Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has urged boxer Anthony Joshua, UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, and the women's national U20 football team, the Falconets, not to let their weekend defeats damper their spirits.
Nigerian-born Joshua and Usman both lost World Title fights in boxing and mixed martial arts, respectively, while the Falconets were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.
Dare added in a statement issued by his media adviser, Kola Daniel, that despite their losses, Joshua, Usman, and the Falconets can have their heads held high since they gave their all and performed admirably.
“Nigeria is still proud of them and they remain national heroes and heroines, believing they will bounce back again, stronger and better,” the Minister said.
He urged Nigerians to rally round the trio and help quicken the process of their recovery, adding that “When they were on top they made Nigeria proud and even at this time of their losses and setbacks they are still national heroes and heroines who deserve to be supported.”