World News Update

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION  PRESS RELEASE  The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Sunday Dare, and the Special Assistant (Media) to the Director General, Mr. Kola Adeyanju, popularly known as Kola Daniel, were among the distinguished personalities honoured at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 60th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards (SDSA) held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The event, marking six decades of SWAN’s contribution to sports journalism and development, celebrated notable Nigerians who have played key roles in advancing the nation’s sports sector. Mr. Kola Daniel was honoured with the “Outstanding Support to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria” award in recognition of his unwavering partnership and contribution to sports media developme...

Special Assistant  Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Kola Adeyanju, popularly known as Kola Daniel, has joined his principal, Honourable Bukola Olopade, his godfather, Honourable Sunday Dare, the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko and several other distinguished personalities as recipients of top honors at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 60th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards (SDSA) held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The event, marking six decades of SWAN’s contribution to sports journalism and development, celebrated notable Nigerians who have played key roles in advancing the nation’s sports sector. Kola Daniel was honored with the “Outstanding Support to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria” award in recognition of his unwavering partnership and contribution to sports media development. He shared the spotlight with his boss, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Dir...

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has ushered in a new era in Nigerian sports administration, following one of the most transparent, peaceful, and inclusive sports federation elections in recent history.  Under the visionary leadership of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the elections marked a significant turning point, reimagining the governance of sports in Nigeria and this model is attracting some of the nation’s most accomplished professionals to into sports federations. The elections, which were free, fair, and transparent, provided equal opportunities for all qualified stakeholders to contest and contribute to the renewed vision of the sports sector. The outcome reflects growing confidence in the NSC’s reforms and its commitment to merit, integrity, and national growth through sports. Among the newly elected leaders are notable captains of industry, public servants, and professionals of national standing who bring decades of leaders...

PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has emphasized that the strength and vibrancy of the sports media remain central to unlocking Nigeria’s sports economy and driving sustainable growth across the sector. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 60th Diamond Anniversary Lecture, themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring its Legacy, Shaping the Future,” Olopade described sports media as a catalyst for national economic transformation. He noted that every major economy that has successfully monetized sports, from the United States to South Africa, has done so by leveraging the power of strong media ecosystems. “Broadcast rights, streaming, digital content creation, and storytelling have become major global revenue streams. Nigeria must now position itself to benefit from this same transformation,” Hon. Olopade stated. Outlining strategic steps toward achieving this goal, the NSC D...

Nigeria's foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025. With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event. In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commer...

PRESS STATEMENT African number one in the -67kg category, Elizabeth Anyanacho of Nigeria has made history by clinching a bronze medal at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China. The feat guarantees Nigeria its first World Taekwondo Championship medal in two decades, marking a remarkable comeback for the nation on the global stage. Anyanacho, delivered a stellar performance in the women’s -67kg category, defeating Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two fiercely contested rounds — 8–6 and 10–9, to book her place in the semi-finals.  This achievement comes at a time of renewed optimism within the Nigerian sports ecosystem, following the successful elections of new sports federation leaders, including the new president of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola. Speaking on the achievement, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended Anyanacho for her resilience and excellence, describing the victory as a “powerful s...

AFTER SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF SPORTS FEDERATION ELECTIONS The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko has praised the Director General of the Commission Hon. Bukola Olopade, following the successful and smooth  conduct of the National Sports federation elections held over the weekend in Abuja. The National Sports Commission conducted what will go down as one of the most transparent and peaceful federation elections across 18 Sports, resulting in new Presidents and Board members  for the next four years. Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, while congratulating the newly elected members, showered special praise on the DG for his dogged, firm and charistmatic role in the smooth conduct of the polls. " This is one of the most peaceful federation elections that has been conducted in this country in recent times and the DG played a significant role for this to be achieved as he stood firm to uphold integrity, transparency and jus...

