World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports, crediting the renewed energy and direction in the sector to the visionary leadership of Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.  Since the assuming office, the duo turned the tide, ensuring accountability, transparency, and world-class standards that align seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Their leadership prowess has been at the heart of the Commission’s transformation, setting a new benchmark in sports administration. Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade has provided the operational edge that has translated vision into reality.  The podium board initiative bolstered under this administration has paid off tremendously. By ensuring cost-effectiveness and timeliness in athletes’ preparation, the NSC has been able to deliver on its promises. For the first time in years, all athletes have received their train...

PRESS RELEASE The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their sterling performances at the 30th Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India, where they have secured an impressive medal haul and further enhanced the country’s reputation on the global stage. As of penultimate day of the Championship, Nigerian weightlifters amassed four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Speaking on the achievement, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko noted that “to win medals, especially gold medals at this level takes a lot of preparation, sacrifice, and determination. Our athletes have shown the world that Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with in weightlifting. Their success is a victory for our country, for every young aspiring athlete, and for the development of Nigerian sports as a whole.” Significantly, all athletes who clinched gold medals have now automatically qualified for the 2026 Commonw...

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the composition of the Electoral Committee for the forthcoming National Sports Federations Elections. In line with the Commission’s mandate to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, the Committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting credible elections across all participating sports federations. The Electoral Committee comprises the following distinguished members: 1. Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye – Chairman 2. Barr. Samson Ebomhe – Vice Chairman 3. Mr. Lawal Adeoye Waheed – Member 4. Hon. Tunde Popoola – Member 5. Barr. Maryam Orotope Paul – Member 6. Mr. Farouk Yelima – Member 7. Mrs. Rita Mosindi – Secretary The Committee will announce the election timetable and oversee all processes leading to and including the conduct of the elections. The NSC assures stakeholders and the general public of the integrity of this exercise and calls on all member...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS UNIT  PRESS RELEASE  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to sports as a catalyst for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness. Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and  Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President emphasized that sports remain a vital force in building cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse peoples while offering young talents a pathway to international excellence. “From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government remains committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies to ensure they grow into world-class ambassadors for Nigeria. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” President Tinubu said. He further pledged to strengthen grassroots s...

PRESS STATEMENT  The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) agenda of enhancing women’s participation in sports governance.  In line with this objective, the NSC is pleased to announce the formal recognition of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) as a stakeholder in the governance structure of National Sports Federations (NSF). This strategic milestone reflects Nigeria’s resolve to align with international standards while promoting gender inclusiveness in sports administration.  NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, have consistently championed inclusiveness in the Commission’s leadership structure. Today, three of the NSC’s core departments are led by outstanding women — Mrs. Mbora (Federations and Elite Athletes), Mrs. Amaka Ashiofu (Grassroots), and Mrs. Thecla Opara (Festivals & Para Sports). Their stewardship exemplifies how gende...

 PRESS STATEMENT The stage is set for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) with an impressive turnout of athletes and officials confirmed to participate. Following the conclusion of the Digital Registration Management (DRM) process, a total of 6,382 individuals representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to converge in Asaba from August 29 to September 6, 2025. The finalized entries so far include 4,961 athletes, 635 coaches, 386 team officials, and 400 state delegates. These figures highlight the growing scale and importance of the Games, which continue to serve as a platform for nurturing young sporting talent and fostering unity across Nigeria. Gombe State is yet to complete DRM procedures for its contingent of 74 participants. Currently, the overall figure will be officially confirmed at 6,382 registered athletes and officials. No fewer than 37 sporting events will be contested at this year’s Games, ensuring a wide display of ski...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT PRESS RELEASE The National Sports Commission has applauded  Didih Onome Omolola for winning gold in the women 53kg at the ongoing Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad,  India today. This is coming after Ruth Nyong Asuquo won silver in the 48kg junior women category on Monday.  An elated NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko believes that with Onome's golden lift, the floodgate of medals for Team Nigeria has been opened. His words, "This championship will serve as qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games next year meaning that it’s imperative to excel so as to earn the right to participate at the Games next year. It’s for this reason we ensured  there is dedicated budget line in the Appropriation Act to support this process which was gratuitously approved by Mr. President . This has guaranteed some level of stability for the qualifiers and preparations for these major events like the Olympics and Commo...

