World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT Para-Powerlifting African Open Championships: Nigeria Wraps up Tourney With 13 Medals, as Onyinyechi Mark Smashes World and African Records on Final Day: Team Nigeria wrapped up its impressive outing at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, ending the final day of individual events, with an additional three medals comprising two gold and one silver, while also recording new African and World records.  At the end of its participation, Nigeria’s total tally at the championships stood at 13 medals, consisting of seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.  On the final day. Nigeria’s medal rush was headlined by Mark Onyinyechi Gift in the women’s 67kg category. She delivered a historic performance by breaking the African record and also setting a new World Record, underscoring Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in para-powerlifting. Another outstanding moment was the remarkable performance of Folashade Oluwafemiayo, wh...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria Shines in Oran as Rita Ferdinard Sets New African Record at African Open Para Powerlifting Championship: Team Nigeria continued its impressive outing at the African Open Para Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, delivering another dominant performance on Friday as the country closed the day with an impressive haul of five gold, two silver and two bronze medals. The Nigerian contingent once again demonstrated strength and technical excellence across several weight categories, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading para powerlifting nations. In the women’s 41kg category, Nigeria’s Anifat Ganiyu claimed gold after a commanding display that set the tone for another successful day for Team Nigeria. In the women’s 50kg category, Ajiboye Rukayat delivered a brilliant performance to secure gold for Nigeria, while compatriot Nworgu Esther added to the medal tally with a silver medal finish in the same category. Nigeria’s dominance ...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria Shines After Day Two at African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria: Team Nigeria open its campaign at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, on an impressive note, as the nation has won 3 medals after the conclusion of Day Two events. Nigeria’s Ogundolie Tolulope delivered a remarkable performance in the women’s 45kg category to clinch the gold medal, showcasing strength, determination, and technical excellence against a highly competitive field. In the women’s 55kg category, Oyema Esther displayed resilience and composure to secure the silver medal for Team Nigeria, further underlining the nation’s growing dominance in para-powerlifting on the African stage. The men’s 54kg category also produced another podium finish for Nigeria, with Ezuruike Roland earning a bronze medal after a spirited performance that demonstrated courage and competitive intensity throughout the event. Director General of the National Sports Commissio...

 PRESS STATEMENT SUNDAY DARE SYMPATHISES WITH FAMILIES, VICTIMS, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT OVER SCHOOL ATTACK, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU IS MONITORING CLOSELY: The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, extends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, the Government and people of Oyo State, and indeed the entire nation, over the deeply painful and unconscionable attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attack, which led to the abduction of students, teachers, and a school principal, has caused widespread concern and sorrow across the country. Mr. Dare described the incident as barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on the peace, safety, and future of innocent Nigerian children. He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed on the development and is persona...

NSC Felicitates With Weightlifting Contingent, as Nigeria Finishes African Senior Championship With Record Medal Haul: The National Sports Commission has congratulated Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent for their remarkable performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, where the nation finished with an impressive haul of 29 medals. Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the athletes for their resilience and outstanding representation of the country on the continental stage. “This performance is a strong statement that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction. Our athletes have continued to show courage, discipline and excellence whenever they step onto the international stage. Winning 29 medals at the African Championship is not just a victory for weightlifting, but a proud moment for the entire nation,” he said. Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the championship outing as another indication of the cou...

 PRESS STATEMENT African Athletics Championship: Nigeria Extends Women’s 4x100m Dominance, Claims Silver in Men’s Relay: Team Nigeria delivered another impressive performance on Day 4 of the CAA African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, winning gold in the women’s 4x100m relay and Silver in the men’s 4x100m event as the country’s athletes continued their strong showing at the continental competition. Nigeria’s women’s quartet of Rosemary Nwankwo, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Rosemary Chukwuma and Miracle Ezechukwu stormed to gold in the 4x100m relay with a winning time of 42.94 seconds to successfully defend their African title. The Nigerian team held off a strong challenge from Liberia, who settled for Silver, while hosts Ghana claimed Bronze. The victory means Team Nigeria has now won a fourth consecutive African title in the women’s 4x100m relay, extending an incredible winning streak that began in Asaba 2018 and continued through Mauritius 2022, Douala 2024 and now Accr...