Football lovers are gearing up for an unforgettable spectacle as the Barca Legends and African Legends announce their full squads ahead of the highly anticipated Champions Cup clash scheduled to hold Saturday, October 25th (3pm) at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Barca Legends coach Albert Ferrer has unveiled a formidable team list featuring some of the club’s most celebrated names, including Jesús Angoy, Vítor Baia, Samuel Okunowo, Philippe Christanval, Andreu Fontàs, Marc Valiente, Juan Pablo Sorín, Fernando Navarro, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Alex Song, Roberto Trashorras, Gaizka Mendieta, Roger Garcia, Haruna Babangida, Nolito, Ludovic Giuly, Jonatan Soriano, and Javier Saviola. Ferrer’s team will also have a strong Nigerian touch, with Samuel Okunowo and Haruna Babangida, both of whom previously donned the Barcelona jersey. In addition, Alex Song and Andreu Fontas join the Barca Legends squad for the first time, adding power and midfield stability to the lineup. On the opp...

PRESS STATEMENT Exactly one year ago today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took a landmark decision to scrap the Federal Ministry of Sports and reorganize the National Sports Commission (NSC), making it the nation’s apex sports body. This decision was widely applauded across the country as a much-needed turning point to harness Nigeria’s enormous sporting potential. One year down the line, the wisdom of that decision has been validated by the remarkable achievements recorded across all layers of the nation’s sports development pyramid. Under the dynamic leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, in one year, the NSC has continued to execute President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision for the sports sector, resulting in a commendable transformation across various sports disciplines. One of the Commission’s landmark achievements is the “Athletes First” objective, which reinvigorated the legacy policy establishing the Elite and Podium Board. This initiativ...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated the Nigeria Women's National Rugby league team, the Green Falcons, for their historic win  over Ireland to book a place in the final of the IRL women's World series in Canada. The Nigerian team led by coach Bolu Fagborun showed total resilience and defensive prowess to defeat the Irish team 10-0 in the semi final on Tuesday at the Terry Fox stadium. The DG said this is the latest milestone in Nigerian sports, as the National Sports commission, NSC, continued to positively change the narrative across all sports in the country, as it has been witnessed in sports like Taekwondo, Badminton, Cricket, Swimming amongst others. " I want to specifically commend the management and leadership of the Nigeria Rugby league for all their hard work behind the scene that has cumulated to this big achievement at this year's World series in Canada by our beautiful ladies" " This ...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) undertook another inspection of sporting facilities in Enugu State as preparation continues for the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in 2026.  The inspection team, led by the Secretary of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Director of the National Sports Festival at the NSC, Mrs. Thecla Opara, was received by the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, and other key officials in Enugu. Speaking after the exercise, Mrs Opara explained that the visit was part of the Commission’s continuous efforts to ensure that all facilities meet the standards required for hosting a world-class sporting event.  “Our mission here was to assess the level of readiness of facilities ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival. We are impressed with what we have seen, several facilities are already in good condition, while others are progressing rapidly. The level of work and com...

The countdown is on! With just three days to go, excitement is reaching fever pitch ahead of the Champions Cup, scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. on saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Fans are in for a thrilling experience as Senegalese midfield legend, Khalilou Fadiga, and Nigerian music sensation Odumodublvck have both confirmed their readiness to take part in the much-anticipated fixture between Barca Legends and African Legends.  The duo will be part of an array of sporting and entertainment stars converging in Abuja for a one-of-a-kind football spectacle celebrating talent, unity, and African excellence. Khalilou Fadiga, renowned for his dazzling performances with the Senegalese national team and clubs such as Inter Milan and Bolton Wanderers, expressed excitement about returning to Nigeria for the event.  He earned 37 caps for the Senegal national team. He was part of the Senegal team that defeated reigning champions France in the op...

The President of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Dr. Musa Oshodi, has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and other stakeholders for resolving the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria's impasse. In a statement, Dr. Oshodi appreciated the fair and transparent approach used to address the issues. "Every aspect of the matter was carefully considered and treated on its merits, culminating in a just and fair resolution acceptable to all parties involved," he noted. Dr. Oshodi apologized to NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade for any miscommunication that may have caused misunderstandings related to the Judo Federation. Looking ahead, Dr. Oshodi is optimistic that the same constructive approach will be applied to address challenges facing the Judo Federation, promoting good governance and sports development in Nigeria. He expressed confidence in Alhaji Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade's ability to facilitate a swift an...

