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Sports News of Friday, 18 June 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Mikel Obi is named youth ambassador by the Nigerian government

John Mikel Obi John Mikel Obi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has named John Mikel Obi, a former captain of the Super Eagles, as a Youth Ambassador to encourage young Nigerians to achieve their full potential.

This was revealed at an event on Friday at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, which was attended by Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development.

Mikel was recognized by the Minister as a "role model whose lasting legacies in football development have continued to have a beneficial impact on youngsters in the country," according to John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media.

The Federal Government has informed the Stoke City midfielder that if he decides to invest in the country, he will be supported.

“I'm afraid I won't be able to discuss much about Mikel's football success due to time constraints. “He is our legend and a role model who has had a good impact on the lives of young people,” Dare added.

“It is my pleasure to designate you to the position of Nigeria Youth Ambassador. It's a new portfolio, and Nigerians will learn about your job as youth ambassador.”

Mikel expressed his happiness with his new position and vowed to work with the sports ministry to promote young development in the country in his response.

“I feel highly honoured to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling. I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development, not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others”, said Mikel.

After the event, Dare took a tour of the National Stadium which is undergoing rehabilitation. He pointed out that a lot had been put into the rehabilitation as he emphasised on the pitch, scoreboard, tracks and the spectators’ stand.

“A lot has been put in place to ensure that the stadium returns to what it used to be. The seats are no longer in line with FIFA standard, but we have partnered a private organization to have modern seats in place,” he concluded.