World News Update

_Ruling reinforces belief in her integrity and dedication to fair play_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed immense joy and relief on behalf of all sports-loving Nigerians following the clearance of Oluwatobiloba Amusan by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).  Senator stated that the ruling comes as a significant boost to Nigeria's hopes for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. "To see Oluwatobiloba Amusan cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) gives all sports-loving Nigerians immense joy," stated Senator Enoh. "We anticipate a sound representation at the Paris Olympics 2024. Tobi has consistently shown her commitment and passion on the track, and this news is incredibly exciting for all of Team Nigeria." Tobi Amusan, Nigeria's star hurdler, faced a whereabouts rule violation charge filed by the World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). However, CAS has dismissed the charges, affirmi...

_Appreciates President for his leadership and support for Nigerian sports_  Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has stated that he decided to be on ground to support Team Nigeria at the ongoing African Athletics Senior Championships 2024, so as to witness athletes welfare first hand and provide support to the Nigerian contingent in Douala, Cameroon.  Senator Enoh made the statement on Wednesday, as he pledged to be accessible at all times and provide the much-needed support to Nigerian athletes as the general games master of the nation. He also saluted the President of the country for his visionary leadership and support given to the sports sector. "I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our sports-loving president, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership and undiluted support for Nigerian sports. His commitment continues to inspire and drive us towards excellence," Senator Enoh added.  He said the future of Nig...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes to treat the upcoming African Championship in Cameroon as a perfect rehearsal for the Olympic Games in Paris. Senator Enoh made the statement following the Athletics Federation of Nigeria's (AFN) announcement of a formidable list of 40 athletes that will represent the country at the African Championships in Douala. Among the standout names are Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie, some of Nigeria's biggest stars heading to the competition. The Minister emphasized the importance of this championship as a precursor to the Olympics, highlighting its role in preparing athletes for podium success at the world's biggest sporting event in Paris. "The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics," Senator Enoh stated. "I charge all our flag bearers to represent the green and white flag with pride and aim...

_Appreciates AFN, coaches, athletes for breaking barriers_   The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh is in Benin City to lend his support to athletes participating in the All Nigeria Athletics Championships, the 2024 National Trials. As the trials are currently underway, the Minister emphasized the significance of this event in preparing the nation's top athletes for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Senator Enoh expressed his admiration for the dedication and performance of the athletes, noting that many have achieved personal bests and earned qualifications for the Olympics during these trials.  "Our track and field athletes turned up for the National trials, and this is highly commendable," he stated. "Some of them have earned qualifications for the Olympics, done their personal best, and much more at these National trials." "Our athletes have proven their mettle in athletics beyond the continent, and it is our place to give t...

_Says proactive and progressive steps must be taken immediately_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has demanded that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) urgently put in place the necessary framework to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in addition to addressing issues that have hindered high performances and growth of Nigerian football. The meeting held on Thursday at the Minister’s office in Abuja, touched on various areas including the current coach of the national team, the competence of both the NFF Technical Committee and Technical Department, discipline of players in the national team camp. The Minister and the NFF also deliberated on the introduction of new crop of Nigerian players wherever they can be found, to ensure the best legs represent the country at every given time. Furthermore, the meeting delved into other more substantive matters said to be holding down our football development, including the expansion of the...

With just five days until the Charity Champions Cup game in Abuja, Africa's Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is set to lead other superstars  to the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja for the most anticipated charity game in Nigeria. Stars including Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Kelechi Iheanacho are set to thrill fans, as ex internationals, both from home and abroad are set to grace the green on June 15th in the nation's capital. The Founder of Attom Foundation, Yahaya Attom has stated that the Charity Champions Cup aims to raise awareness and provide medical assistance to approximately 10,000 individuals in need. Attom Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to humanitarian causes, announced the upcoming Charity Champions Cup, scheduled to take place on June 15th in Abuja.  Renowned legends such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, and many others are set to participate, adding to the excitement of the event. Yahaya Attom expressed the mission behind t...

