The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Thursday conveyed heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to injured Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, as well as other Nigerian athletes facing injury layoffs. During a visit to Nantes, France, Special Assistant on Grassroots to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Chief Anthony Adeboye Adeyinka, conveyed the message on behalf of the Minister to demonstrate solidarity and support to Nigerian athletes currently injured. Chief Adeyinka extended the Minister’s regards to Moses Simon, affirming the Government’s support and well wishes for his swift recuperation.

He assured Simon of the Government’s solidarity and emphasized the Minister’s directive to convey his best wishes personally. “I am here on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, to extend our solidarity and support to you during this challenging time,” said Chief Adeyinka. “The Minister instructed me to convey his greetings and assure you that the Government is fully behind you, wishing you a quick and complete recovery.” Expressing gratitude for the visit, Moses Simon expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s leadership and commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian athletes, both past and present. He highlighted the importance of such gestures in fostering a sense of belonging and support among athletes representing Nigeria on the global stage.

“I am delighted to see you, and I appreciate the Minister’s thoughtful gesture,” remarked Moses Simon. “His leadership and demonstrated passion for the welfare of athletes like myself reaffirm our confidence in the Government’s support system. I am grateful for the encouragement and well wishes.” The visit underscored the Government’s commitment to the well-being and welfare of Nigerian athletes and served as a demonstration of solidarity with Moses Simon and other athletes during his recovery process.

Teams confirmed for Paris 2024 Olympics after last 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The last 6 teams for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been confirmed after the 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Debrecen, Hungary, on May 16- 19, 2024. The qualified teams for the Paris 2024 Olympics are: MEN: Serbia (ranking), USA (ranking), China (Ranking), Latvia (UOQT 1), Netherlands (UOQT 2), France (OQT), Lithuania (OQT), Poland (OQT) WOMEN: China (ranking), USA (ranking), France (Ranking), Azerbaijan (UOQT 1), Australia (UOQT 2), Germany (OQT), Spain (OQT), Canada (OQT) In the men’s category, France made it to their home Olympic Games after defeating Mongolia on a Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater (21-20) courtesy of Thimoté Vergiat, who would be named MVP of the competition after leading the field in Player Value.

Lithuania earned the second ticket of the night with an impressive win over Poland (21-15) It would be Poland who would get the last spot available to the Paris Olympic Games on a Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater from Przemyslaw Zamojski to end the game against Mongolia 22-20. In the women’s side, the first two ticket games ended on a Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater. In the first one, Svenja Brunckhorst silenced the home crowd at the buzzer to end the game 19-17, while Spain defeated Canada as well in the last second to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic games with another buzzer beater from Gracia Alonso. Canada would clinch the last ticket available after defeating hosts Hungary 21- 10 and Katherine Plouffe, the #1 player in the World, would be named MVP of the competition. The 3×3 competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics will take place at Place de La Concorde on July 30 – August 5.

U.S. Sports envoys ignite breakdancing enthusiasm in weeklong visit to Nigeria

Two renowned American breakdance experts Macca Malik and Jacob “Kujo” Lyons visited Nigeria from May 11 to 18, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program. Their weeklong program in Abuja and Lagos was organized with support from the U.S. State Department’s Sports Diplomacy Division and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, in partnership with FAME Foundation, a non-profit led by Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, a U.S. government exchange alumna. In Abuja, the U.S. Sports Envoys engaged with the Nigerian Olympic Committee, highlighting breaking’s new global status as an Olympic sport, offering world-class opportunities for Nigerian breakers.

The U.S. government’s commitment to Nigerian youth and inclusion was further demonstrated through their inspiring visit to the School for the Deaf in Kuje, where they shared personal stories of dedication, leadership, and teamwork, empowering students to form a Breakdance Club and reinforcing the belief that “there is ability in disability.” Additionally, the Envoys shared best practices for managing sports for people with disabilities. As part of their outreach, the Envoys led workshops and masterclasses at Krump Dance Studio, where breakers from Northern Nigeria gained valuable insights on preparing for Olympic competitions and mastering their techniques. In Lagos, the Sports Envoys conducted masterclasses at the Nation Dance Studio for emerging and established breakers and shared valuable tips on how to prepare for breaking competitions.

They also participated in an American Spaces Employability Webinar and engaged with breaking enthusiasts gathered at the network of 27 American Spaces in Nigeria. During the webinar, the Envoys discussed how the participants can transform their passion for breaking and other artistic forms of expression into fulfilling careers and highlighted the role of sports in developing self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. To conclude their visit to Nigeria, the U.S. Sports Envoys alongside their workshop participants showcased artistic brilliance through captivating public performances in Abuja and Lagos where audiences were treated to breathtaking choreography and compelling narratives.

Acting U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Joseph Zadrozny noted that the Sports Envoy program was organized to promote cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and the enrichment of local communities through the universal language of dance and sports. “Our Sports Envoy Program has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Nigeria,” Zadrozny said. “The lessons shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace.” The Sports Envoys’ passion for breaking and desire to share knowledge with emerging and established breakers, as well as their willingness to explore other cultures, resulted in tremendous appreciation from the Nigerian breaking community, sports, and cultural leaders.