By

Ezindu Okay-Lawrence 

This past weekend came with a huge difference and I think a good feeling for all stakeholders of sports in Nigeria, ranging from lovers of football to athletics, tennis, handball and other sports. This did not come without its few regrets, as Nigeria got knocked out by South Africa in the Rugby Competition, but overall, it was a much better weekend than what we have witnessed in recent months.

In FOOTBALL: It was great weekend for the Nigerian players and fans, except for those who have chosen what I call a self-induced pain by supporting teams like Chelsea and Manchester United. Besides these, I think the performance of players of Nigerian descent across European leagues is one to be celebrated. 
Although the present African goal machine who is expected to be named the male african footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, did not out his name on the score sheet, he certainly worked his socks off in making sure that the current Italian champions return as a force to reckon with. Also in the same league we have Ademola Lukuman who scored his first goal of the season, having returned to full fitness and playing for Atalanta again. In Germany, Victor Boniface gave a good show and, though he didn't score, was instrumental in his team's applauded results and that earned him a
accolades from his coaches.
In France, Terem Igobor Moffi had the biggest party in Ligue 1 as his team came to the capital and, on PSG's home turf, snatched all three points with Moffi scoring twice and registering one assist in his about 4 shot attempts. A truly stellar performance in a game of that level.

The superb new Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu all had a wonderful weekend too in their respective clubs, with many more Nigerians winning in other leagues around Europe. This is coming hot on the heels of the *(good?bad?)* performance of the senior male national team penultimate weekend while in international break engagements.

Back on the African continent, Nigerian teams representing the country in CAF competitions also did not lose any game this weekend, whether home or away. Kudos!

In other sports, the Nigerian female handball team defeated their Moroccan opponents to position themselves as favorites in the competition, while in tennis, the legendary Haruna Quadiri scaled through again, defeating the best Egypt had to offer. The combined female tennis team also won their own set of plays, trouncing their opposites. Certainly, it was a glorious harvest of wins for our nation.

To crown it all, just before bedtime in Nigeria, was the Athletic 100 meters race of Diamond league in Oregon, USA, where our own Queen of Sprint Tobi Amusan took to the tracks and, being the defending champion, again confirmed her athletic ascendancy. Seizing the moment to retain her crown which she has won two years straight, Amusan did it in style, not only coming tops and defending her trophy but also defeating the current world champion and the Olympics champion. Indeed the weekend was a relieving one to sports lovers in a country with little to make her citizens happy.

Now the question: to what do we ascribe this sudden rise in performances, to what do we credit it?
I am moved to recognise that the newly appointed Minister for Sports, Senator John Enoh, has made intriguing moves in his few weeks in office that have caught my attention.

When he was just appointed, I was one of the earliest to make known my dismay and register my worry that he didn't look like he knew anything about sports development. Fortunately, however, it's been a different experience as it seems like he is actually ready to effect much needed enthusiasm and revamp the momentum in sports personnels to again rise and defend with vigour our National flag. That's a sign of a good leader.

I commend Senator John Enoh for the good way he has started his tenure, directing affairs of one ministry which if properly managed could offer a powerful solution to the high rate unemployment in the land. 

The minister's approach of consulting directly with stakeholders and reaching out to the varied sports personalities in person is highly laudable. It is obvious that this has given rise to the change in fortunes as our youth out there are now performing at a higher level, and thus restoring the almost departed glory of the fatherland.
I am sure if the minister maintains this pace, the fortunes of the Nigerian sports establishment are only heading upwards going forward...