World News Update

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, on their impressive victory over Ghana, securing their defence of the WAFU B U-20 Championship title. The match, held on Wednesday night under the floodlights in Lome, saw Nigeria defeat Ghana 2-1, with a first-half brace from Kparobo Arierhi settling the regional derby. Dikko hailed the team’s success, describing the victory as a “welcome gift” for Nigerian sports and an encouraging step forward in the team’s journey.  He emphasized the importance of the win, noting that it sets a positive tone as the Flying Eagles prepare for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON), with hopes of securing a place in the U-20 World Cup. He added that it is imperative for the team to start preparations early enough for the U-20 AFCON, so as to be in a good state when the continental contest kicks off. The top teams from the AFCON will go on to represent Africa at the FI...

Newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko says the Country's journey towards a sustainable Sports Economy has begun. Mallam Dikko stated this on Wednesday when the former Minister of Sports, Senator, John Enoh officially handed over the affairs of the Country's Sports to him in a brief ceremony in Abuja. "History has a way of coming full circle because in 2008 I was a consultant to the House of Representatives and was responsible for the drafting of the National Sports Commission Bill, a job I did pro-bono and about 16 years down the line I have here with the assignment to implement the work I assisted to put together". " The objective of Mr President is to harness the full potentials of the Sports Economy in Nigeria". "And we have to first change our mindset from the fixation of just competitions and winning medals and come back and fix our Domestic Sports Development". "When we set the foundation r...

By Kola Daniel The Board of Directors of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has extended its congratulations to the newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko. In a statement signed by Barrister Isaac Danladi, the NPFL Secretary, the Board expressed its belief that the Chairman’s deep expertise and dedication to sports development will serve as invaluable assets in his new role. “Your appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission is a testament to your unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the advancement of sports within our nation,” the statement read. Danladi emphasized that the NPFL Board supports the Chairman's vision for Nigerian sports, adding that the Commission’s future under his leadership holds great promise for both the league and emerging talent across the country.  “With your unique understanding of the league and proven commitment to advancing Nigerian football, we anticipate that your influence...

By Kola Daniel  The newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko paid a private visit to Honourable Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, to formally inform him of his appointment and discuss key areas of collaboration.  In the meeting on Monday, Dikko described Tajudeen as an esteemed elder brother and representative, emphasized the need for legislative support to lay the foundation for a thriving sports economy in Nigeria. The engagement covered preliminary discussions on the legislative framework essential to drive sports as a sustainable economic sector in Nigeria, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  Dikko highlighted that the NSC is focused on strategic reforms to elevate Nigerian sports to global standards, prioritizing sustainable sports development and aligning with international best practices. The Speaker expressed his support for Dikko’s initiatives, reiterating the National Assembly’s commitment to fostering growth ...

By Micheal Obasi  Since she made debut for the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the age of 19 in 2019 at the WAFU tournament, Chiamaka Nnadozie has not looked back on cementing her name as Nigeria's best ever Goalkeeper. Though Nigeria has never lacked good goalkeepers from the days of Anne Chiejine to the time of Precious Dede but Nnadozie' qualities is definitely raising the bar to another level. Since 2019 , the Paris FC of France shot stopper has been an undisputed number one for Nigeria and she is also the number one for her club, displaying stellar performances week in , week out. The Former Rivers Angel  player had his 22nd cap for the Super Falcons against Algeria in an international friendly against Algeria on Saturday in Ikenne, Ogun State. It was another clean sheet for Nnadozie as the Falcons defeated their opponents 2-0, with Rasheedat Ajibade scoring both goals. The 23 year old shot stopper is now aiming for another clean sheet when the falcons take on the Algerians a...

By Leo Abel, Lafia The recent appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman of Nigeria’s reconstituted National Sports Commission (NSC) is seen by stakeholders as a pivotal moment for the country’s sports sector. In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu disbanded the Ministry of Sports and reinstated the NSC—a structural shift that promises a streamlined and more effective approach to managing Nigerian sports. This move comes amid widespread calls from sports experts and enthusiasts for a more corporate, professional structure, one that sidesteps bureaucratic red tape. As sports administrators, former athletes, and corporate partners weigh in, the consensus is that Dikko’s leadership is expected to address longstanding challenges and raise Nigeria’s sports performance on the international stage.  His track record as the CEO of the League Management Company (LMC), where he successfully increased the financial value of Nigeria’s football league, is seen as a testament to his strateg...

