World News Update

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday. Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey's Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain. In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal. NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage. “These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Ni...

PRESS RELEASE After securing gold at the Spanish Badminton International in Vitoria, Spain, Paralympic medallist and badminton star, Eniola Bolaji is determined to add another title to her collection as she competes in the second phase of the tournament in Toledo, Spain. With her focus set on achieving back-to-back victories, she added, "My goal is to stand on the podium again. I won it last year, and I want to win it this year."   Bolaji remains committed to excellence, stating, "I am working towards winning medals every time I compete. Right now, I am living my dream. My ultimate aim is to secure gold here in Toledo, qualify for the World Championships, and ultimately win the world title."   Expressing her gratitude, Bolaji said, "Thanks to God for making this possible. I also appreciate the Badminton Federation and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their unwavering support."   Bolaji also took a moment to acknowledge those who have played a key r...

 PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has joined the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to decorate the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the 2025 African Women's Volleyball Championship.  The event which took place at the Presidential Villa, celebrated the First Lady’s relentless support for women’s sports development and her commitment to advancing significant causes in Nigeria and across the continent. Accepting the honour, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized that women have a rightful place in all spheres of the nation and can occupy that space through hard work and dedication. The First Lady highlighted Nigeria’s esteemed position in the global sports community, crediting the tireless efforts of female athletes. She encouraged them to mentor and inspire young Nigerian girls with their stories of perseverance and success. Addressing the female...

The President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, has praised the Corporate Social sagacity of BetKing for it's support to the growth of the Sports in the Country. Wheelchair Basketball which represents one of the fastest growing Para-Sports in the Country, has been boosted with the partnership and Sponsorship from BetKing. The President of the Federation, Seyi Johnson said BetKing has shown that they are a true lover of Nigerian Sports and special sports in particular, with all its doing for the Federation. " On behalf of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball,  the entire board and every stakeholder in the Sports, I want to personally appreciate BetKing for all they are doing. " Words are too few to express my sincere gratitude to them because they have really shown that this is where their mouth is, with the kind of support we are getting from them". " When we approached them , it was just like they were already expecting us and they sho...

Enugu State is set to make history as it prepares to host its first-ever international marathon on May 3, 2025.  The Enugu City Marathon, a World Athletics-certified event, will bring together elite athletes and running enthusiasts from across the globe to compete in a race that promises to be both thrilling and unforgettable.   The marathon, which aims to showcase the rich culture and resilience of the Coal City, will take runners through a carefully mapped-out course, highlighting the beauty and landscape of Enugu. The event is expected to attract top-tier athletes, amateur runners, and fitness enthusiasts eager to test their endurance on an international stage.   Registration for the marathon is now open. Interested participants can register online at www.enugucitymarathon.com or pick up registration forms at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the Enugu State Secretariat. With Enugu State positioning itself as a hub for sports and tourism, the Enugu City Marathon is ...

  Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, has hailed the resilient spirit of former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, despite narrowly losing his FIFA Council seat at the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday. Pinnick who has been an active FIFA Council member since 2021 lost by a whisker, scoring 28 votes, only one short of both Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and Souleman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti, who each scored 29 votes to make it to the highest governing body of football in the World. The DG said Pinnick must be proud of himself despite the loss and his passion for the growth of the game is very evident for all to see while expressing confidence that the temporary setback will only propel him to greater heights in his already accomplished career. " I am very proud of you, Amaju Melvin Pinnick. You fought to the very end as a strong man that you are. You had a stint in CAF and FIFA where you used your network to position ...