_Convenes meeting over unacceptable performances and results_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles' disappointing performance during the June FIFA window.  The Super Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in its third and fourth game respectively in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. These results leave the Super Eagles with a total of just three points from a possible twelve,of the four games played thus far in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. Senator Enoh expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcomes, especially considering the substantial support the NFF has received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in addition to the kind of open a...

_Charges clubs to establish working partnerships with airlines_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has extended his heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the players and officials of Doma United FC, following a road accident on Monday morning.  The incident occurred along the Makurdi-Lafia Expressway as the team was returning to their base in Gombe from Imo State. While there were no fatalities, several players sustained injuries of varying severity and are currently receiving medical treatment. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the accident involving Doma United FC," said Senator Enoh. "I extend my prayers and best wishes for a quick and full recovery to all those affected. We are grateful that no lives were lost, but the well-being of our players remains a top priority." In light of this incident, Senator Enoh urged all football clubs to actively pursue partnerships with airlines to facilitate safer travel for long-distanc...

_this makes Nigeria compliant with the WADA code,eligible in all ramifications to be in the league of sports recognized nations_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh salutes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing premium on the National Anti-Doping Bill , thereby giving the Nation a reputation. The transmission of the Anti-doping Bill 2024 to the National Assembly and the accelerated passage of same remains a landmark achievement of this administration. It is a show of the courageous and bold leadership of the president, a final and appropriate response to the perennial issues of doping that have characterized Nigeria’s relationship with the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA). Senator John Owan Enoh the sports minister always made it clear that this administration was greeted with WADA issuing  a notice to ban Nigeria from International Competitions which degenerated to the point that the agency took Nigeria to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS)...

_Calls for total concentration, passion, and unity_ With the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in full swing, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has called on the Super Eagles to shift their focus from their recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and concentrate on the crucial task of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles are set to face Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, and Senator Enoh stated that Nigeria must approach the tie as a make-or-break one, as victory will put the team back on track for qualification. "The FIFA World Cup is the biggest showpiece in football," Senator Enoh emphasized. "We cannot afford to miss out on the World Cup again. The disappointment of missing the last tournament, especially after the disappointing home match against the Black Stars, must drive us to ensure we qualify this time." Senator Enoh urged all stakeholders, includin...

In an exciting turn of events, Benin Republic side, ASVO has appointed Fatai Osho as the new head coach, signing a multi-year contract. The team, led by its majority shareholder, Dele David, father of Nigeria U23 striker Promise David welcome Osho to the reigns Coach Osho, who previously led the club and brings a wealth of experience and success from his tenure with Rivers United and Enyimba FC of Nigeria. During his time with Enyimba FC, Osho secured the Nigerian league title and guided the team to the quarter-finals of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup. Benin Republic side ASVO football club is on the cusp of history with the right. management pushing the club to greatness. Dele David, father of professional footballer Promise David, is the largest shareholder of ASVO, driven by his deep passion for football—a sport his son plays professionally in Estonia. Coach Osho's return to ASVO is marked by a two-year contract, underscoring the club's commitment to long-te...

With June 15 fast approaching, excitement is building in the nation's capital, FCT Abuja for the Yahaya Attom Foundation's Charity Champions Cup. All is set for the highly anticipated event, which will see African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen headline a star-studded lineup of football legends. The Charity Champions Cup, an initiative of the Attom Foundation, will be held at the iconic MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. This exhibition match will bring together football legends from around the world and notable Nigerian celebrities in a thrilling contest aimed at raising funds and awareness for a noble cause. Joining Osimhen are former African Footballer of the Year winners Didier Drogba and Kanu Nwankwo, along with an impressive roster of other football greats including Austin Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, El-Hadji Diouf, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue, and the ever-controversial Mario Balotelli. Current Super Eagles stars such as Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Kenneth ...