World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria is set to welcome the King’s Baton Relay as part of the official countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with an event scheduled for July 1–2, 2025, in Abuja. In an event of international significance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be formally presented with the Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton, as a delegation representing the Buckingham Palace arrives the country. The King’s Baton Relay is a unifying tradition of the Commonwealth Games, symbolizing peace, collaboration, and shared values among nations. This year, the Commonwealth Sport movement is partnering with the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) and Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) to champion a critical cause through the “Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign.” This initiative brings together athletes, young people, and communities across the Commonwealth to address the global crisis of plastic pollution. The campaign’s goal is to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Com...

PRESS RELEASE The Ogbomoso Togetherness Youth's Forum plans to bestow a befitting award on Ogbomoso sons and daughters in North America on his 29th Anniversary for their development strides in Ogbomosoland, recognizing their contributions to the city's growth and progress. This initiative acknowledges the efforts of individuals who have made significant impacts on Ogbomosho's development, particularly those residing in North America. The Ogbomosho Sons and Daughters in North America (OSDNA) organization, established in 1996, has been actively involved in various development projects, including,  - *Providing potable drinking water*: Installing boreholes in different parts of Ogbomosho -  Offering full-ride scholarships to students and donating educational materials to institutions - *Healthcare*: Supporting the Ogbomoso Baptist Medical Center/Hospital and other healthcare initiatives - *Community development*: Donating essential items to vulnerable groups, such as widows, p...

The countdown continues — just 20 days remain before Africa’s next generation of track and field stars converge for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, from July 16-20 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.  For Team Nigeria, it’s more than a championship — it’s a launchpad. A golden opportunity for rising stars to announce themselves on the continental stage and ignite careers that could shape the future of Nigerian athletics. Among the contingent gearing up to wear the green-white-green with pride, a standout group of talents is already turning heads both locally and internationally. Meet the names to watch as they prepare to dazzle in Abeokuta: *Chioma Nwachukwu*  • Events: 400m, 4x400m Relay • PBs: 400m – 51.26s | Indoor – 52.07s | 4x400m Relay – 3:26.90 • College: University of Iowa A gold medalist at the 2022 National Sports Festival and a champion at the Nigerian University Games (NUGA), Chioma has shattered school records at the University of Iowa in both th...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has praised the leadership of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under Dr. Zacch Adedeji, PhD, describing him as a visionary public servant and committed supporter of sports development in Nigeria. Hon. Olopade made this known during a visit to the FIRS Headquarters on Thursday, commending the FIRS’ involvement as one of the key partners of the upcoming CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State between July 16-20. The Championship is a continental gathering of rising athletic stars and is powered by public-private partnerships championed under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Dr. Zacch Adedeji is not just a reformist in the tax administration space, but also a passionate lover of sports,” said Hon. Olopade. “The FIRS' support for this championship is a clear signal that sports and taxation can work hand-in-hand to build a stronger, healthier, and more unite...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has described Nigeria’s hosting of the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship as a “win-win” for the nation’s sporting development and economy. Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Olopade—who also chairs the Local Organizing Committee—highlighted the significance of Nigeria stepping in to host the championship after Algeria withdrew. The event is scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from July 16 to 20, 2025. According to him, the Federal Government’s decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Nigeria into a hub for international sports events. “We're shifting from just sending athletes abroad to hosting major competitions here at home. This helps in building local capacity, creating opportunities for small businesses, and improving sports infrastructure across the country,” Olopade said. He credited NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko for securing hosting ...

The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Public Communications), Chief Sunday Dare CON, FNIS, has joined family members, friends and political gladiators in the country for the 5th year remembrance of the former Governor of Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Ajimobi, who governed the state for two consecutive terms of eight years, died on June 25, 2020 at the age of 70 years and at the time of his death, he was the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released on Wednesday, the Presidential Spokesman described late Abiola Ajimobi as a humble and caring leader, who contributed immensely to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Noting that, the late Ajimobi will continue to be remembered for his commitment to good governance, transparency, due process, and patriotism. "It’s been five year since we lost His Excellency, Senator Isiaq Ajimobi.  A highly cerebral leader, diligent public servant, and a seasoned a...

 PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has applauded the President of the Nigeria Flag Football Federation, Babajide Akeredolu, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the development of the sport in the country. Hon. Olopade made the remarks during a reception held in Abuja to celebrate Nigeria’s flag football teams following their historic triumph at the inaugural International Federation of American Football (IFAF) African Flag Football Championship, which took place from June 20 to 21 in Cairo, Egypt. Akeredolu’s financial support was instrumental in the participation of both the men’s and women’s teams in the Championship, and was lauded for his financial, moral, and logistical commitments to the team.  Hon. Olopade described Akeredolu’s contributions as focal to Nigeria’s double-gold success in Cairo, Egypt. “The time, money, and energy you invested in these teams clearly demonstrates your deep co...