PRESS RELEASE The Nigeria Badminton Federation and its contingent has arrived in Toledo, Spain, for the second phase of the prestigious Spanish Parabadminton International Elite Championship, where the nation's top para-athletes are set to compete against contemporaries from other parts of the world.   The first phase of the tournament took place in Vitoria, Spain, with Nigeria fielding five athletes in various event categories.  Nigeria concluded the first phase with Paralympic medalist Eniola Bolaji slammed to a gold medal in the SL3 event, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in the final. Three of Nigeria’s top para badminton players—Bolaji Eniola, Nnana Jeremiah, and Eze Chukwuebuka will compete in the  second phase in Toledo, Spain. Bolaji Eniola, ranked No. 2 in the world in her SL3 classification, will compete in the SL3 singles event, in a group of 3 opponents. Meanwhile, Eze and Nnana will team up in the SL4 doubles category.   "We’re very hopeful fo...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has extended his warm congratulations to Prince Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, as he marks another milestone in his life.   Hon. Olopade praised Prince Adeboye’s dedication to the advancement of grassroots sports, acknowledging his significant contributions to youth development and the overall growth of Nigerian sports.   "Prince Adeboye has been a tireless advocate for grassroots sports, working to ensure that young talents across the country are given opportunities to thrive. His leadership and passion for youth empowerment through sports have had a lasting impact, and we at the National Sports Commission deeply appreciate his dedication," Hon. Olopade stated.   "As he celebrates this special day, I extend my best wishes for good health, continued success, and greater accomplishme...

As excitement builds for the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF)—Gateway Games 2025—a groundbreaking initiative by the **National Sports Commission (NSC)** has become a hot topic of discussion. For the first time in the festival’s history, a *38th state* will be introduced in the form of **Invited Junior Athletes (IJA)**—a strategic move designed to integrate emerging young talents into Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event.   This unprecedented step means that promising junior athletes, identified through the National Youth Games, will now have the opportunity to compete at the highest national level, rubbing shoulders with elite athletes from across the country. The decision by the NSC is widely regarded as a game-changer—one that could revolutionize the nation's approach to talent identification, development, and sustainability.   **A Bold Innovation with Long-Term Impact**   The NSC’s leadership, under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola...

The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Public Communications), Chief Sunday Dare CON FNIS, has mentioned that Nigeria’s Economy is responding well to the reforms of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, adding that, the Signs cannot be ignored.  The Presidential Spokesperson revealed, while reviewing the emerging signs of economic recovery, in his interview on TVC Breakfast, on Friday 7th March, 2025, where he provided compelling narratives.  Excerpts; Interviewer 1: Thanks for joining us on this segment of the program from Abuja Studio.  President Bola Tinubu says his administration is on a mission to revitalize Nigeria's economy after years of stagnation. With a clear vision of sustainable development, the president has introduced bold economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation. Steps taken so far suggest a deep understanding of Nigeria's potentials and the decisive actions required to unlock them. A cornerstone of the Tinubu's economic recovery plan is...

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria following Bolaji’s remarkable victory at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria.  Bolaji secured yet another gold medal, extending her flawless record to 11 wins in 11 international appearances.   The multiple African champion displayed sheer dominance in the women’s singles SL3 final, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna 2-0 (21-15, 21-15). Her journey to the podium was nothing short of extraordinary, overcoming top opponents from Brazil, France, Australia, and India with commanding performances.   NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed Bolaji’s victory as a testament to Nigeria’s rising status in para sports.  “Eniola Bolaji’s triumph is a proud moment for Nigerian sports. Her dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. The Natio...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF, Dr Ademola Are, for his election as the 1st Vice President of the Union of West African Rugby Federations. Dr Are, who has been at the forefront of revamping the Country's Rugby got elected alongside other executives in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The DG said this is a testament to the hard-work currently going on in the Nigeria Rugby family since Dr Are became the President and only shows that the West Africa Sub region also recognises that. " This is very massive for the continuous growth of Rugby in the Country because the NRFF President can now use his current position to seek different intentional collaborations that will strengthen the growth of the Sports both locally and in the West African sub region". " And for us at the National Sports Commission, these are the kind of feat we want our Sports admin...

