World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has restated its commitment to Nigerian sprint sensation, Favour Ofili, following the decision by World Athletics to deny her request for a transfer of allegiance. Responding to press questions, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that Nigeria remains fully supportive of Ofili and is eager to welcome her back into the Nigeria national team fold. “She’s our daughter. We love her so much and I’ve always said we must speak to her to come home. I am urging Ofili and those close to her that home is waiting for her.” “Don’t be dejected or angry. Know that we love you and we still want you back. We promise you all the support that you require to shine at the Olympics in two years’ time,” Hon. Olopade added. The NSC recognizes the complexities athletes face in making career decisions and reiterates its commitment to fostering a supportive and enabling environment where talents like Ofili can excel at the highest ...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) is taking Nigerian sports beyond the track and pitch into the digital arena. In a move that could redefine the future of sports development in the country, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Thursday led a high-powered delegation on a strategic working visit to the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Hon. Idris Olorunbe.  The meeting aimed at forging a groundbreaking partnership to accelerate sports digitalisation and position Nigerian e-sports on par with global standards. During the meeting, Hon. Olopade made it clear that the NSC is ready to embrace technology as a core driver of growth. “Our intention is to work closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission to improve sports science, especially e-sports, through viable sponsorship. We are counting on the NCC to help deepen connectivity and attract the kind of corporate backing that modern sports demand.” He further emphasized the need fo...

_15 compulsory sports set to feature at the Games_ The National Sports Commission, NSC, has announced that the highly anticipated 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games, will hold from the 27th of November to the 11th of December this year. The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, revealed this on Thursday during the first Main Organising Committee (MOC) meeting for the Games held in Abuja. He stated that the arrival of states will be from the 25th to 26th of November, while the opening ceremony will hold on the 27th of November and the Games close on the 11th of December 2026, emphasising that the dates are all sacrosanct. The DG said the final dates were agreed upon following a productive and fruitful meeting he had with the Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Peter Mbah. "I must commend the Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Peter Mbah, who has shown tremendous enthusiasm in the aggression with which facilities are being built and completed for the Ga...

PRESS STATEMENT The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) unveiled a 24-athlete squad for the World Athletics Relays set for May 2–3 in Gaborone, Botswana, with a remarkable highlight, the inclusion of three secondary school students in the national team. Rosemary Chukwuma, Jecinta Lawrence, and Miracle Ezechukwu have emerged as the surprise names on the list, underlining a new wave of young talent breaking into Nigeria’s senior athletics setup. The trio, still in secondary school, are products of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, an initiative of the National Sports Commission. They caught national attention as IJA athletes at the National Sports Festival, where they competed against more experienced athletes, before going on to represent Nigeria at the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships. Their rapid progression has now earned them places on one of the country’s biggest athletics stages. Chukwuma and Ezechukwu have been drafted into the women’s 4x100m relay team an...

The camp of the Nigeria senior  judo team received a big boost on Monday following the visit of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, ahead of the forthcoming Africa senior judo championship in Kenya. The DG and his team visited the players in training and reassured  them of the Government's full support as they intensified  preparations to fly the country's flag in Nairobi, Kenya later this month. The DG reaffirmed the Sports Commission's Committment to ensure no stone is left unturned for the team to prepare adequately for the tournament. " I salute you guys dedication and commitment but at the same time I also want to urge you all to stay disciplined at all times and put in the hardwork to achieve a successful outing in Kenya". " I personally bring you greetings from the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who is also keen to see that sport like Judo reaches its full potential adequate support". ...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olopade, says Nigeria's dominant triumph at the IHF  trophy zone 3  in Lome,Togo, has brought renewed confidence in the country's male athletes. The Director General stated this on Monday when he received the victorious U18 and U20 teams in his office in Abuja on Monday. " Your performance in Togo has shown that Handball is a progressive sport that deserves all the support from both the private sector and the sports commission". " At a time when our women athletes have dominated international success for the country, it is quite refreshing to see our male teams achieving this sort of international success as well". " I took my time to watch some good handball matches at the last sports festival in Ogun state and I strongly believe with an extra push we have what it takes to break the dominance of the North Africans". " I want to thank the leadership of the handball federation o...