World News Update

Eat Rite 2023 Snookers Championship Starts today, 30th September 2023, 4pm. The Championship will be coming up, at the Eat Rite Game Arcade, Adjacent Customs Office, Secretariat/Kenneth Dike Road, Bodija Ibadan. The Snookers Championship is part of the laid down activities to celebrate the unwavering patronage and support of the customers. Also, an Independence Fun Fare event will be coming up, on 1st October 2023, to commemorate Nigeria's 2023 Independence Day, the 63rd Anniversary.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his delight over the number of emerging talents being discovered at the ongoing National Youth Games, taking place in Asaba, Delta State. Senator Enoh stated that the Games is staying true to its purpose of providing a platform for young talents to be unearthed.  He noted that talents are not in short supply in the country, what is needed is the platform for visibility. He stressed that the ministry is not oblivious of this need, and his administration is determined to make available these platforms across the federation. "This edition of the National Youth Games has given visibility to very talented kids that represent the future of our sports as a nation. Availability of talents has never been a problem for our sports, but instead the provision of platforms for these talents to be seen has remained our achilles heel," the Minister said. "This administration is committed to ensuring that...

Over the past weekend, the developments that came out of Napoli as it pertains Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly. The travails of Tobi Amusan have been no less so. This necessitated why last week, I made efforts to reach her directly. Moreso, my office is making efforts to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well, so as to understand first hand what the issues are. We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter. I am also in touch with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam. Together, we are employing diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more decorous approach in looking into the matter as it is. Under the present administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to  ensuring our sports men and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to injustice, discrimination and unfair trolling, that...

_Says proper budgeting key to curbing recurring financial issues_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has reiterated that his administration prioritizes the funding of sports in the country, as the Ministry will work with all sports federations to determine focus areas, through budgetary submissions. The Minister made this known during a briefing with pressmen in Asaba, host city of the 7th National Youth Games. He stated that his experience in this area, while serving as the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation (Federal House of Representatives) led him to proactively direct on the necessary steps to take for the proper funding of sports in the country. "The only way to provide for the proper funding of sports is to look at the number of federations, an itemization of their peculiar activities, and to provide as needed," Senator Enoh said. "For example, if in 2024, a particular sports will undertake trainings, participate in...

One of Nigeria's iconic Sporting Facilities the National stadium in Surulere Lagos is finally returning back to its glory days with the completion of rehabilitation work on its decayed facilities. The Lagos stadium has been abandoned for so many years before the immediate past Minister for Youth and Sports Sunday Dare took it upon himself to ensure the revival of the edifice that was once Nigeria's home of Sporting Glory. Months after leaving office, Dare can be proud after  ensuring that the job he started when he was at the helms has now been completed. The National Stadium surelere can now boast of a world class football pitch and tracks with a functional scoreboard. The level of damage of the Lagos stadium was so huge that previous Sports Ministers only made promises but was never able to do anything to give the facilities a facelift. But Dare’s Adopt a facility initiative was a public private model which was able to deliver some  critical sporting infrastructure across th...

_Sports Minister, NFF jet out for meeting with CAF EXCO in Egypt_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will be attending the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, as the nation solidifies its bid to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament for the second time since 1980. Nigeria and the Republic of Benin presented a joint bid to host the tournament. The Minister and the leadership of  Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) will be attending the meeting as  representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria. During the meeting, Nigeria will make its presentation to the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African football, (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt. Senator Owan Enoh is attending the meeting alongside top members of Nigeria Football Federation. All countries who submitted bids to host the AFCON tournament in 2025 and 2027 respectively are expected to attend the meeting during which the Independ...

_Calls for allied action in the fight against age-cheating and doping violation_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that beyond laurels and glory at competitions, his administration is focused on ensuring teeming youths with talents in the country forge viable career pathways as athletes. The Minister made the statement during a briefing in Asaba, as he reiterated the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to continually pay utmost attention to every facet of sports development in the country. "I can assure you that the present leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shall pay undivided attention to the development of the abundant talents we have all around the nation," John Enoh said. "We do this not just with an eye on podium performances, but to also create career pathways for our youth and millions of job opportunities in the sports value chain," he added. Senator Eno...

