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  The fourth edition of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) Games kicked off with thrilling action at the scenic Turf Arena Sports Center (TASC). Known for hosting Nigeria’s national teams, the lush green venue witnessed an intense Matchday 1 featuring 10 teams competing fiercely. Industry captains gathered in large numbers to enjoy the games and cheer their teams. Defending champions Trustfund Pension struggled to find their rhythm in the opening matches. A goalless draw against Norrenberger was a warning they failed to heed, as Tangerine ApT Pension, recovering from an earlier loss to NNPC Pension, upset Trustfund with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Former champions FCMB made a statement of intent, dominating their opening matches with remarkable performances. They demolished Norrenberger 4-1 in their first game and crushed NNPC Pension 6-0 in a ruthless display of skill and determination. Nupemco also showed their seriousness, carrying their confidence from the pre-tournament pres...

  The Federal Capital Territory Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has felicitated Chief Bukola Olawale Olopade on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, describing him as a round peg in a round hole. Mouktar, in a congratulatory statement signed by his Media Adviser Uche Nwudoh Hillary, said Olopade, with his wealth of experience spanning decades in sports administration, would no doubt perform beyond expectations in the new role. The FCT FA Boss noted that Chief Olopade has carved a niche for himself in sports administration through unwavering dedication and tenacity, adding that the appointment represents a round peg in a round hole. “I heartily congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as the Director General of the National Sports Commission. This remarkable achievement is no doubt, a testament to your exceptional leadership prowess, unwavering dedication, and profound contributions...

  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the reward of athletes who have done FCT proud during the 2022 National Sports Festival. It will be recalled that the past administration could not honour the due to reason best known to them, but after a prolonged delay from the past administration, the present administration under the able leadership of the FCT Minister, Wike has graciously agreed to reward the athletes for their effort. In a statement issued by the Director of Sports FCT department Mr Luka Istifanus revealed that, FCT Minister in his magnanimity has said that rewarding athletes is what they deserve as they have worked hard to represent the FCT. "FCT in 2022 hit a milestone like never before when they emerged 9th position which has never been done by the FCT team in the past National Sports Festivals. "Athletes are elated to have a sports loving Minister like his Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who rewards hardwork and excellence. “We...

The Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee for the ongoing African Military Games 2024, Brigadier General Abdulraheem Bello, has praised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for his exceptional leadership in upgrading the facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Brigadier General Bello highlighted that the stadium, which had been in disrepair for years, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the CDS's direction. Speaking to journalists, Bello expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for the facelift given to the once dilapidated facilities, noting that the upgrades have provided a much-needed boost to the training and preparation of military athletes. He emphasized that the modernized stadium now boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, ensuring that athletes from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy have access to world-class training conditions as they compete in the ongoing African Military Games. ...

  The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has extended his congratulations to the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on his election as the 1st Vice President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) B Zone.   Olopade lauded Gusau’s leadership qualities and football expertise, expressing confidence that his election will bring significant benefits to the regional football body.   “Gusau’s vast experience and commitment to football development will undoubtedly add value to WAFU B and enhance the growth of football across the member nations,” Olopade said.   The election took place on Friday in Niamey, Niger Republic, during the WAFU B 17th Ordinary General Assembly. The WAFU B Zone comprises seven West African nations, including Nigeria, Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Côte d'Ivoire.   Hon. Bukola stated that the NSC will pro...

  Renowned media and communications expert, Kola Adeyanju Daniel, has been appointed as the Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade. His appointment was announced on Thursday via a press statement by the Director of Press, Mrs Kehinde Ajayi, alongside two other appointments to the Office of the DG. Kola Daniel's appointment marks his third consecutive tenure in a similar capacity, following his successful stints as a Special Assistant to the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare, and as Media Aide to the immediate past Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh. With this new role, Kola is set to leverage his extensive experience in media relations and communications to drive the NSC’s vision under the Office of the Director General. A seasoned professional, Kola Daniel boasts over a decade of experience as a sports journalist and has built a reputation as a dynamic lectu...

  Former champions Abia are on a determined quest to reclaim the trophy they last won a few years ago, delivering an impressive performance on the first two days of the ongoing 14th National Veterans Games, tagged "Abuja 2024." On Matchday One, Abia defeated Gombe 2-1 and followed up on Matchday Two with a solid 2-0 victory over Edo. These back-to-back wins have placed them at the top of the table, significantly boosting their chances of finishing as group leaders and qualifying for the final. In other Matchday One fixtures, Lagos and Kano played out a goalless draw, while Plateau narrowly edged Edo 2-1. Hosts Abuja secured a 1-0 win over Ibadan, while Lagos drew 1-1 in their second match. Gombe managed a 1-0 victory over Plateau. Defending champions Ibadan faced further setbacks on Matchday Two, held to a disappointing goalless draw. This result effectively ended their hopes of progressing to the final, dashing their dreams of retaining the title. The tournament format stipu...

