The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has congratulated Nigeria’s football stars on their remarkable achievements at the 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards.
Obi celebrated Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman’s recognition as African Footballer of the Year 2024, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s second consecutive win as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Super Falcons’ victory as Women’s National Team of the Year.
In a statement on X, Obi commended the athletes for their dedication, skill, and excellence, which have brought pride to the country. He noted that sports have played a significant role in uniting Nigerians and providing job opportunities for talented youth.
Obi emphasized that these victories demonstrate the potential of Nigerian sports if the sector receives more investment.
Obi expressed that Nigeria’s continued success in continental football highlights the nation’s talent and determination. He pointed out that the recognition of Lookman, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons underscores what Nigeria can achieve in sports with proper attention and resources.
He further stressed that sports serve as a powerful unifying force in Nigeria and can create meaningful employment for young people. With a youthful population, Obi believes sports remains a vital sector for the country’s growth and development. He concluded by reaffirming his vision for a renewed focus on sports and other sectors, highlighting the potential for a better future.
He wrote, “Nigeria was again the starlight in Continental soccer as our own Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, was crowned the African Footballer of the Year 2024, while Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, is again crowned the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year 2024 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. And to crown it all, the female national team, the Super Falcons, won the continent’s Women’s National Team of the Year at the same awards.
“I sincerely congratulate our very dear sportsmen and women who, through these awards, have written their names in gold and brought honor to our nation. Thank you for your hard work, efforts, skills, and excellence which brought you thus far.
” Sports has not only been a strong unifying factor for us in Nigeria but has proven to be a means of job creation for our talented youths. Moments of victory like this remind us of what we can accomplish as a nation in the area of sports if we invest more in the sector.
“For a youthful population like ours, sports remains a very important sector and we must give it the adequate attention it deserves. A New Nigeria remains POssible!”