Promise David can't stop scoring goals, as far as the Estonian League is concerned. He scored in the 4-1 win of Kalju against Tammeka. Promise David, with that goal, ha scored 9 goals as far as this season is concerned, he is currently the highest goal scorer if his club. Promise David, who was part of the U-23 team, under the tutelage of Coach Salisu Yusuf, has tremendously done a yeoman job at the attacking line of Kalju this season. As his name implies, Promise David looks promising, each time he is in the goal area of the opponent. Presently, Kalju are now 3rd position on the log, so far so good, Promise David has 9 goals in 6 matches played so far.

Barely seven days after he scored the only goal in his sides's 1-0 win over Clermont Foot, in the French top flight league; Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon posted another Man of the Match winning performance, by propelling FC Nantes to a comfortable 5-3 thrashing of L'Orient FC, on Match-day 8, on Saturday Afternoon. Nantes however needed to come from a goal down this time, as the visitors led 1-0 after just six minutes, thanks to a goal scored by Eli Kroupi Jr. but Moses Simon assisted the equalizer for Matthis Abline, in the 42nd minute; as the first half ended one goal apiece. Eray Comert put the host in front within sixty seconds of the restart; before  Mostafa Mohamed scored to establish a two-goal lead in the 54th minute. Romain Favier then reduced the tally, by making it 2-3 with just 15 minutes of time left. The winger then provided another assist for Florent Mollet to make it 4-2 for Nanyes; only for the visitors to again reduce the deficit, with a well worked goal tw...

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared open the 7th edition of the National Youth Games, taking place in Asaba, Delta State. The President who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh said that the Games should promote the spirit of friendship amongst all states.   He urged all state officials and athletes to compete with the spirit of fairness and togetherness, while putting the interests of the nation first. The Games will take place between September 23rd - 30th, 2023 across multiple venues in the Delta state capital. More than 5,742 athletes from the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory will compete for medals in 35 different sports. SIGNED: The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development. September 23, 2023.

 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh is to join the Executive Governor, Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori to flag off the 7th edition of the National Youth Games scheduled to officially commence today, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the Delta State Capital. The duo is expected to be joined by members of the National Assembly and other top government officials from Delta State The opening ceremony has commenced at the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. The event is expected to feature not less than 5,742 athletes from across the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who will jostle for honours in 35 sports. Signed Mohammed Manga, *FCAI*  Director, Press and Public Relations  September 23, 2023

With Nigeria continually benefitting from its participation at the World Football Summit in Seville, Spain, an offer from the Government of Sri Lanka to partner Nigeria in the development of Cricket and Hockey represents the latest silver lining for the nation. This development represents a double swoop for the country, as Barca Innovation Hub also registered its readiness to partner Nigeria in the areas of football education and training. Nigeria's delegation at the World Football Summit, led by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh had fruitful engagements with Sri Lankan Government officials, who revelead their desire to offer technical support for the growth of sports, especially cricket and hockey in Nigeria. Sri Lanka has steadily ranked amongst top nations in cricket globally, since 1965, when it joined the International Cricket Council (ICC).  The South-Asian nation were ICC World Cup champions in 1996 and emerged runners-up in 2007 and 2011....

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh held a fruitful meeting with the General Secretary for Sports, Spanish Andalusian region, José Maria Arrabal Sedano, on the sidelines of the World Football Summit in Seville. The central component of the deliberations on Thursday, were  hinged on how to build a collaborative relationship that will emphasize resource and knowledge sharing to advance sports development for national interests.  Senator Enoh said that Nigeria has lessons to learn from the region that has been instrumental in the success of seven-time champions of Europe, Sevilla Football Club. The Minister stated that Sevilla FC reflects the results that can be achieved from high-level organization in an ecosystem where sports operates at a professional level. He added that Nigerian sports will hope to borrow a leaf from their successful model, as his administration strives towards making sports a major driver of national development. On the flip...

The immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare CON, FNIS has described wife of the President and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a woman with heart of service and compassion to lift others up. She has been  a pillar of support to both her husband and the country.  Chief Dare stated this in a statement, congratulating the First Lady, who clocked 63 years, today. Part of Chief Dare's message reads, "I use this occasion of your birthday, today to celebrate and congratulate you, as a woman of virtue, and an outstanding pillar of support, not only to your husband, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but also to the Nigerian Democratic Project, and the women folk in our nation. Mr. Dare described the Renewed Hope Initiative, RNI, of the First Lady as a beacon of hope to million of Nigerians who need support at this time.  The former Minister, who holds the reverred ...

_”Discovery of new talents more important than winning” - Sports Minister_ Excitement and anticipation is hitting fever pitch as the 7th edition of the National Youth Games takes centre stage in Asaba, Delta State this Saturday. The Games will feature 35 sports, with no fewer than 4,500 athletes from the 36 states of the federation plus the FCT participating in the jostle for glory.  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh said that the main focus of the Games will be to unearth young talents for the country, who would possibly take on the baton at the elite stage in a few years. "At this level of sports, our major focus as a nation will not be to win, but to provide a platform for new talents to find expression," the Minister said. "We want to have a working system that churns out talents for the nation, and at the same time provide a platform for these talented individuals to be the best version of themselves." "The National Yout...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh is participating in the World Football Summit, where he is advancing Nigeria’s interest to tap into the economic valuechain of sports, especially football, as top echelons of the sport conglomerate in Seville, Spain. On the first day of the showpiece event, Senator Enoh held discussions with FIFA’s Secretary General, Fatma Samoura on ways to drive sports development in the most populous black nation in the world. The Minister also met with accomplished Bangladeshi sports investor and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as the duo advanced discussions on sports investment. Nigeria’s delegation at the foremost global football event includes former special adviser on Sports to the President and board member of the Nigerian Premier Football League, Daniel Amokachi, 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Football Federation and Chairman, Nigerian Premier Football League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. The delegation also incl...

The Benue State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Rt. Honourable Terkimbi Ikyange has stated that the state will leverage on the power of sports as well as private sector partnerships to curb unemployment in the state, especially amongst youth. The Commissioner made the assertion during a working visit to the office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh in Abuja. He asserted that sports has the power to create an ecosystem that is economically lucrative, that will provide jobs and opportunities to the state’s teeming population. Rt. Hon. Ikyange said that “part of our agenda is to come up with innovative ideas, that will create jobs for our population. Our strategy includes leveraging on sports and the valuechain that comes with it, as well as enter into mutually beneficial public-private partnerships. Through these avenues, we will curb the rate of unemployment in Benue State.” In his meeting with Senator Enoh, their discussion focused on...

_Salutes Quadri, Oshonaike, and Bello for clinching gold medals_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh congratulates Team Nigeria athletes for making the country proud at the 2023 Africa Senior Table Tennis Championships, held in Tunis, Tunisia, between September 11 - 17, 2023. Africa's top-ranked player, Aruna Quadri won gold for Nigeria in the men's singles after defeating familiar foe, Ahmed Saleh of Egypt by 4-0 (11-2, 12-10, 11-6, 11-6) in the final match played in Tunis. The victory ensured Quadri retained his African title at the same venue where he lost the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ticket, due to an injury. In the Women's Doubles event, Nigeria's duo of Funke Oshonaike and Fatimo Bello combined their experience and youthful energy to overpower Cameroon's Sarah Hanffou and Egypt's Marwa Alhodaby 3-2 (11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 12-10), as the Nigerians clinched gold in the pulsating final. The Minister said "On the behalf ...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh received the Benue State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, who paid a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office on Monday, in Abuja. During the meeting, the Minister and Commissioner discussed various programmes focused on improving Nigeria’s sports profile, as well as strategies to harness the sporting talents of young Nigerians all across the country. Ex Nigerian International and Chairman, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Dominic Iorfa was a part of the delegation from Benue State. Hon. Ikyange commended the Minister for starting his job on a very strong note, and encouraged him to lead a successful charge towards repositioning sports in the country. Hon. Ikyange said that “as we continue to strive towards greater development in our sports, Benue state is happy to support the grassroots initiatives of the Ministry. Our talent pool at the grassroots level is large enough to drive our succes...

