World News Update

It was an atmosphere of joy and excitement for Nigeria after sweeping four out of five possible gold medals in the female wrestling event on Friday  Reigning African champion Esther Kolawole in the 62kg dominantly defeated Katelyn SWAN of South Africa 10-0 superiority to record her 5th African title. Earlier, Ogunsanya Christianah won Nigeria’s first gold at the Championship,  beating Nogona BAKAYOKO of Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg. Jumoke Adekoye followed the winning trajectory by dispatching her Algerian counterpart Achouak  TEKOUK 8-4 in the 57kg. Similarly, Hannah Ojo did not dissapoint as she brilliantly outsmart Pelagie WILITA of Cameroon 3-1 in the 73kg to make it four gold for Team Nigeria in day 1 of the championship as the country maintains 15th African women title chase Lastly, Hannah Reuben added more celebration to the already agog atmosphere by securing silver medal over Kawiyatou ISSIFOU of Benin 6-0 pinfal  Reacting to the victory, the President Nigeri...

PRESS STATEMENT NSC DG Bukola Olopade Lands in Gaborone to Boost Team Morale Ahead of 2026 World Athletics Relays: Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade has arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, to serve as a major morale boost for Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Relays, which starts on May 1. The Nigerian contingent is in high spirits and fully prepared to compete in all six relay events in the capital city of Botswana. Nigeria’s objective at the relays includes securing qualification slots for two major global competitions: the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Further strengthening Team Nigeria’s lineup is the arrival of sprint star Favour Ashe, who is set to compete in both the men’s 4x100m relay and the mixed 4x100m relay. Ashe remains one of Nigeria’s elite sprinters, distinguished as one of the few active athletes from the country to have broken the 10-sec...

 PRESS STATEMENT National Sports Commission Charges Nigerian Athletes to Excel at World Athletics Relays: The National Sports Commission (NSC) has rallied Nigeria’s team ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, urging them to make the nation proud on the global stage. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Hon. Olopade emphasized the importance of discipline, unity, and determination, noting that the championship provides a crucial platform for Nigeria to reinforce its pedigree in international athletics. “The entire nation stands firmly behind you,” he stated. “We have absolute faith in your ability to deliver and make Nigeria proud.” Hon. Olopade further disclosed that he will be physically present in Gaborone to support the team, stressing that his presence reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the success of Nigerian sports. He encouraged the athletes to not only aim for podium finishes but also secure qualification spots for upcoming global ch...

Kingsley Awodi Para Powerlifting Open Championship Reflects Private Sector Collaboration in Nigeria’s Sports Development Plan: As Nigeria intensifies preparations toward the upcoming Commonwealth Games, the Kingsley Awodi Para Powerlifting Open Championship is stands as a symbol of private-sector support for grassroots sports development and athlete empowerment. The championship, spearheaded by Kingsley James Awodi, CEO of Afri-Kings Homes and Properties underscores a growing commitment to creating opportunities for athletes, particularly in para sports, to showcase their talents on a national stage. Awodi’s latest initiative, the organization of an open para powerlifting trials event, is designed to identify and nurture promising athletes while strengthening Nigeria’s competitive edge ahead of major international competitions.  The championship holding from April 30th - May 4th provides a vital platform for para athletes to gain visibility, competitive experience, and support. Thi...

Gusau Pledges Renewed Focus on Women’s Football, Lauds Toptier Sports Management’s Commitment to NWFL and NNL: The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has pledged greater commitment to women’s football as part of plans to elevate the game to global standards.   Gusau, who attended the NNL Super Four Draw in Lagos, also commended Toptier Sports Management for its investment in the Nigeria National League, which he said is now attracting global attention.   Speaking to journalists at the event, the NFF president praised the structure and visibility that private partnership has brought to the domestic game.   “I want to use this medium to commend Toptier Sports Management for what they have been doing in the Nigeria National League. Their investment in the league and their belief in our structure have yielded dividends. Just look at the visibility of the NNL Super Four Draw, the organization, the media presence, the televis...

    Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation Set to Host Kingsley Awodi Open Championship in Abuja: The Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation has finalized plans to host the Kingsley Iwodi Para-Powerlifting Open Championship, scheduled to take place from 30th April to 4th May, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package ‘B’, Abuja. The championship is expected to bring together some of Nigeria’s finest para-powerlifting athletes, further reinforcing the country’s dominance in the sport on the global stage. Arrival of athletes and officials is slated for 30th April, with competitions running from 1st to 3rd May, while departure is scheduled for 4th May, 2026. Top athletes expected to feature at the championship include world champions and decorated lifters such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Esther Oyema, Riluwan Idris, and Ogundolie Tolulope. Folashade Oluwafemiayo, the current world champion in the +86kg category, continues to set the standard globa...