In a stunning development that is sending shockwaves through the football world, Sheriff Tiraspol's star striker, Elijah Odede, is reportedly on the verge of a life-changing transfer to the German Bundesliga. The 20-year-old Nigerian sensation, who has been making waves in the football scene with his impressive goal-scoring prowess, has caught the attention of several prestigious Bundesliga clubs. According to sources close to the matter, these top-tier German clubs have made official offers for the young talent, who has been a revelation for Sheriff Tiraspol this season. Odede's impressive form, which has seen him score 8 goals in all competitions, has made him the top scorer for his team and has sparked intense interest from clubs across Europe. The 001 Group, the player's representatives, are said to be in advanced talks with several Bundesliga clubs, with a move to Germany looking increasingly likely. This potential transfer would mark a significant milestone in Odede...

…Turning Lagos into the epicenter of multi-sports, says DG Lagos State Sports, Lekan Fatodu Lagos is set to take center stage in the world of badminton as preparation reaches its peak for the 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics, scheduled to hold from August 27 to 30, 2025, at the Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. The prestigious four-day championship which promises to be a showcase of world-class talent is organised by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) in collaboration with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and support from the Lagos State Sports Commission.  The 2025 Lagos International Badminton Classics will feature over 200 players from 31 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Powerhouse badminton nations including India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia will compete alongside top athletes from the United States, Canada, France, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, underlining the tournament’s...

It has been an eventful season for Nigerian sports, with athletes representing the nation across multiple disciplines on the global stage.  From cricket to taekwondo, football to basketball, athletics to badminton, table tennis to weightlifting, and now swimming, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has overseen an unprecedented calendar of international participation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to the leadership of the NSC, under the guidance of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, is beginning to bear fruit. Nigerian sports federations are now competing at international events with renewed vigor and unity, free from the rancor that once hindered progress. Over the past week alone, Nigeria’s men’s basketball team has been in action at the AfroBasket Championship in Angola, the weightlifting contingent arrived in India for the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, and history was made in Romania where 17-year-old Abdul Jabar Adama won...

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) congratulates 17-year-old swimming sensation Abduljabar Adama and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation following his historic silver medal in the men’s 50m butterfly event at the World Junior Swimming Championships in Otopeni, Romania. Adama clinched silver with an impressive time of 23.64 seconds, finishing just 0.10 seconds behind Great Britain’s Dean Fearn, who took gold with 23.54 seconds.  NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed Adama’s achievement as a milestone for Nigerian sports: “Abduljabar Adama’s silver medal is a proud moment for Nigeria and for Africa. His hardwork and talent have once again demonstrated that our athletes can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.” Hon. Olopade added that “moments like this serves as a reminder to us at the NSC to remain committed to providing the support and structure needed to nurture such talents, and we believe this is only the beginning of many more i...

Three visits in less than a year. That is not mere coincidence, it is deliberate strategy. And as usual, disingenuous reportage from a section of the press is insinuating some obsession of President Tinubu with Brazil. Well, Yes. But It is an obsession in pursuit of economic partnerships and opportunities for Nigeria.  And that’s what visionary leaders do.  The deeper truth, however, lies in a deliberate arc of diplomacy — one that connects Nigeria’s voice in global governance to concrete opportunities for investment, trade, and cooperation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will undertake his third visit to Brazil from August 24–25, 2025, at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, one of our biggest supporters and partners.  This two-day State Visit will feature bilateral meetings, a Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum with leading investors, and the signing of key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across agriculture, energy, t...

