World News Update

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has continued its nationwide Youth Appreciation Tour with the recognition of outstanding young athletes in Abuja and Asaba, bringing the total number of honourees so far to eleven. The Abuja leg of the appreciation tour took place on Wednesday at the Nigerian Tulip International College, with the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, now Presidential Spokesman, Hon. Sunday Dare, in attendance. Speaking at the Abuja event, Hon. Sunday Dare expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in youth sports development. “I’m excited because what is being done align with the universal laws of sowing as we know it - find promising stars early, nurture them and then the harvest comes. We have continued to partner with the private sector, and the seeds we sowed four years ago are what we are harvesting today. Credit must go to the Chairman an...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles coach, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, describing him as one of the towering figures in the history of Nigerian football. Pa Onigbinde, a respected football tactician and administrator, led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea and spent decades contributing to the growth of football both within Nigeria and internationally. Reacting to the sad news, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the late football icon as a monumental figure whose legacy will endure for generations. “A true Iroko has surely gone home. High Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde has been nothing short of a football legend and an enigma whose impact resonates across the global football ecosystem.” Hon. Olopade noted that the late Modakeke High Chief devoted more than five decades to the advancement of Nigerian football through coachi...

PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has applauded the growing investment and professional input being brought into the Nigeria National League (NNL), by Toptier Sports Management, describing the initiative as a significant step toward improving the structure, quality, and visibility of the league. Hon. Olopade made the remarks after watching an NNL game between Abeokuta Stormers and Solution FC on Sunday, noting that the match provided an opportunity for him to witness firsthand the positive changes currently taking place within the league. The NSC DG praised the CEO of Toptier Sports Management, Chichi Nwoko, for the organization’s commitment to investing in the league and  introducing modern sports management practices, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s second-tier football competition. “I must first commend Toptier Sports Management and its founder, Chichi Nwoko, for bringing fresh ideas, professionalism, and investme...

PRESS RELEASE The African Union Sports Council Region 2 (AUSC Region 2) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership agreement with ASKY Airlines, designating the airline as the Official  Airline Partner for the upcoming AUSC Region 2 Games 2026 scheduled to take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from 7–13 June 2026.  The collaboration between the leadership of AUSC Region 2 and ASKY Airlines, represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the sports sector and the aviation industry in West Africa. Through this partnership, ASKY Airlines will provide travel support and logistical assistance to participating teams, officials, and stakeholders attending the regional sporting event.  The AUSC Region 2 Games serve as a premier multi-sport event bringing together athletes from member states across West Africa to promote youth development, regional integration, and sporting excellence. The partnership with ASKY Airlines will greatly enhance the efficient move...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised the success of the recently concluded National Open Boxing Trials held in Lagos, describing the event as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming international competitions. The trials, organized by the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), as part of the National Boxing Week attracted a large number of elite fighters, including boxers from across Nigeria and others from the diaspora with Nigerian heritage who traveled from different parts of the world to compete for national selection. Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Nigeria Boxing Federation for organizing a successful event and emphasized the importance of including diaspora athletes in Nigeria’s talent development strategy. “A total of 147 boxers entered the national trials, which also served as Commonwealth Games trials. We were particularly pleased to see fighters from the diaspora with N...

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, has commended the Government of Bayelsa State for its commitment to sports development, describing the state as one that clearly understands the power of sports as a tool for growth, youth engagement, and economic opportunity. Mrs. Olopade praised the leadership of Governor Douye Diri for investing in key sporting infrastructure and programs that will help position Bayelsa as a major sporting hub in Nigeria. “Governor Douye Diri deserves commendation for the bold steps his administration is taking to grow sports in Bayelsa. His background as a former Commissioner for Sports gives him a deep understanding of the sector and why investments like these are important for youth development and economic growth.” Amonsgt many other things, the State has embarked construction of a 30,000-capacity stadium in preparation for the National Sports Festival 2028, alongside plans for another 15...