_Urges star to be proud of her achievements and remain focus on the goal_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has congratulated Nigerian long jumper, Ese Brume for her silver medal achievement in the long jump event at the Diamond league, in Eugene, Oregon. Brume came close to winning her first Diamond League title after leaping 6.85m, just as Ivana Vuketa, who won gold. The Minister lauded the Nigerian for finishing strong, despite missing out of first place by very small margins. "Ese Brume has continued to make us proud time and again. From the Olympics, to the Commonwealth Games, to Diamond Leagues, Ese has consistently ranked amongst the top athletes in her sports, globally." "While it is disappointing that she narrowly missed out on the Diamond League title, I want to state that the country remains proud of her achievements. I am sure that she will bounce back and take her rightful place. I urge her and other athletes likewise to s...

_"Tobi represents strength, mental toughness and the Nigerian spirit_" The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has congratulated Oluwatobiloba Amusan for winning the 100m Women's Hurdles in a time of 12.33 to reclaim her Diamond League title in Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.   Enoh stated that the victory was a beautiful way for Amusan to wind down an athletic season that brought joy, tears and goosebumps. He added that her determination and mental strength is worth emulating. "I join millions of Nigerians globally to felicitate with Tobi Amusan on a deserved win at the Diamond League. The victory is one that will restore her confidence after the difficult ordeal she passed through this year. Even though she lost the World Championship title, she won our hearts in Budapest. I am glad that she was able to overcome all of the challenges to defend her crown for the third consecutive time." "I urge Tobi and other Nigeria...

Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will on Monday, September 18th, depart the shores of the country for Spain, where he will join industry experts at the World Football Summit, holding between September 20-21, 2023. The gathering of global football aficionados will take place in Seville, in the Andalusian region of Spain. John Enoh will be participating in the event to further open up Nigeria to better footballing and sporting opportunities, as well as collaborate with other countries in a bid to reposition the sport in the nation. In the past week, the Minister received Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ignacio Sell, as both nations discussed bilateral collaboration avenues. Spain stands as one of the biggest footballing nations in the world, with the country winning the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and its elite league ranked amongst the top five in europe. "Nigeria's football heritage is globally known. Our male and female teams, bot...

As matters continue to arise from the snub of Nigerian match officials for AFCON 2023 duties, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has called for an urgent engagement with the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) club owners and referees. The minister requested to personally meet with these group of stakeholders before the commencement of the new elite league season, so as to communicate officially with them. Senator Enoh said that “we must strive to get it right this time, because we cannot afford to keep going in circles. I am glad that there is a 30% increment on the indemnities of referees. Other things must be put in place to create an enabling environment for officiating to be at a level we want.” “Referees are an important part of football and their performance can have an impact on results, general ranking of our league and the kind of image we have, so we have to get it right,” the minister pointed. In a meeting with the Nigerian Football Federat...

_Says Adedeji’s appointment represents a round peg in a round hole_ Immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare CON FNIS, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Hon. Zach Adedeji as the new acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Dare stated that Adedeji represents a brilliant mind  that is ably qualified to lead a prestigious institution as the FIRS. He added that the new appointee will bring his vast experience to bear, at a time the nation desires excellence across every sector to drive the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration. “The appointment does not come as a surprise to me, because I know Mr. President’s strong conviction to build a team of capable hands and fine brains. Mr. Adedeji is a trailblazer in the field of accounting and public sector finance. His appointment represents a round peg in a round hole.” Dare stated that Adedeji will contribute positively to the growth of the FIRS and co...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that the snubbing of Nigerian match officials for AFCON 2023 duties by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) represents an embarrassment that must be treated with every sense of emergency. In a meeting held on Friday with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), and the board of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), the minister stated that for a nation as big as Nigeria and its rich football history, the development is not befitting and it must not be allowed to lie fallow. In his remarks, Enoh said "With CAF releasing the names and nationalities of 85 match officials for training towards AFCON 2023, it is embarrassing that we did not have a single Nigerian on the list. As sports minister, I see this development as an emergency that we need to respond to, as quickly as possible. It gets even worse that two years ago, we only had one Nigerian official, ...