PRESS STATEMENT Exactly three weeks today before Africa’s brightest young athletes converge in Nigeria, preparations are in top gear for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to hold from July 16–20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. As excitement builds, key players in the corporate sector including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI) and LEDCO limited have partnered with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to support the successful hosting of the championship.  These collaborations reflect growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s growing sports economy. The championship aligns directly with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) - a bold agenda aimed at repositioning sports as a major contributor to national GDP, job creation, youth development, and global competitiveness.  Through RHINSE, the Federal Government is opening the sports sector for inves...

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has described the demise of former Kano Pillars Chairman Alhaji Abba Yola as a painful loss to the Country's Sports family. The Kano born Sports administrator was a retired Assistant director in the Sports Ministry and also a former chief of staff to former Sports Minister Hon. Sunday Dare, amongst other high profile positions he held in the country's Sports corridor. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko described Alhaji Abba Yola as a personal friend whose loss is shocking and painful.   The Chairman said "Alhaji Abba Yola is a sports administrator Per Excellence and he contributed immensely to the growth of Nigerian sports when he was at the Sports Commission, then the Ministry of Sports.  "He will truly be missed because he was a personal friend and his vast and rich experience in the administration of Sports is well documented.We interfaced very well when he was the Chairman of Kano Pillars but we...

 _As Team Nigeria Para- contingents smash 19 medals at African Grand Prix in Tunisia_  The Para-Olympics Committee of Nigeria, PCN, has ascribed the  recent success of Team Nigeria at the Para Grand Prix in Tunisia to the intentional support the National Sports Commission, NSC, is giving to the country's Para-Sports. These were the remarks of the PCN President, Sunday Odebode, as he revelled in the performance of the country's Para-athletes in Tunisia, where Nigeria finished second overall out of 42 countries that featured at the competition. " The NSC under the leadership of the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, has taken the support given to people living with disabilities to another level". " We have never had it this good in the past where the Commission is not only supporting us financially but also assisting us in every technical way to succeed both with our international competitions and domestic ones". "...

Preparations for the highly anticipated 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games Enugu 2026” have taken a significant leap forward as the Enugu State Government officially inaugurated the Festival’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) on Wednesday in Enugu.  The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah for his swift action and commitment to hosting a successful festival. “With the inauguration of this high-powered Local Organizing Committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games Enugu 2026 will raise the bar in excellence, inclusion, and legacy. The caliber of individuals on this committee reflects the seriousness with which Enugu is approaching this national assignment. The National Sports Commission is fully aligned and will provide all necessary support to ensure a seamless festival that inspires hope, talent discovery, and national unity,” Hon. Olopade stated....

The National Sports commission has congratulated Joshua Aiyenuro Babatunde for setting a new record for the longest professional hairdressing marathon which he just concluded at the velodrome of the Abuja National stadium. Tjosh as he is popularly called embarked on the record breaking mission on the 10th of June 2025 and finished on Tuesday, June 17th 2025. Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko alongside the Director General of the sports commission , Hon Bukola Olopade, were amongst some of the top dignitaries that visited him during the exercise to cheer and motivate him. The NSC Chairman said this is another example of the true spirit of the Nigerian youths which is the reason President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has continually prioritised the capacity building of the Nigerian Youth. " I am not surprised with this latest feat coming from another Nigerian youth because our youthful population are the most resilient, dogged and hardworking in the world". " I want to s...

 _Unveils its competition apparel to the National Sports Commission_  The Nigerian American Football Association ( NAFA ) has unveiled its competition apparel to the National Sports Commission, NSC, as it gets set to depart for the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football continental Games in Egypt billed for the 20-21 of June 2025. In a brief but significant ceremony, the President of NAFA, Babajide Akeredolu, unveiled the jerseys the team will be using in Egypt to the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade on Tuesday, as the DG charged the team to do the country proud and return with flying colours. "On this trip to Egypt I wish you guys well and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament.It's inline with the Commission's renewed hope vision to also start building for the future". "I must also thank you and your team for the kind of aggressive ...

