.. Hails Dare’s Impact On African, Nigerian Sports
Nigerian football legend and Atlanta 96′ Olympic gold medal winning captain, Nwankwo ‘Papilo’ Kanu, was top on the list of the icons recognized by the Leader of the Republic of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, over the weekend.
Kanu who starred for Ajax (Holland), Inter Milan (Italy), Arsenal, West Brom and Portsmouth in England also captained the Super Eagles posting wonderful moments all through his playing career which has continued to earn him many accolades round the globe including the recent one from the ruler of Maldives.
Reacting to Trumpeta sports desk on the honour, Kanu who also runs an Academy back here in Owerri where he started his football career said the award will will continue to inspire him to do more now as an Ambassador of the beautiful game especially in giving the young talents opportunity to realize their dream.
While appreciating the Maldives President, he noted that there need to also direct attention to so many who are having heart related issues urging all to support his Kanu Heart Foundation in giving such victims opportunity to leave and realize their dream with their talent.
In a related development, the Maldives, President showered encomiums on Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, for his huge impact on Nigerian sports since he assumed the ministerial position.
The Maldivian President said Dare’s giant strides in sports were a big plus to Nigeria and the African region.
At the Maldives 2023 Sports Awards, the Nigerian Sports Minister on 18th March 2023, received a ‘Special Recognition Award’ for his huge contribution to sports in Nigeria and the African Region.
President Solih said: “I congratulate the Sports Minister of Nigeria, and I want people to know that we followed his progress over a period of time before deciding to honour him with this Award.
Some other global sports personalities were also conferred with Sports Icons Awards at the ceremony.
There include Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro and England’s ex- international goalkeeper David James.
In his response, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare thanked the organisers of the event and added that the recognition was a challenge to him to do more in any capacity he finds himself.
“It is a validation of the modest efforts we have made as a country in the past 3 plus years to reposition sports. There is still more to do and this award will propel us forward in the right direction “.
“This is a good one for Nigeria, especially with Kanu also recognised in the sports icon category,” he added.
Many Atheletes received awards in 18 categories, including national athletes of Maldives.
The Award ceremony was also graced by the Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Abba Yola, Managing Director and CEO of Premium Trust bank Emmanuel Emefienim, Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department Dr. Ebojaiye and others.
