The Chief Medical Director of Family Health Consultant Limited and renowned sports philanthropist, Dr. McGiinger Ibeneme, has commended the performance of African countries participating in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States, describing their outing as impressive.
Speaking with journalists in Enugu, Dr. Ibeneme noted that countries such as Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Congo have made Africa proud with their performances.
“The World Cup has been impressive, especially for the African countries participating in the tournament, even though some notable nations like Nigeria are conspicuously absent. Their absence has affected the prominence of the competition for many Nigerians,” he said.
“So far, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, Congo, and Ivory Coast have performed admirably. Ghana’s draw against England yesterday has left both teams on equal points, while Morocco also shares the same number of points with Brazil after a strong start to the competition.”
According to him, one of the biggest surprises of the tournament has been Cape Verde.
“The high point for me is Cape Verde. They have not lost any of their first two matches. Despite being a small country with a relatively small population, they have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the World Cup. On the other hand, Tunisia and Senegal are still struggling to find their rhythm,” he added.
Dr. Ibeneme also described the forthcoming 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Coal City Games,’ as timely, noting that Enugu State remains a hub for sporting talent in Nigeria.
He stated that Enugu has become a major tourism and investment destination in the South-East and that hosting the festival would further boost sports development in the state.
“Kudos to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for deeming it fit to host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival. It is a big achievement for Enugu State,” he said.
“There will be renewed interest in sports, and many talents will be discovered and developed. Enugu is the home of sporting legends such as the late Christian Chukwu, Emma Okala, Jay-Jay Okocha, Mary Onyali, and many other international sports personalities who have links to the state.”
He further noted that since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, Rangers International Football Club has remained a rallying point for the people of the South-East.
“You already know that Rangers International Football Club won the just-concluded 2025/2026 league title. That achievement has once again highlighted Enugu’s rich sporting heritage,” he stated.
Dr. Ibeneme emphasized that the National Sports Festival would significantly impact sports infrastructure in the state.
“The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other sporting facilities are currently undergoing major upgrades. Therefore, the issue of inadequate sports facilities will soon become a thing of the past. This festival presents a great opportunity for infrastructural development in the state.”
Speaking on the state’s economic and tourism potential, he said Enugu is increasingly positioning itself as a preferred destination for investment and tourism in Nigeria.
“Enugu is a major gateway city. Recently, the first international flight from Enugu to China was successfully launched. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport is developing into a major cargo and passenger hub with connections to several destinations.”
“With the opening of the China route, Enugu is certainly moving in the right direction. The National Sports Festival offers the state a unique opportunity to showcase its achievements and attract global attention,” he added.
Dr. Ibeneme recalled the positive feedback received from participants during the Nigerian Bar Association Conference hosted in Enugu.
“The last time Enugu hosted the Nigerian Bar Association Conference, many participants expressed satisfaction with the level of development they witnessed in the state. Since then, even more infrastructure has been delivered, including urban road projects, the renovation of Hotel Presidential, upgrades at Nike Lake Resort, the International Conference Centre, and several other projects.”
“Enugu State is ready to host the nation and the world,” he concluded.