PRESS STATEMENT In line with the adage, “A healthy nation is a prosperous nation,” the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is proud to host the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos. This landmark event aims to promote health, fitness, and athletic excellence while driving increased participation, talent discovery, and private sector engagement. It also positions Nigeria as a key player in the global sports ecosystem. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko highlighted the vision behind the conference, emphasizing that it aligns closely with the Commission’s long-term goals and the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to elevate Nigeria’s sports economy. “First and foremost, this conference is a reflection of our vision, the vision of the NSC and that of President Tinubu, to create a thriving sports ecosystem where sport is not just for recreation...

With just five days to go, excitement is building ahead of the 2025 Champions Cup, as football icons Obafemi Martins of Nigeria and Essam El Hadary, the Egyptian goalkeeping legend, have confirmed their attendance. The highly anticipated clash will see Barça Legends take on African Legends in a thrilling Champions Cup clash that promises to unite fans through the spirit of football and nostalgia.  The event is organized by the Attom Foundation, in collaboration with ZMB Homes and WGI, and is scheduled to take place on October 25 at 3 p.m. As the countdown continues, media teams from across Africa and Europe are already arriving in Nigeria to cover the spectacle, signaling the global attention the Champions Cup is attracting. Ticket sales and volunteer registration are still ongoing, offering fans and enthusiasts the opportunity to be part of this historic sporting experience. Tickets can be purchased via bit.ly/championscup2025. The Champions Cup is expected to deliver a mix of top...

PRESS STATEMENT _Team arrives Nigeria from Cairo After finishing 2nd on Medals Table_ The Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) has extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation’s para powerlifting contingent for their outstanding performance at the just-concluded World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt. Team Nigeria showcased remarkable strength and national pride finishing second overall on the medals table with an impressive 20 medals comprising 8 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze.  China narrowly claimed the top spot with 21 medals (13 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze). In his congratulatory message, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for their resilience and for lifting the Nigerian flag high on the global stage. “Our para athletes have once again proven that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in para powerlifting. Their dedication and discipline embody the true spirit of our nation. The NSC remains committed to supporting and empowering o...

 _As Nigeria ends competition with 16 Gold medals, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal_ The Leadership of the National Sports Commission, NSC and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, have congratulated the Country's athletes following their outstanding performance at the ANOCA ZONE III Games in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. After five days of fierce competitions in four Sports - Badminton,Taekwondo, Weightlifting and Wrestling, Team Nigeria dominated the entire sport, by winning a total of 16 Gold medals, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze. Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for always putting the country first by competing with focus, discipline and determination. " I want to salute each and everyone of you including your coaches for putting aside every challenge to achieve this great feat of 14 Gold medals. I want to assure you that the country is proud of you and your labour of love is highly recognised and will not be taken for granted". " The NSC un...

The countdown is on for one of the year’s most anticipated football spectacles, Barça Legends vs African Legends, as the Champions Cup draws near with just eight days to kick-off on October 25, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.  In a fresh boost to the lineup, Barça legend Gaizka Mendieta has confirmed his participation, further elevating the star power for the game.   Gaizka Mendieta is one of Spain’s most celebrated midfielders of his generation. He rose to prominence during his spell at Valencia CF, helping them to domestic and European success, and later played for Lazio and FC Barcelona. His style combined technical skill, vision, and passing range, earning him recognition among Europe’s elite during his peak years. Furthermore, Transcorp Hilton Abuja has signed on as the official hospitality partner, in collaboration with event organizers, enhancing the VIP experience for guests during the festivities.   Beyond the action on the pitch,...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s para powerlifting queen, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, has once again written her name in the annals of greatness after setting a new African and world record at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt. The four-time world champion stunned spectators when she lifted a massive 168kg in the women’s over 86kg category, breaking her own previous world record and securing double gold in both the total lift and best lift events. The Nigerian star, who also won gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, has now extended her world title streak to four and continues to raise the bar for excellence in the sport. In a tightly contested field, Wenjun of China claimed the silver medal with a 157KG total, while Nikoo Rozbahani of Iran (152KG) settled for bronze. Reacting to her record-breaking feat, an elated Oluwafemiayo expressed gratitude to her coaches, teammates, the Weightlifting federation and the Nigerian Sports Commission for their support. SIGNED: K...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s para powerlifting queen, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, has once again written her name in the annals of greatness after setting a new African and world record at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt. The four-time world champion stunned spectators when she lifted a massive 168kg in the women’s over 86kg category, breaking her own previous world record and securing double gold in both the total lift and best lift events. The Nigerian star, who also won gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, has now extended her world title streak to four and continues to raise the bar for excellence in the sport. In a tightly contested field, Wenjun of China claimed the silver medal with a 157KG total, while Nikoo Rozbahani of Iran (152KG) settled for bronze. Reacting to her record-breaking feat, an elated Oluwafemiayo expressed gratitude to her coaches, teammates, the Weightlifting federation and the Nigerian Sports Commission for their support. SIGNED: K...

