Nasarawa State Govt congratulates Super Eagles’ goalkeeper trainer, Baruwa on AFCON feat
Following the stellar performance of the Super Eagles at the recently concluded AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire, the Nasarawa State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has extended her congratulatory message to Olatunji Baruwa, goalkeeper trainer of Nasarawa United FC who was part of the coaching crew of the Super Eagles at the biennial continental soccer fiesta.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, conveyed the message of the state government stating that the feat achieved by the goalkeeper trainer with the Super Eagles was heartwarming, stressing that the performance of the team and the silver won at the tournament helped to bring pride to Nigeria and Nigerians alike as the country’s senior men’s football team are now ranked 3rd best in Africa and 28th overall best in the world in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Danladi who was live in Cote d’Ivoire to cheer the Super Eagles described Baruwa as an experienced tactician whose expertise helped to propel Nigeria to the final of the tournament with Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, conceding only four goals in seven games.
Danladi emphasized that Nasarawa State Government did not hesitate to approve the appointment of Baruwa as substantive goalkeeper trainer of
Nasarawa United FC with the expectation of returning the Solid Miners to the elite domestic football league, next season.
The Permanent Secretary also congratulated the goalkeeper trainer on the conferment of a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award on him by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a reception held in honour of the team this week.
Recall that the Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 1- 2 to host country , Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the tournament played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Limbe, Abidjan, on Sunday, 11th February, 2024.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State joined the Federal Government of Nigeria’s delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to the final of the tournament while Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, led a four-man Nasarawa State delegation, comprising Permanent Secretary, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Garba Mohammed Isimbabi, Chairman, Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima (a.k.a. Basira)
and former Nasarawa State Football Association Normalisation Committee Chairman cum All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain, Nasarawa State, Hon. Dr. Aliyu Bello, to the Competition.