By Kola Daniel  In a major step towards taking off as the new Marshall of Nigerian sports, newly appointed National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko met with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and ex Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, on Friday in Abuja. The meeting is part of early groundwork to establish a robust framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape into a sustainable sports economy. Dikko is setting the foundation for the NSC with a mission to elevate Nigeria's sports industry to meet best standards.  Emphasizing the importance of collective support, Dikko encouraged all stakeholders to rally behind the NSC’s mandate. This new direction is anticipated to boost professionalism, create economic opportunities, and enhance sports infrastructure and development across the country. As preparations move forward, stakeholders are called upon to contribute to this pivotal shift, as Dikko and his team work to re...

By Kola Daniel Newly appointed Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Chief Sunday Akin Dare, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Villa on Thursday night. During the visit, Dare  received a formal briefing from the nation's leader and also expressed his gratitude to the President for reposing trust in him. Dare who was appointed to the role on Wednesday has been widely praised across the country with many commending his wealth of experience and proven track record in the media and communications industry. He is a seasoned journalist and former Minister of Youth and Sports who brings extensive experience to his new position.  His previous roles include serving as the Media Adviser and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu from 2009 to 2016, amongst many other public service positions. With a rich  history of success in public service, Dare is expected to leverage on  his expertise to enhance the administrati...

Chief Operating Officer of the World Sports City Limited and Former Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Nigeria Football Federation, Idris Adama has hailed the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Mallam Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the Country's new apex Sports body , the National Sports Commission, NSC. Following the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports, the President announced that Shehu DIKKO will now head the new look National Sports Commission, and this according to Adama, has shown that Mr President really wants genuine reform and transformation in the Sports Sector. " We have always been clamouring for a thoroughbred Sports technocrat to lead Nigeria sports and we now have a  President that finally yielded to that " " Dikko's appointment is not only the right one but also very timely when we look at where we are in Sports, compared to what is obtainable with global best Practices". " There is no aspect of Nigeria sports that Di...

Immediate Past General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation and Former Presidential Aspirant of the NFF, Barrister Musa Amadu has congratulated Mallam Shehu Dikko on his appointment as the new Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC. The National Sports Commission is now the Apex body that regulates Sports in the country following the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday. " I think I need to first commend Mr President for the appointment of a Sports Guru who has been around for decades". " The Appointment is freshly different as someone has now been appointed who knows the Sports terrain and would not be learning on the job". Barrister Amadu said he is very Confident that with Dikko's vast Knowledge and experience having served in different capacities over the years in football, he has what it takes to turn Nigeria Sports Development around from the Grassroot to the Elite level. " Dikko is a very kn...

Former Minister of youth and sports development, Chief Sunday Dare, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment, as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation. The presidency announced the appointment in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon. While reacting to the appointment in a statement released on Wednesday on his X handle formerly known as Twitter, Chief Dare thanked President Tinubu for once again, reposing his confidence in him,noting that he will always be proud to serve him and Nigeria over and over again.  "I sincerely thank my Leader and the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for once again, reposing his confidence in me. I will always be proud to serve you and Nigeria again and again. Thank you Mr President" He tweeted. He had earlier served as the Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on media to Asiwaju Tinubu when he was the governor of Lagos State. In 2016,he ...

By Kola Daniel  Sunday Akin Dare is a distinguished Nigerian journalist and communications expert with a career spanning over three decades. With a solid foundation in journalism and a wealth of experience in various media-related roles, Dare has made significant contributions to the field of media and communications both in Nigeria and internationally. Dare's journey in journalism began as a correspondent for prestigious publications such as The Nation magazine in New York and the European-backed Fourth Estate magazine during Nigeria's military era. He was also a key member of the founding team of Nigerian weekly magazines, The News and Tempo, showcasing his early commitment to quality journalism. He numbers among the tribe of Guerrila journalists who’ risked their lives to fight Military Dictatorship.   His career took a global turn when he served as the Chief of the Hausa Service, African Division at Voice of America in Washington, DC. In this role, Dare managed divers...

