Ondo State hockey coach, Mark Oloruntola has praised the performance of one of his players, Abdulbasit Adekunle in the Nigerian youth team that won bronze at the inaugural U-18 Youth Africa Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, Sports247 reports.
While hockey stakeholders across the country are hailing the Nigerian male and female teams for their podium spots, Oloruntola singled out Adekunle for the leading role he played with the boys’ squad during the competition, which was Africa’s qualifier for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
Although the Nigerian squads could not make it to the global competition scheduled for December, after both team’s placed third in their respective categories, Oloruntola joined hockey buffs in showering accolades on the players for their gallant efforts.
The female team secured third place after defeating Ghana 4-3, while the boys got a 15-2 victory over Uganda to also finish with a bronze medal, but only the top two teams in both the men’s and women’s categories earned tickets to the World Cup after the finals on Saturday.
Although Nigeria missed out on qualification, many hockey stakeholders believe the country’s young players gained valuable international experience, while Oloruntola singled Adekunle out as a very disciplined, hardworking and intelligent lad who is committed to his career.
“On behalf of the Ondo State Government and the Ondo State Sports Council, I congratulate you on this great feat. I am convinced that this is just the beginning of great achievements in your career.
“There is no secret to greatness in sport other than hard work and discipline. Your skill can take you up there, but it is only your attitude and discipline that can sustain you.
“I will only advise you to remain committed, disciplined and more focused on your training,” said Oloruntola, while pointing out that Adekunle got his place in the national team through good character and determination.
