitting acknowledgment of Governor Mbah’s record of leadership, outstanding public service and commitment to the development of Enugu State.

For the DG, the occasion carries a deeply personal significance, as he and Governor Mbah were classmates at the University of East London Law School and shared their academic journey throughout their years at the institution.

Hon. Olopade said watching his former classmate return to the university to receive one of its highest honours was a particularly proud and memorable moment.

“Governor Mbah and I shared the same classrooms and academic journey at the University of East London Law School. To see him return to our alma mater years later and be honoured for his contributions to society is both gratifying and deeply inspiring,” Hon. Olopade said.

He praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, describing him as a public servant whose approach to governance is defined by vision, courage and a clear understanding of the responsibility that comes with public office.

“Governor Mbah has distinguished himself through purposeful leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service.

“His administration has demonstrated that when leadership is driven by vision and a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people, meaningful progress is possible,” Hon. Olopade stated.

The NSC DG further commended the Governor for his commitment to education and human capital development, noting that these remain essential pillars for building a prosperous and sustainable society.

“What makes this honour particularly fitting is that it recognizes not only the office Governor Mbah occupies, but the quality of service he has brought to it. His record reflects a leader who understands that the real measure of public service is the positive difference made in the lives of the people,” he added.

The DG noted that Governor Mbah’s journey from the classrooms of the University of East London Law School to the leadership of Enugu State is a testament to the enduring value of education, discipline and service.

He expressed confidence that the honorary doctorate would serve as further encouragement for Governor Mbah to continue his efforts to transform Enugu State and contribute to the advancement of the South East and Nigeria.