World News Update

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...

Nigerian-born midfielder Paul Salami stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick as he powered his side to a commanding 3-0 victory over the Melbourne Sharks in Week 9 of the Australian U23 League. The 21-year-old dynamo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing confidently after a swift counter-attack. The match took a dramatic turn in the 40th minute when Sharks defender Liam Mastos was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving the hosts to battle with 10 men. Salami continued to torment the undermanned Sharks, striking again in the 52nd minute with a precise finish after a well-worked team move. He capped off his brilliant performance with a third goal in the 75th minute, completing his hat-trick in style and securing all three points for his team. A composed and creative presence in midfield, Salami’s performance was a showcase of skill, intelligence, and clinical finishing. His hat-trick not only earned him the match ball but also reaffirmed his growi...

Following its earlier expression of condolences, a high-level delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC) has concluded a condolence visit to the Government and people of Kano State, as well as families of victims of the tragic road accident involving members of the state’s contingent returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival. Led by Director of Finance Alamin Mustapha, alongside Director of Facilities Muhammed Rabiu and Special Assistant on Special Duties and Protocol Kawu Ahmed Muazu, the delegation delivered a personal message of sympathy on behalf of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade. “We came not just to mourn, but to stand with you in person,” said Mr. Mustapha. “Having met with some of the grieving families, we leave with heavier hearts but a firmer resolve to ensure that their pain is not in vain.” The NSC reiterated its earlier commitment to fast-track a more strict national safety protocol for sporting contingents. This i...

 _as NSC DG attends the games strategic seminar in Riyadh_  The National Sports Commission, NSC, has reaffirmed its commitment and readiness to attend the 6th Islamic solidarity Games billed for Saudi Arabia from the 7-21 of November 2025. And as part of preparations for the games, the NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade is currently attending a two day seminar in Riyadh as the Chef de Mission for Team Nigeria. The seminar will afford all participating countries the opportunity to get acquainted with the games new guidelines and modules operandi. The Director General departed the Country on Friday, immediately after supervising the successful execution of the 22nd National Sports festival in Ogun state. The DG's participation at the games' strategic seminar is expected to ensure Team Nigeria is fully equipped with all the regulations and requirements needed for Nigeria to record a successful outing at the games in November. The Islamic solidarity Games is another opportun...