Joel Ajayi
House Committee on Sports Chairman, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, has urged the Super Eagles to seize the moment and secure their place in the FIFA World Cup by defeating DR Congo in Sunday’s intercontinental playoff final.
Amadu, who represents the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, expressed strong confidence in the Nigerian squad, noting that the team possesses the talent and experience needed to overcome the Congolese side.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Niyi Busari, the lawmaker commended the Super Eagles for their emphatic 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s semifinal, but warned that the final hurdle must be approached with full focus and intensity.
“First of all, I congratulate the Super Eagles for beating Gabon to reach Sunday’s final against DR Congo,” Amadu said.
“However, the job is not yet done. Nigeria undoubtedly has the quality to win, but the team must not underrate the Congolese. They should approach the match with the same energy and determination displayed against Benin Republic and Gabon.”
Nigeria advanced to the final after a dramatic semifinal in which Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, before Gabon’s Mario Lemina equalised late in regulation time. In extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead, and Victor Osimhen sealed the victory with a brilliant brace.
DR Congo secured their spot in the final through a tense 1–0 win over Cameroon, with captain Chancel Mbemba scoring a stoppage-time winner. The Congolese are aiming to qualify for only their second-ever World Cup, their first appearance dating back to 1974.
The Super Eagles will face DR Congo on Sunday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat Morocco at 7:00 pm in a match that will determine which nation clinches a coveted ticket to the FIFA World Cup intercontinental ticket.
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*National Assembly Pledges Full Support For NUGA, University Sports Development*
Joel Ajayi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) of the National Assembly’s full support in completing sports infrastructure across universities, particularly at the University of Jos, host of the 2025 NUGA Games.
The Speaker made the commitment through the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, alongside the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Jajere, received the NUGA delegation on Thursday in Abuja.
Hon. Amadu, speaking on behalf of the Speaker, pledged legislative backing and collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure university sports facilities meet international standards.
“I can assure you that the National Assembly will support your projects. All you need to do is make the formal request, and I will personally follow up,” he stated. “It is part of our Committee’s plan to ensure that by 2026, every Nigerian university has a functional sports complex or mini-stadium capable of hosting international competitions.”
He added that developing such facilities would not only enhance the university environment but also create opportunities for young athletes to build careers in sports.
Leader of the NUGA delegation, Mr. Gushen Obey, expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the Speaker and members of the Sports Committee. He explained that the visit aimed to strengthen ties between the association and the legislature ahead of the 27th edition of the NUGA Games, scheduled to be held at the University of Jos from November 6 to 16, 2025.