 PRESS STATEMENT Asaba, Delta State, is set to become the center of Nigeria’s sporting excitement as it hosts the 2025 National Youth Games from August 29 to September 6.  The Stephen Keshi Stadium will serve as the main venue, with teams beginning to arrive from August 26 in preparation for the opening ceremony. The Games will feature no less than 37 sports across multiple venues, including the Stephen Keshi Stadium and its Indoor Sports Hall, multi-purpose halls, Government House Squash Court, Asaba Sports Club, Anglican Girls Grammar School, and Commissioner’s Quarters.  On the opening day, competitions will kick off in table tennis, karate, para-table tennis, and weightlifting. Other sports, including badminton, athletics, wrestling, chess, kickboxing, tennis, and abula, will continue until the penultimate day, leading up to the closing ceremony on September 6. Additional disciplines featured at the Games include deaf athletics, taekwondo, judo, wrestling, ayo, kungfu...

 PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been eliminated from the 2025 Men’s AfroBasket Championship following a 91–75 defeat to Senegal in their quarterfinal clash at the Pavilhão Multiusos Arena in Luanda. D’Tigers started the game brightly, edging a tightly contested first quarter 24–23. However, Senegal turned the tide in the second quarter, outshooting Nigeria 30–18 to establish an 11-point halftime lead (53–42).  Jean-Jacques Boissy proved decisive for Senegal, leading all scorers with 17 points at the break, while Ike Nwamu kept Nigeria in contention with 14 points. The third quarter saw Senegal extend their dominance, limiting Nigeria to just 13 points while scoring 23 of their own, stretching the lead to 76–55 heading into the final quarter. Despite a spirited fightback from the Nigerians in the fourth, the gap proved too wide to close. The game ended 91–75 in favor of Senegal, who advance to the semifinals, while Nigeria’s campaign came to an end. D’Tigers showed pro...

Following the recent acquisition of Ranchers Bees of Kaduna by Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar and Federal House of Representatives member Bello El Rufai, the club has announced a landmark partnership with European sportswear giants Macron. The Italy-based brand, renowned for its quality and innovation in sportswear, signed a one year deal to kit Ranchers Bees ahead of the upcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) season.  Speaking on the transformation, the new owners emphasized their vision for the club’s revival: “We want to put a smile on the face of Kaduna people. This club means a lot to the state, and the new management is committed to restoring its glory,” Super Eagles hitman, Sadiq Umar stated. “I am coming with a lot of experience as a player, while Hon. Bello brings strong corporate and administrative expertise as well. Together, we aim to reposition Ranchers Bees as a force in Nigerian football.” Under the agreement, Macron will supply the club’s matchday kits, training we...

 PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been strongly commended for his timely intervention on the impasse in the Nigeria Wrestling family that led to a protest at the Government house in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state on Monday. The commendation is coming from the Bring Back Amas Movement, BBAM, who staged a rally because of the suspension of Olympian Amas Daniel by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. The DG who was on an official visit to the state over  the potential bid of the Bayelsa state Government to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, swiftly demonstrated his leadership and fatherly qualities to resolve the impasse to the satisfaction of all parties. And according to the Lead Convener of the Bring back Amas Movement, Comrade Sikpi Linus, the DG intervention was timely and very assuring, which underscores why he is unarguably the best fit for the position he is currently occupying in Nigerian Sports. " Special th...

 PRESS STATEMENT The stage is set for a heavyweight clash as Nigeria’s D’Tigers face The Lions of Senegal in the quarterfinal of the 2025 AfroBasket on Wednesday afternoon. Senegal booked their spot after defeating South Sudan 78–65 in the playoff round, setting up a mouthwatering tie with Nigeria, who topped group B. The Lions boast a rich history in the competition, with five championship winner’s medals (1968, 1972, 1978, 1980, 1997), six silver medals, and five bronze medals. This year marks their 30th AfroBasket appearance. Nigeria, meanwhile, are making their 20th appearance at the tournament. The D’Tigers won gold in 2015, with additional silver medals in 1997, 1999, 2003, and 2017, and bronze in 1995, 2005, and 2011.  The Nigerian team has been in strong form so far, topping Group B after victories against Madagascar (77–59), Tunisia (87–66), and Cameroon (99–90). Senegal also impressed in the group stage with wins over Uganda (88–53) and Mali (84–70), but they fell to...

 PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, has congratulated the Nigeria Scrabble Junior team following their heroics at the Pan Africa Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi, Kenya. The Nigerian team showed its unrivalled dominance in African Scrabble by winning both the Under 19 and Under 15 tournaments. Team Nigeria won the U19 and U15 individual and team crowns with Sophia Ekeruche winning the U15 while Prestige Archibong dominated the U19 category. The Director General said this is another testament to Nigeria's increasing dominance in Sports on the continent, and we must  commend our junior Scrabble players for this feat which we are very proud of at the Sports Commission. " We are very excited to see that the objective of our Renewed Hope initiative for Sports Development is already yielding dividends across the various sports.This is another massive achievement for our grassroots sports development drive and our in...

 PRESS STATEMENT  Nigeria’s D’Tigers delivered a commanding performance to defeat Cameroon 99–90 in their final group match at the 2025 AfroBasket Championship in Angola, sealing their spot in the quarterfinals with an unbeaten record. The game started on a knife’s edge, with both teams trading baskets in a tightly contested first quarter that ended 28–27 in Nigeria’s favor. However, the D’Tigers found their rhythm in the second quarter, shifting gears to dominate both ends of the court. They outshot and outpaced the Cameroonians, storming to a 58–41 lead at halftime. By the third quarter, Nigeria’s superiority was clear. A relentless offensive display pushed the scoreline to 84–53, opening a 31-point lead that effectively killed off the contest. Although Cameroon staged a late rally in the fourth quarter, Nigeria had already secured the win and used the period to rotate and rest key players. The game eventually closed at 99–90. Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie led the way wi...

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Akin Dare, CON, on Saturday paid a sympathy visit to Fresh FM, Ibadan, following the fire incident that affected parts of the station’s facility. Chief Dare described the outbreak as “a painful and unfortunate development,” noting that Fresh FM has grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading broadcast platforms with a reputation for excellence in journalism and entertainment. He stressed that the setback should not discourage the station but rather strengthen its resolve to continue serving its millions of listeners. “The Federal Government is concerned about this incident. Fresh FM has over the years distinguished itself as a credible voice in the media space, and I am confident that this fire outbreak will not silence that voice,” Dare said. In his response, Chairman of Fresh FM, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, expressed appreciation to the Presidential Adviser for the visit and solidarity. He said the gesture demo...

PRESS STATEMENT The 2025 AfroBasket Group B is about to witness its biggest showdown yet as Nigeria’s D’Tigers face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions on Sunday afternoon in Luanda.  Both teams arrive at this decisive clash unbeaten after two group games each, with Nigeria topping the table on points difference. The stakes could not be higher, as a victory for either side secures an automatic quarterfinal ticket, while the loser will be forced to take the longer route through the playoffs. Nigeria opened their campaign with authority, dispatching Madagascar 77-59 with swag and poise. Caleb Agada’s brilliance shone through as the D’Tigers turned a slim halftime lead into a dominant second-half display.  They followed up that performance with an emphatic 87-66 win over Tunisia, ending the defending champions’ hopes of a clean sweep in Group B. Josh Okogie’s performance (33 points) in that game not only energized the squad but also signaled that Nigeria may be peaking at the right time...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, maintained their unbeaten start to the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship in Angola with a commanding 87–66 victory over defending champions, Tunisia in their second group stage encounter. The Nigerians came out firing from tip-off, producing a high-energy first quarter that left their North African opponents chasing shadows.  A flurry of fast breaks, accurate perimeter shooting, and tight defensive work saw D’Tigers take a 29–16 lead after 10 minutes of action. In the second quarter, the boys in green and white continued to dictate the tempo, at one point opening up a 20-point gap. Tunisia responded with a brief scoring run towards the end of the half, but Nigeria still held a solid 48–33 advantage going into the break.  The star of the show at halftime was Josh Okogie, who had already dropped 19 points, displaying the poise and skill that have made him an NBA star. The third quarter proved decisive as D’Tigers ...

