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  The National Sports Commission, NSC, has charged the Secretary Generals of various Sports Federations to have an innovative approach towards the discharge of their duties for an effective Sports Development Goal. The Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade gave the charge when he held a strategic meeting with all the various Secretaries of the National Sports Federations on Tuesday in Abuja. " I must first of all say to you all that contrary to what is being perceived out there before myself and the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko came on board, I am shocked, surprised and very impressed with the professional qualities of all of you. You all are some of the best Sports brains we have in this country and we are proud to have you". " But as we know there is always room for improvement and that is why I have called for this meeting to spur you for bigger challenges ahead". " An Innovative mind is very vital for Growth, therefore I am challenging your intell...

  Yes, the delivery of Aper Aku Stadium has been delayed, but considering the expanded scope of work given to the contractor, such delays are not unusual for projects of this scale. Delays in large infrastructure projects are common, especially when additional work is added after the initial contract. After investigating the reasons for the delay, I found that the original scope was increased to include 14 new items not in the initial contract. While most of the original contract involved “buy and install” components, some of the added works are ongoing, pending mobilization and payment. Imported materials required for the project have arrived at the port but are awaiting clearance, accumulating demurrage because the contractor is still waiting for the release of part of the contract balance to clear them. As of my last conversation with Ebi Egbe, CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Limited, he confirmed that he has not abandoned the site and work is progressing, inc...

  By Akeem Busari  As the conveyor belts of the grassroots football factories gets lubricated, the products are gradually taking over the football shelves across the globe.  The latest talents are from the football factory of Lagos based non-league side, G-Innovation football club. The duo of Solomon Nwachuchuwu, a very energetic and attack-minded left-back and  Israel Okienyi, a tall and highly-rated goalkeeper have signed to join top premier league side AC Oulu in Finland.  The youngsters who were selected during a recently held football scouting tournament, brimmed with confidence as they departed Nigeria, expressing their desires and determination to make their grassroots club proud and of course, be good football ambassadors of Nigeria.  Speaking at their departure, President of G-Innovation FC, Chigozie Nwagwu, said he believes that the boys will shine and be worthy additions to their new team. The youthful club owner added that his team, has a large ...

  By Akeem Busari  The government owned Nigerian football clubsides have dominated the the landscape of the local football leagues in the last 35 years.  The narratives began to take a new turn since 2022, when Remo Stars owned by successful businessman and football investor, Hon. Kunle Soname entered the fray and it's no longer been business as usual.  On Sunday at its impressive Remo Stars International Stadium, Remo Stars FC left the pretenders corners, to claim a first and historic NPFL title, on a day that coincidences with the 63rd birthday anniversary of the club president.  In a congratulatory message to celebrate the feat of Remo Stars, President of fast-rising Ikorodu City  FC, Sanmi Doherty, described it as heart-warming and a sign of better days ahead for Nigerian football. "Congratulations to  Hon. Kunle Soname, it's a huge feat and all the hard works of many years has finally yielded in the club being Nigerian league champions.  "It’...

  The FCT Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed on behalf of the FCT Football family has expressed  his heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Referees Association, the Lagos State Football Association and the immediate family of the former President of Nigeria Referees Association, Otunba Tade Azeez. The FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, commiserates with the Football family and immediate family of Otunba Azeez who was reported to have given up the ghost at about 2.45pm on Friday, 25th April 2025, after a brief illness at  age 63. Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed described the demise of the former Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association as great loss  not to only football, but sports in general. In his words “This is coming to us in the FCT as a shock. Only a few days ago, we were mourning the death of former FIFA referee Bosede Momoh. This is not just a loss, but a heavy loss.  “All we can say is that we pray that Alm...

  AMAC Area Council have been crowned champions of the maiden edition of the FCT FA Women's Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gwagwalada Area Council on Sunday. A first-half solitary strike from Ruth Torsue handed Atandex Taiwo's side the historic triumph in the final held at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Sunday, April 27, 2025. In the earlier third-place playoff, Kwali edged Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal. As reward for their historic achievement, AMAC were presented with a cash prize of ₦250,000, while runners-up Gwagwalada and third-placed Kwali received ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively. A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and First Vice President of WAFU Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in recognition of his outstan...