  The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) is looking forward to a podium finish at the next Olympic Games holding in Los Angeles in 2028 as its parent body, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) launches a major initiative in the country. Tagged “Road to LA 2028”, the athlete-focused program of the BCA is expected to ginger the Nigerian and other African badminton players to aim for higher achievement at the next Olympics. The BFN, in conjunction with the BCA, believes that greater achievement is possible if preparation is done on time. According to the BFN president, Francis Orbih who is also a member of the BCA Council, building an Olympic contender, let alone a champion, is not an overnight venture. “That explains our quest for early preparation, thanks to our continental parent body (BCA), for the initiative.” This is aimed at propelling African and Nigerian badminton to new heights.   When Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji won a medal at the Paris 2024, she became the first Af...

  In the world of sports communication, few individuals have made as profound an impact as Dr. Ademola Olajire. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Olajire has established himself as a leading authority in sports journalism, public relations, and management. His remarkable journey is a testament to his unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Born with an innate love for communication, Dr. Olajire's academic pursuits took him to the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. His academic excellence and natural talent for writing and storytelling soon earned him recognition, and he began his professional journey as a reporter with The NEWS/TEMPO in 1993. Dr. Olajire's career trajectory is a fascinating narrative of growth, innovation, and leadership. He worked his way up the ranks, assuming various roles, including Deputy Sports Editor at Vanguard Newspapers, Assistant Director of Media at the Nigeria Footb...

  One of Nigeria's leading private universities, Baze University Abuja, has recognized the immense contributions of the late Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Mouktar Mohammed (Rtd) with a posthumous Doctor of Science award at their recent convocation ceremony. The awardee, father of the current FCT Football Association chairman, Alhaji Abba Mouktar, was described as a dedicated, committed, disciplined, visionary, and patriotic citizen during his lifetime, making him a fitting recipient of the award. Present at the event were notable dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi; the Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi; the Emir of Lafia Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I. Also in attendance to celebrate the awardee were immediate and extended family members, associates, and other well-meaning Nigerians. Speaking on behalf of the family, Alhaji Abba Mouktar Mohammed, FCT FA Chairman, thanked the institution for recognizing his fathe...

  S uper Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, along with fellow national team defender Shehu Abdullahi, paid a courtesy visit to the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko, on Monday, in Abuja. Musa’s pledged his support for Dikko’s leadership and his vision for Nigerian sports. The Super Eagles all time appearance leader, who recently played for Kano Pillars in their away victory over Bendel Insurance, said he felt it was essential to show his support for the NSC Chairman.  "I’m here to support the efforts of our NSC boss, Shehu Dikko, and wish him the very best," Musa said. "I believe Dikko will lead sports in the right direction, and I am here on behalf of myself and entire super eagles player to pledge my loyalty and support to him." Dikko expressed his appreciation for Musa’s visit, highlighting the significance of top athletes supporting the NSC’s mission.  "Ahmed Musa’s and indeed the super eagles players support is invaluable as we look to transfo...

  Nigeria’s premier gymnastics club, Tony International Gymnastics (TIG), is flying the nation’s flag high at the Continental Gymnastics Cup in Portugal. This major competition not only allows athletes to earn points towards Olympic qualification but also serves as an invaluable platform for gymnasts to showcase their skills and gain critical points for international tournaments. TIG is represented by two standout athletes, Angela Marinoni and Desire Ehnahoro, in this event. Originally, the club intended to field a team of eight, including Oluwasemilore Praise Adeoye, Chiwendu Chenille Okpandu, Chimamanda Onyeabor, Chukwumnadigide Elah Oguegbulu, Francisca Chiagoziem Okpanku, and Desire Oluebube Enahoro-Agbi. However, due to visa and financial challenges, only Marinoni and Ehnahoro were able to travel, even though the full team had been registered. Reflecting on their performance so far, TIG President Anthony Asuquo praised the athletes’ resilience and determination. “I’m incredibl...

Oluwabusayo Olowookere The Nigeria Customs Women Basketball team where ruthless against the Commissioners of Liberia in their final group game of the ongoing FIBA Zone 3 Africa Women`s Basketball League with a resounding 77-18 basket points inside the SKD Gymnasium Paynesville Morovia Liberia. The Customs Ladies, pocketing 2 hard fought victories and a semi-final slot was just to win and sit top of the group B started the game on a front foot from the jump ball like a wounded soldier dismantling the all the game plans of the Liberians women team. The Border Girls ran out the Commissioners in each quarter and powering strong to sound a note of warning to Mountain of Fire Ministries Basketball club who finished second in the group A.  Reacting after the game, Head Coach Abdulrahman Mohammed says it`s always a good feeling when you win “Well let me keep it short and simple, there is the feeling when you win a game, it show you got all your plans right”. Speaking ahead of the game agai...

  The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the African Unconquered Foundation to empower and prepare injured Nigerian soldiers for the upcoming Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, scheduled from February 6 to 17, 2025. At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Disability Matters, emphasized the President's commitment to supporting all segments of society. “The signing of this MOU with the African Unconquered Foundation reflects the President’s dedication to ensuring every part of society is included," he stated. "We want our wounded soldiers to find their place and purpose. The Invictus Games offer a unique platform to engage them physically and mentally, but this partnership also opens doors for broader empowerment opportunities beyond sports. We aim to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities and support our wounded heroes.” Derrick Cobbina...