Super Eagles striker and Real Sociedad forward, Sadiq Umar, alongside current House of Representatives member (Kaduna North), Hon. Bello El-Rufai, have officially acquired Rancher Bees FC, the historic Kaduna-based football club.  The team is set to compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the upcoming season. Rancher Bees FC is a traditional name in Nigerian football history, having produced several former internationals and enjoyed a rich legacy in the Kaduna football scene. Speaking on the acquisition, Sadiq Umar expressed his excitement about reviving the club’s glory days. “I and my partner Hon. Bello want to return the club to its old glory days. Growing up, I watched Rancher Bees of Kaduna, a club that produced countless players. It’s a thing of pride and joy for us to be the bona fide owners of the club,” Sadiq said. The new owners have ambitious plans, with Rancher Bees FC fielding both an academy team and a professional side for the NNL campaign. “Our target is to ...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed the official schedule for the 2025 National Youth Games, as the nation counts down to the much-anticipated multi-sport event to be hosted by Delta State. According to the Commission, the Games will run from August 26 to September 6, 2025, bringing together the best young talents from across the country to compete for glory and national recognition. Over the past few months, the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have been actively inspecting and certifying facilities and venues, to ensure they meet the required standards for hosting a successful championship. The build-up to the Games will commence with registration, which will take place from August 16 to 20, 2025, while zonal elimination is scheduled between August 16 and 18.  The Pre-DRM will follow on August 19 and 20, with the DRM holding from August 21 to 24. The main tournament will then run from August 26 to September 6,...

PRESS STATEMENT Team Nigeria is set to depart for Santiago, Chile, to compete in the prestigious World Para-Powerlifting Championships, from August 11 to 18, 2025. The team, comprising Nigeria’s finest para-powerlifters, will represent the nation with determination and pride, aiming to further cement Nigeria’s dominance in the sport on the global stage.  Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for their commitment and hard work throughout their camping period, urging them to go all out for victory. “You are carrying the hopes and pride of millions of Nigerians. Compete with focus, discipline, and the fighting spirit that has made our country a powerhouse in para-powerlifting. We believe in your ability to make history once again and bring glory to the nation,” he charged. With an impressive track record in past competitions, the athletes are fully prepared to showcase their strength, skill, and resilience against the world’s b...

  A Goodwill Message to the Delegates at the Inaugural Progressive Digital Media Summit by Chief  Sunday Dare, CON, FNIS. August 1, 2025  First, I thank the organizers for recognizing the vital role of digital media in 21st-century communications. Your efforts are crucial in shaping our narrative and fostering progress.  Let us remember that politics is not inherently evil; it works for the majority when visionary leaders take the reins. In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Reforms Agenda a bold Vision for Nigeria is unfolding.   This is where you, as digital media pioneers, come in. To design, to tell, to lead the narratives about what is being done. Promises made are being kept.   Imagine just 500 people with smartphones spreading the gospel of Renewed Hope – that's millions of Nigerians who can be impacted. This is the power of digital media.  Programs like NELFUND have directly impacted thousands of Nigerian youth, empoweri...

 _Finished 4th overall with 25 medals in Algeria_  Athletes and officials of the Nigeria school sports contingents have successfully returned home  after an impressive showing at the inaugural School sports games in Algeria. The team enmassed 25 medals in total and finished forth overall at the games. According to the Team Captain Miracle Ezechukwu, "this is an international exposure for us as athletes and  we will come better in the future. " I want to use this opportunity to thank the National sports commission who gave us the opportunity to represent our father. It is a rare opportunity and a dream come through flying out of the country in the green and white colours". " Long ago I have been watching athletes traveling and I never knew that I will not only travel out to  represent Nigeria but also captain Nigeria".  " I am very proud of my achievements having won two gold medals and one silver at the competition", she said. The successful outing of...