By Kola Daniel Immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, is sponsoring a groundbreaking football tournament aimed at showcasing young Nigerian talents to scouts from across the world. The tournament, scheduled for October 23-24th at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, will provide aspiring footballers the chance to secure professional contracts that could transform their lives and communities. Scouts from Israel, Romania, and Egypt are expected to attend the event, alongside representatives from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Rayo Alcobendas, further raising the stakes for these budding stars.  This initiative aligns with Dare's passion to  contribute in nurturing and developing sports talent in Nigeria, while giving.m back to society through the creation of opportunities for young people. Organizers stated that the tournament underscores the importance of youth and sports development and the role it plays in empowering communities and fostering glob...

_Directs LG Chairs to Open another Account to receive Funds_ In another turn of events, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has deviced another way to swindle Local Government funds. Governor Makinde, yet to come to terms, on the Supreme Court ruling over LG Autonomy, has been trying all possible means to ensure that, the funds accruing to the local governments in Oyo State remains under his control. To further sabotage the process of transferring allocations directly to the LG accounts, Governor Makinde has directed all LG Chairmen in Oyo State, to open accounts with First Bank. The directives were given to ensure persistent manipulation of LG funds, which has been the order of the day for so long a time, as the Oyo State Governor asked the Chairmen to submit the newly opened First Bank accounts for payment of allocation, even as previous LG accounts with First Bank remains active. This could be part of the outcome of the meeting held with the LG Chairmen on Monda...

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his unwavering support for his long-time political ally, Senator George Akume, now serving as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Speaking through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during a wedding ceremony in Makurdi, President Tinubu reaffirmed his deep political connection with Senator Akume and commended his leadership. "Mr. President thanks the people of Benue for their continuous support. He is proud of Senator Akume, a trusted political ally. The church is with George Akume, I am with George Akume, and Mr. President is with George Akume," Ribadu said, emphasizing Tinubu's deep support and confidence in Akume's leadership and service. The statement highlights the enduring relationship between Tinubu and Akume, as well as Tinubu’s appreciation for Akume’s contributions in national service and his role as a key figure in the current administration.  The remarks were warmly received by attend...

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, has called on Nigerians to take advantage of the flexible payment plan introduced by President Tinubu’s administration for the conversion of vehicle engines to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).  In a series of tweets on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Chief Dare highlighted that both the United States and Europe have long embraced alternative energy sources such as electric vehicles. He noted that the flexible payment plan provided by the Nigerian government would ease the transition for Nigerians from expensive Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to CNG. "I have been an early convert to the CNG option which President Tinubu approved as a national policy from the get-go. It’s forward-thinking. America and Europe have embraced electric cars as alternatives to expensive PMS. Let’s embrace CNG. The Convert Now, Pay Later option should turn into a national campaign immediately," Dare tweeted. He also emphasized the b...

The Media Aide to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Kola Daniel has officially bowed out from his role, bringing an end to his impactful tenure. Reflecting on his journey, Kola expressed his deep appreciation for the support he received throughout his service, especially from his family, principals, friends, and colleagues. In his farewell statement, Kola Daniel said, "Every journey that has a start must have an end, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our dear nation in this capacity. I want to thank my colleagues in the media for their unwavering support" “You all played a key role in amplifying the voice of Nigerian sports, and I could not have achieved anything without your partnership. I also deeply appreciate my colleagues in the Ministry of Sports Development for their dedication and teamwork." Kola Daniel also took a moment to extend his gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, for giving him the ...

Dear friends and colleagues, It is with immense pride and fulfillment that I inform you all that my journey as Media Aide to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has officially come to an end.  As the proverbial saying goes, “every journey that has a start, must have an end.” I begin by giving thanks to God Almighty for His guidance and blessings throughout this chapter of my life. Without His grace, none of this would have been possible. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to my family and close associates for the unending love and support. You have been my rock, and your encouragement has kept me strong throughout this journey. To my colleagues in the media, I offer a heartfelt thank you. Your professionalism and dedication played a pivotal role in amplifying the voice of Nigerian sports, and it has been an absolute honor working with you.  Let me also thank the Honourable Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, for the giving me the honou...