It was a Golden Wednesday for Team Nigeria in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, after Nigeria swept 2 Gold medals in both the men's  and women's double events of the 2025 ANOCA Zone III Games. In the men's event, the duo of Joseph Abel and Shehu Aliyu displayed total dominance by not dropping a single game from the round of 16 to clinching the Gold medal. A 2-0 win in the  Round 16, followed a similar pattern in the 2-0 Quarter final win against Benin Republic before defeating host Burkina Faso in the semi final by the same scoreline and later completing the job in the final with another 2-0 over Togo. It was a similar story in the Women's double with the duo of Dorcas Adesokan and Deborah Uchechukwu, practically not putting any foot wrong.They defeated Togo and Burkina faso en route to the final where they showed overwhelming superiority against Benin Republic to win 2-0. Nigeria Badminton Coach Ismaila Muhammed, said the  tournament has afforded the athletes the opportunitie...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS PRESS RELEASE The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended the Super Eagles for their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, describing it as a morale-boosting performance that has kept Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive. The crucial win ensured the Super Eagles’ progression to the playoffs and lifted Nigeria to second place in Group C with 17 points, moving them above Benin Republic on the log. Benefiting from home advantage, the Super Eagles mounted early pressure that the visitors could not withstand. Victor Osimhen, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, opened the scoring in the third minute, setting the tone for a dominant display. Osimhen added a second goal before half-time, and later completed a hat-trick to seal his hero status of the day. Frank Onyeka wrapped up the rout with a fourth goal in the closing minutes of the match. The NS...

 PRESS STATEMENT  The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been honoured with the prestigious Southwest Sports Icon of the Year Award at the 2025 edition of the Synergy Meritorious Awards. The award recognizes Hon. Olopade’s outstanding and long-standing contributions to sports development across the Southwest region and Nigeria as a whole. A tireless visionary, Hon. Olopade’s journey in sports leadership drew national applause as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State in 2006, a role he held with distinction for eight years. During his tenure, he introduced several groundbreaking initiatives that elevated youth and sports development across Ogun state and the Southwest region, setting the foundation for what has become a model of innovation in grassroots sports governance. Beyond the public sector, Hon. Olopade continued his impact in the private sports industry, championing initiatives that bridged public-private par...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s Esther Onyeama clinched two gold medals in the women’s 55kg category, at the ongoing World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt to take Nigeria to second on the table with 4 gold medals. On Sunday evening, Onyeama lifted an impressive 125kg to secure her first World Championships title in 11 years, marking a remarkable comeback to the global stage. Her victory adds another glittering chapter to Nigeria’s success at the ongoing  championship. This latest triumph brings Nigeria’s total medal haul to six, comprising four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. Nigeria is now second behind Egypt (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze). In addition to two gold medals from Onyeama, on Saturday, Rita Ferdinand claimed double gold in the 79kg category, while Esther Nworgu secured silver in the 50kg event, and Opeyemi Ajiboye added a bronze medal, also in the 50kg category. The stellar performances of Nigeria’s para powerlifters continue to spotlight the nation as...

PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, joined dignitaries, sons, and daughters of Egbaland to celebrate the 82nd birthday of His Royal Majesty, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the paramount ruler of Egbaland. Hon. Olopade, a notable High Chief in Egbaland, was among the distinguished personalities who graced the table tennis event organized to honour the revered monarch. The tournament, which held from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, featured multiple categories including the men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, premiership and championship divisions, 60+ veterans singles, and the 70+ septuagenarians singles. Hon. Olopade expressed deep admiration for the Alake’s enduring legacy, his passion for sports, and his commitment to community development and youth empowerment through proactive leadership, physical activity and recreation. “I am truly delighted to join the sons ...