The countdown has officially begun as Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, braces itself to welcome the continent’s future stars for the 3rd African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships, now just 30 days away. Scheduled to hold at the newly upgraded MKO Abiola International Stadium, the championship promises to be a spectacle of speed, strength, and emerging talent. Over 50 countries are expected to participate in this prestigious event, with national contingents beginning to arrive from July 12. The championship will take place from July 16-20, 2025. The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has given full endorsement to the facilities, certifying Abeokuta as ready and capable of hosting the continent’s best young athletes.  All eyes will be on Nigeria as it sets the stage for a new generation of stars, poised to follow in the footsteps of national legends like Falilat Ogunkoya, Mary Onyali, Olusoji Fasuba, Deji Aliyu, and Yusuf Alli — all of whom first shone on similar junior s...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT PRESS RELEASE National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has reiterated the importance of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in the actualization of the Commission's vision to reset, reform and relaunch Nigerian sports. Mallam Dikko spoke while welcoming the newly appointed Director-General of NIS His Excellency Comr. Philip Shuaibu to the NSC Headquarters.  Comr. Shuaibu was at the NSC Headquarters to inform the NSC Chairman of his resumption while both parties held discussions on how to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR's mandate. The NSC Chairman applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the appointment of Comr. Shuaibu.  His words, "I must thank most sincerely President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for once again taking the road less traveled with this appointment. Mr. President is embarking on a reform. He is resetting many sectors including sports so there is need to take decisions t...

 _Reconciles aggrieved parties for overall interest of Nigerian Sports_  The National Association of Women in Sports ( NAWIS ) has commended the Leadership role of the National Sports Commission, NSC, following the election of Ex Nigerian athlete, Fatima Yusuf- Olukoju as NAWIS representative into the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN. After the conduct of the NAWIS election that took place in Abuja on Monday, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, held a reconciliatory meeting with the Association and the principal contestants in the polls, Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju and veteran Sports journalist Nneka Anibeze to iron out grey areas that must have arisen from the outcome of the elections. The election conducted by NAWIS saw Yusuf-Olukoju beating Anibeze in the polls but both have now decided to forge a common front and work together for the overall interest of the Girl Child and Women empowerment in Nigerian Sports. A delighted Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju sa...

 PRESS RELEASE With just 35 days to go, Nigeria is revving up preparations to host the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Returning to Nigerian soil, the prestigious biennial event will welcome the continent’s most promising Under-18 and Under-20 athletes to the newly refurbished MKO Abiola International Stadium, which recently played host to the 22nd National Sports Festival. Over 500 athletes from more than 50 African nations are expected to compete in this year’s championship, making it one of the largest gatherings of young athletic talent on the continent.  South Africa, the reigning overall champions, will be looking to defend their title, but Nigeria’s young stars are also eager to make a strong statement on home soil. “This is not just a competition; it is a celebration of Africa’s future in track and field,” Hon. Bukola Olopade, DG...

The Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) has formally inaugurated two vital committees —the Election Petitions Committee and the Election Appeals Committee—as part of its strategic effort to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity in the conduct of sports federation elections. In line with international standards and its renewed commitment to excellence in sports governance, the leadership of the NSC selected respected legal professionals, administrators, and media practitioners with exceptional track records to serve on these committees.  *Members of the Election Petitions Committee* *Barrister Denen Ikyaa (Chairman)* Barr. Ikyaa is ahighly respected legal professional and sports ethics expert. He currently serves as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport. He is also a former member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee, where he played an instrumental role in adjudicati...

 _Pays glowing tribute to his achievements as a true boxing legend_  The National Sports Commission has described the death of boxing legend Obisia "Golden gloves" Nwakpa as an irreplaceable loss to the Country's Sports. The news of Nwakpa's demise filtered in on wednesday when his family confirmed that he gave up the ghost on Tuesday. The NSC described Nwakpa as a true patriot of Nigerian sports who practically gave his entire life to the growth of Nigerian boxing - from his days as an athlete to his time as a National coach. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said Nigeria has lost a legend in Obisia 'Golden gloves' Nwakpa. " Obisia Nwakpa represents every example any top athlete should emulate - from his dedication, patriotism and discipline during his days in the ring".  " Everywhere he goes he represents the resilient Nigerian spirit that made him a dominant force on the continent in the lightweight division...

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway. The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding. This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election. A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems. Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point ...

The 22nd National Sports Festival, also called Gateway Games 2024, will be remembered not only for the medals and milestones but for its atmosphere, excellence, and enduring legacy. More than just a competition, it became a celebration of unity, talent, and what’s possible when vision meets execution. Held from May 16 to 31 across Ogun State, the festival was a vibrant blend of elite performance, grassroots inclusion, and cultural pride. Abeokuta transformed into a beating heart of national excitement, where athletes, fans, and communities came together under a shared banner of excellence and joy. At the core of this triumph was the unquestionable commitment of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. His determination to leave a lasting legacy translated into the full renovation of the historic MKO Abiola Stadium and significant upgrades to the state’s sporting infrastructure. His leadership ensured that every detail—from logistics to athlete experience—was thoughtfully addressed. Th...