NOC President Gumel Commended for Honouring Makanjuola, Nureni Muala of Water FC
Critical stakeholders across Nigeria’s sports sector have lauded the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, for his recent recognition and meeting with Chairman, Water FC Makanjuola Nureni Muala, over his visionary drive towards lifting Nigerian youths.
The high-level visit reflects growing appreciation for grassroots football initiatives and the important role private clubs like Water FC play in nurturing future sports talents in the country. Makanjuola who has just been recently inducted into the 100 most powerful Personalities in Nigeria has touched many lives in no small measures.
Habu Gumel, who hails from Gumel in Jigawa State and has served with distinction both nationally and internationally, met with Makanjuola to discuss the transformative impact Water FC is making in Nigerian football. Stakeholders see this meeting as a strong endorsement of Makanjuola’s dedication to youth development and talent discovery, which aligns with the NOC’s long-term vision for Olympic-level performance.
Water FC, under Makanjuola’s leadership, has produced notable football talents and gained recognition for its structured approach to player development. The meeting with Gumel is seen not just as a symbolic gesture but also a potential stepping stone for deeper collaboration between the Olympic Committee and private football academies driving change from the grassroots.
This acknowledgement comes at a time when Nigerian sports face the challenge of rebuilding momentum post-COVID. Gumel, who previously expressed optimism that the pandemic-induced delays to the Tokyo Olympics could benefit athlete preparation, continues to play a key role in uniting key figures to advance Nigeria’s sporting future.