  The stage is set for a historic climax to the maiden edition of the FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Football Tournament, as Gwagwalada Women Team and AMAC Women Team prepare to face off in the grand finale on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the FIFA Goal Project, National Stadium Package B, Abuja. The tournament, which kicked off on April 10, 2025, has ignited fresh momentum for girl-child empowerment through sports and will reach its exciting conclusion after weeks of spirited competition that have unearthed remarkable talents and passion across the Federal Capital Territory. In the semifinals held earlier on Wednesday, Gwagwalada defeated Kuje 2-1, while AMAC triumphed over Kwali 3-0, securing their places in the final.  The third-place match between Kuje Women Team and Kwali Women Team will kick off proceedings at 2:00 p.m., immediately followed by the much-anticipated final between Gwagwalada and AMAC at 3:00 p.m. Pat Ajuma Ayegba, FCT FA Board Member, expressed profound s...

  By Akeem Busari  Members of the Lagos Legends Club (LLC) on Thursday, paid a well-intentioned courtesy visit to the AIG Adegoke Fayoade in his office in Lagos.  The LLC, is a group of retired footballers who once plied their trades in Lagos State, playing for several football clubs and at different levels.  According to the Chief Convener of LLC, Engr. Waidi Akanni, who led the entourage, the visit was a show of solidarity to the high-ranking police officer, who is also a football enthusiast and a supporter of ex-footballers. AIG Fayoade who was honoured as a patron of the  LLC, was also presented with a symbolic jersey. The obviously elated AIG Fayoade, thanked members of the LLC, amongst many of whom he had not seen for decades for the honour bestowed on him and promised to continue his support and encouragement for members of the LLC.  Members of the LLC on the entourage included several ex-Nigeria international players such as Monday Kanu, Wasiu Ipaye...

It is still grief and untold heartbreak for the Nigerian football community, as it continues to mourn the shocking passing away of Otunba Tade Azeez, which occurred Friday, after a brief illness.  In a statement by Hajji Gafar Liameed, the Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, the Lagos FA lamented the rude shock of the news of the former Chairman of Lagos State Football Referees Council and Vice-Chairman of Lagos FA, and also a two-term President of Nigeria Football Referees(NRA). Describing the death as a huge loss to Nigerian football, Hajji Liameed recalled with nostalgia the several game-changing moments with the late experienced football administrator. He particularly recalled his last meeting with the deceased which happened few days to the death. "Just a few days ago, we exchanged that same comforting glance and then we both prayed. And then we held on to ourselves very tight. And then a tear rolled down my face," Hajji Liameed recalled in an emotion laden ton...

  President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has been elected as a council member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The election took place during the BWF Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, April 26, in Xiamen, China, where Orbih emerged victorious over top contenders from other African countries.  He will join Cameroon’s Odette Assembe Engoulou on the council, while Chipo Zumburani (Zimbabwe) and Hadia ElSaid (Egypt) missed out. An elated Orbih expressed his gratitude to fellow badminton presidents across the globe for their trust and support.  He said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by my peers across the badminton world. “I look forward to quality representation, driving development initiatives, and strengthening badminton’s global reach over the next four years.” Orbih also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National Sports Commission (NSC), which he said played a signific...

  Ahead of the 2025 Afrobasket championship scheduled to hold in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire from July 26 to August 3, 2025, the Nigeria Basketball Federation is leaving no stone unturned to ensure Africa's leading national female basketball team, D'Tigress, have another successful championship, as they looked towards a record extending fifth consecutive Afrobasket title.  Speaking exclusively with the NBBF media team on his return from the draws held in Abidjan, Vice-President of NBBF, Babs Ogunade revealed plans by the NBBF to organise a training camp for the team in Abuja  before the championship.  He also disclosed that there are plans by the NBBF to host a three-nation tournament featuring Nigeria and two other undisclosed national teams.  "The NBBF want to ensure that the girls are well prepared ahead of the championship," Ogunade said. "We want to present the girls to their teeming fans and the Nigerian public, and make them showcase their stuffs in a frien...

  As part of the events marking the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2025, the town of Ogoja, ensured that Nigeria joined the ITTF table family in celebrating this grassroots awareness event.  Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ogoja, Nigeria, was represented by members of the Cameroonian refugee community and members of the Adagom 3 community of Ogoja. As one of their own, Solange Ngonda Tibesa, a Cameroonian was one of the 30 WTTD 2025 global promoters. For Solange, who was heavily supported by the ITTF, UNHCR, the Refugee Organisations Network (RON), SEMA of Cross Rivers State, and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, it was a dream come through for her to see that all the efforts she put in to ensure a successful event has eventually come to a successful reality.  The event which was held at the Adagom 3 playground was attended by several distinguished guests including, a representative...

  Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award (AWIBA), in recognition of her outstanding achievements and inspiring journey in para-badminton. The prestigious award was presented during the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, in China. Bolaji, a multiple-time African champion, becomes the second Nigerian to receive the honour, following in the footsteps of badminton veteran Obiageli Solaja who received the award in 2019. Receiving the award on her behalf, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, described the recognition as timely and well-deserved. He commended Bolaji’s dedication and trailblazing accomplishments, noting her impact on the growth of para-badminton in Africa. “I am extremely proud of Eniola Bolaji. This award reflects the BCA’s recognition of her remarkable progress,” Orbih said. “As the first African to win a meda...

  Nigeria is making a bold statement at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, with the contingent topping standings with 7 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal as the Championship hits climax. Rafiatu Lawal (59KG) and Didih Onome (55KG) led the charge, each claiming three gold medals in their respective weight categories.  Lawal, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, was in a class of her own, dominating the 59KG event with confidence and grace. “I came here prepared, and I knew I had to give it everything. The support from the Federation and the National Sports Commission has been incredible—it gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria,” Lawal declared with pride. Onome, who dazzled in the 55KG category, echoed the spirit of determination that drives the team. “We came to Mauritius on a mission—to show the strength of Nigerian weightlifting. Every lift is for the green and white. I dedicate these medals to Dr. Ibrahim Abdul and the NSC, whose le...

  Nigerian Contingents at the 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius have received a big financial boost after the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade gave a personal donation of the sum of Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars ( 3800 Dollars ) to Athletes and officials of the team. The DG who is currently in Moka, Mauritius, to boost the team's morals at the championship gave the donation when he held a meeting with the Team and  officials of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation on Wednesday. " I bring you greetings from the Chairman of the Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko, who is the father of Sports in Nigeria".  " He actually told me that I should remind you that weightlifting is part of the sport that as a country, we have a competitive edge as far as Africa and the World is concerned, so you must try to win a lot of medals here in Mauritius". " Therefore my slogan for you here in Mauritius is, more Gol...

  By Dayo Awoniyi Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe, has commended the giant stride of the National Sports Commission under its current chairman, Mallam Sheu Diko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and promised to give free consultation as an expert in his field to support their vision. Ebi made this statement on the backdrop of the NSC chairman's working visit to Europe and partnership deal acquired, in which football pitches will be constructed in various parts of Nigeria. He, however, advised the NSC, in his words: "Nice move! However, a pitch that works in Europe most times struggles to work in Africa, most especially West Africa and Nigeria in particular." "As a trained groundsman with a specialty in Hybrid pitch technology, I will advise the sports commission chairman to tread carefully on this very sensitive pitch issue because Nigeria does not have the culture to support those European pitche...

  In continuance of his strives to revamp boxing infrastructures in the country. The CEO Yucateco Boxing Promotions Omonlei Yakubu Imadu  has donated an ultra-modern boxing Ring to the Ekiti State boxing association.   At a colorful handover ceremony held at the Lady Jibowu's hall of the Ekiti State Governor's Office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday the State Governor his excellency Biodun Oyebanji who was on hand to recieve the first-rate boxing equipment praised Imadu's magnanimity and his commitment to empower young people through sports.   In his words: " Ekiti state has produced several talented sports men and women in the past, and we believe that this equipment will further help to discover more of such talent, most especially in boxing". The Governor further appreciated the kind gesture of the Yucateco boss, and promised that his government will partner with him in developing Boxing in the State. As a show of commitment, his excellency Governor Biodun Oyeban...

  Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Sunday Adeleye, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Federation, as the race for the top position intensifies ahead of the AFN elections next month. Adeleye, a former national athlete, brings years of administrative experience to the contest, having previously served as the athletes’ representative on the AFN board.  He also worked as Executive Assistant to former Sports Minister John Enoh and continues to serve in a similar role under the Minister of State for Industry. With this declaration, Adeleye joins a growing list of contenders, including incumbent President Tonobok Okowa, former AFN President Ibrahim Gusau and retired Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, also a former Technical Director of the AFN. In outlining his vision, Adeleye harped on grassroots development, promising to collaborate closely with state athletics associations to scout and nurture emerging ta...