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has officially approved the relocation of Black Scorpions FC to Abuja after the club successfully met all necessary requirements. Proprietor and financier of the club, Chief Sunday Dare, emphasized that Black Scorpions FC is committed to providing a platform for Nigerian youth to thrive and remain productively engaged. The club is dedicated to nurturing young talent, instilling discipline, and promoting excellence in the game. With a strong emphasis on grassroots development, Black Scorpions FC aims to create opportunities for aspiring footballers to reach their full potential while contributing to the growth of Nigerian football. In an official statement from the NLO Secretariat, signed by Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo, the league confirmed the club’s relocation and compliance with all necessary obligations: “The Nationwide League One Secretariat presents its compliments to you and your club management. After conducting due diligence to conf...

A trailblazer in sports marketing, partnerships, and project management, Damilola Pedro, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Esports Federation of Nigeria.  As a visionary leader, Pedro has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to shape the future of gaming in Africa.   As the co-founder and COO at Gamr Africa—a pioneering gaming company focused on discovering, educating, and empowering African gaming talents—Damilola has played a pivotal role in transforming the continent’s gaming ecosystem. Her leadership has not only created vast opportunities for emerging gamers but has also elevated African esports onto the global stage, expanding its reach and influence.   Her appointment comes as the National Sports Commission (NSC) continues to embrace esports as a key pillar in the future of Nigerian sports. The NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, officially inaugurated the board of the newly formed E...

The wait is finally over as the highly anticipated ECOWAS African Traditional Wrestling Tournament is set to begin in less than five hours at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.   A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries will battle for top honors, with each nation fielding five wrestlers and four technical officials.   The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacle of culture and sportsmanship, showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage as the West African subregion turns its attention to the continent’s most populous nation for the next two days.   Dignitaries expected at the ceremony include the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, among other top officials.   All is now set for a colorful opening event scheduled to commence at 12 noon on Thursday, March 6, 2025.   Adding to the excitement, this year’s edition will feature women wrestlers ...

 PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Tuesday, received former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins, popularly known as the "Weapon of Mass Destruction," at his office in Abuja.   Hon. Olopade expressed his delight at welcoming the former Nigerian international, describing him as a legend whose contributions to Nigerian football will always be remembered.   "I was very delighted to receive our former Super Eagles star, Obafemi Martins, in my office. So glad to see him around, and Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry all his exploits for the national team and in Europe, playing for some of the biggest clubs like Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Wolfsburg, just to mention a few," Olopade said.   During their meeting, they had an engaging discussion about the future of Nigerian football, with Martins expressing optimism about the Super Eagles' chances of bouncing back and securing qualificat...

The excitement of the 13th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling tournament is gradually reaching its boiling point with barely 48 hours to the start of the event in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. All the participating countries are currently rounding off their traveling preparations to arrive in Abuja for the tournament that holds from March 6th to 8th 2025, at the prestigious Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja. Ten West African Wrestling powerhouses including Benin Republic, Cote d'Ivoire , the Gambia , Ghana , Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Liberia , Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo will hope to stop Nigeria from hosting and winning the tournament. After finishing third in the 12th edition of the Tournament in 2023, hosted by Niger Republic, Nigeria is determined to claim the first position this time around at its backyard. Since the first edition of the Tournament in 2001 in Niger Republic where three countries featured including Host Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso,...

PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has charged Nigeria’s para badminton team to give their best and make the nation proud as they prepare to compete in two major international tournaments in Spain.   The tournaments mark a crucial step for Nigeria’s para badminton athletes in their quest for global recognition, providing them with an opportunity to compete against the world’s best.   The first event, the 2025 Spanish Level 2 International Para Badminton Championship, will be held in Victoria, Spain, from March 4 to 9, 2025. Five Nigerian players will compete in the singles category, including:   - Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles)   - Okoro Chinyere Lucky (Women’s SL4 – Singles)   - Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift (Women’s SL4 – Singles)   - Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles)   - Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles)   Foll...