  The FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Football Tournament, proudly staging its maiden edition, has entered a thrilling new phase as four outstanding teams—Kuje, Kwali, AMAC, and Gwagwalada—have advanced from the group stages to the semifinals. The tournament has lit up communities across the Federal Capital Territory, inspiring renewed commitment to girl-child empowerment through sport.  The semifinals will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Area 3 Football Field in Abuja. Kuje Women Team will face Gwagwalada Women Team at 9:00 AM, followed by the clash between AMAC Women Team and Kwali Women Team at 10:00 AM. Speaking on the progress of the tournament, Patrick Bassey, FCT FA Board Member and Chairman of the Technical Committee, commended the standard of play and the overall development being witnessed.  “The girls have displayed incredible determination and skill. The intensity of the matches has shown us that there’s deep, untapped potential in our commu...

  By Dayo Awoniyi The FCT Football Association (FCT FA), led by Chairman Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Madam Bosede Momoh, a respected and retired FIFA referee. In a condolence message signed by the chairman, "Madam Bosede Momoh was not only a trailblazer in the world of refereeing but also a passionate advocate for fair play, discipline, and the development of young referees, particularly women." The message further read, "Her distinguished service to the game – both within Nigeria and internationally – earned her admiration, respect, and love across the football community." The FCT FA extended heartfelt condolences to the Referee Council, her colleagues, friends, and family. "Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of referees to come." They also prayed that the Almighty grants her eternal rest and gives her loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

  Coach Henry Abiodun is known as one of the best modern football educators, combining penetrative tactics and deep understanding of the game with a strong focus on psychology. Few have made an impact like him. He is widely respected as a top football teacher and instructor, working at the highest levels of the sport worldwide. Abiodun represents the modern football thinker _connecting player performance, coaching methods, and mental strength. As a certified NFF/CAF Coach Educator, his influence covers many areas of football. His work goes beyond coaching players - he also trains coaches, supports sports psychologists, and guides football administrators. He uses modern training methods that mix African passion with international standards. From developing young players to guiding professionals, he has played a major role in growing the game. Henry Abiodun is the President and CEO of H&B Global Sports, a sports consultancy that offers expert advice across the football world. ...

  By Dayo Awoniyi The British High Commission has donated over 19 cartons of international standard rugby kits and balls to the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) in a bid to promote the sport in Nigeria.  The ceremony where the donation was made took place on Thursday at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, expressed her excitement about the potential of Nigerian rugby players, stating, "Over 120 countries globally participate in rugby. Why shouldn’t Nigeria be one of the countries climbing up the league tables both in Africa and beyond? I believe Nigeria can achieve that."  She praised the country's rapid progress, noting that Nigeria has moved from 24th to 8th in Africa's rugby rankings in under three years. Lever also highlighted the positive impact of rugby on society, saying, "Rugby is famous for its team spirit, shared goals, and strong values like integrity, honesty, an...

In a bid to enhance the operational effectiveness and overall performance of Nigerian athletes, the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) memorandum towards a fixed period for the National Sports Festival (NSF), as well as an affirmation of the Rules to streamline the number of sports at the Festival has been approved by the National Council on Sports. The both memoranda were presented at the Extraordinary National Council of Sports meeting, that took place on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State and were approved accordingly. In a communique signed by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, it noted that the Council gave its approval for the National Sports Festival to be held between November and December of the Festival year. The decision was reached in order to align with international best practices, as it is essential to maintain a stable and predictable sports calendar for our traditional national competitions such as the National Sports Festival. A fixed period for the ...

  Solange Ngonda Tibesa, a Ogoja based Cameroonian refugee will be representing Nigeria at the fifth edition of the World Table Tennis Day 2025 event. The WTTD 2025 is an event that is supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to promote the development of the game of table tennis at the grassroots level all over the world. According to the ITTF, “30 promoters were selected for World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025, representing 27 countries and territories across all 5 continents. These passionate individuals will play a pivotal role in uniting communities and sharing the joy of table tennis on 23rd April 2025.”  A record 160 persons applied to be considered as a WTTD 2025, promoters, out of which Solange and 29 other applicants from 27 counties and 5 continents applied to be considered. Furthermore, the ITTF stated that they will provide Solange and the other promoters, with the financial assistance, capacity-building resources, and personalised guidance to ...

  Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board (KGHTB), under the leadership of Hon. Philip Olusesan Orebiyi has hosted and held an inaugural security Summit for Hotels and Public Places in Kogi State. The summit, which was held in Lokoja, had in attendance stakeholders of the tourism industry. The General Manager of the board, Hon. Orebiyi, during his welcome address, emphasized complaince with board regulations, urging hotels to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing unforeseen circumstances. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Director of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security, and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies were present, and they unanimously suggested that Hotels should in addition focus more on critical issues, such as preventing underage lodging and drug abuse. The Ministry of Cutlure and Tourism, via its Permanent Secretary, advised Hotels to prioritize adherence to board regulations to maintain high standards and ensure a safe environment for guests. Ko...

  The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria has pay a condolence visit to the family of former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, whose shocking death still troubled boxing stakeholders and sports enthusiasts. BPAN executives led by the President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu were in Sango Otta, Ogun State to commiserate  with the family and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident which occurred on Saturday, March 29. Imadu and his team were recieved by the sisters to the late pugilists Folarin Olarenwaju, Rachel Olarenwaju, the wife Olarewaju Adebusola Maria and other senior members of the Olanrewaju’s family.   Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout, an eight-round international light-heavyweight contest, sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority, at the Bukom Arena in Accra. It was alleged that the boxer was pressured to take the bout because of certain financial commitments, even when he was not medically certified and cle...

  The National Sports Commission, NSC has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of  Ogun state ahead of the fast approaching 22nd edition of the National Sports festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, holding from May 16-30 2025. The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade who doubles as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, MOC, gave the remarks when he led a joint team of members of both the Local and Main Organising Committees, for the inspection of the facilities earmarked for the Games. " This inspection is not only important because of the aesthetics but because technically we have been battling with what we want to do with Athletics and the throws in particular. But we have now agreed with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,AFN, that the throws will take place at the MKO stadium because of the kind of Astroturf that has been put there, and that for me it's the most gratifying thing about this inspection". " We really need to tha...

  The National Sports Commission (NSC) has lauded the outstanding performance of Team Nigeria at the recently concluded ITTF World Para Future tournament in Amman, Jordan, where the nation displayed  its dominance in para table tennis by finishing among the top three teams globally. Over the three-day championship, Nigeria amassed a remarkable haul of five gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals. Competing against powerhouses such as Germany, Iran, and host nation Jordan, Nigeria stood tall as one of only three African nations in attendance, alongside Egypt and South Africa. NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko described the achievement as a “testament to what is possible when vision meets preparation and belief.” He added: “Our para-athletes have continued to inspire the entire nation. Their performance in Jordan shows that with the right support, Nigerian sports can soar on any global stage.”  NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the resilience and brillianc...

  The FCT Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed on behalf of the FCT Football family have expressed his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and the Nigeria Football family over the demise of the 1980 AFCON winning Captain, Christian Chukwu, popularly known as Chairman Christian Chukwu who died at the age of 74 at his native home in Enugu on Saturday.   The FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed, commiserates with the family over this sad death of Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who later could ached the Nigeria Super Eagles years after winning the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations as Captain of the team. Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed described the demise of Christian Chukwu as great loss to not only football, but sports in general. “This is coming to us in the FCT as a rude shock. Nigeria has lost a gem. A hero. A man who many see as an embodiment of strength, character and goals. He was very dedicated to sports growth and develop all his lifetime....

  The coordinator of netball in Bayelsa State, Catherine Sasuode, has stated that the Bayelsa State netball team is ready to beat all comers in the netball event that is going to be demonstrated for the second time, at the forthcoming National Sports Festival that will hold next month in Abeokuta. She stated that the state netball team has already started the screening of netballers that will do the state proud at the netball demonstration event. While speaking to journalists, she stated that netball is very popular among secondary school students in Bayelsa State and till date, Bayelsa State Netball Association has held three competitions for secondary school students in the past two years. Catherine Sasuode, praised the Naija Netball Stakeholders and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, for their efforts in using the game of netball to promote the social, emotional, health, and athletics development of the girl-child in Bayelsa State. Furthermore, she s...