World News Update

The Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiative (Monitoring and Delivery), Dr Titilope Gbadamosi, has empowered over 100 youths and women in the Ibadan North West Local Government Area of Oyo State. Beneficiaries received cash support, aligning the initiative with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The empowerment programme, held in the spirit of the season, targeted youths and women across the local government and was described as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on inclusive growth, grassroots impact and improved welfare for ordinary Nigerians. Speaking at the event, Gbadamosi explained that the intervention reflects the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits at the community level. “This programme is in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises people-centred governance and direct support for those who need it mos...

PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed deep sympathy to global boxing star Anthony Joshua and the families of victims involved in a fatal road accident that occurred on Monday, December 29, at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. In a moment that transcended official statements and underscored the human side of leadership, Hon. Olopade swiftly paid a visit to former world heavyweight boxing champion, on the behalf of the chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the entire staff of the Commission. Hon. Olopade described the accident as tragic and deeply saddening, while thanking God for the survival of the boxing icon. Unfortunately, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami and personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele lost their lives in the crash. “On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sports family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved o...

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     _As its 40 billion Naira  investment set to revolutionise Nigerian Leagues_  The Toptier Sports Management has praised the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for the administrative role he played in the company's multi billion Naira investment in Nigeria  football that is set to revolutionise the domestic Nigerian leagues. Nigeria domestic football recently got a huge commercial rise after Toptier Sports management announced a 40 billion Naira investment into both the Nigeria National league, NNL, and the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, which will span the next ten years. Founder of the Toptier Sports management company, Chichi Nwoko, said the National Sports Commission, NSC, through the Director General, played a huge role in making the deal a reality. The Director General has always been a huge driver of  the Public Private partnership, PPP, and the role he played to make this deal happen is very commendable. She also praised...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended Team Nigeria for its outstanding performance and exemplary conduct at the recently concluded African Youth Games, describing the outing as a strong reflection of the nation’s vast grassroots talent and a promising future for Nigerian sports. Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade praised the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their dedication and commitment, with special recognition given to the grassroots development team. “Let me first of all thank the entire team, but especially the grassroots team. This performance is a testament to the amazing pool of talent we have in Nigeria. I have no doubt that many of the budding stars discovered from this championship will eventually become world beaters,” Hon. Olopade said. The NSC also expressed deep appreciation to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) under the leadership of Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, for its continued guidance and support throughout the...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION 4TH AFRICAN YOUTH GAMES UPDATE Nigeria recorded another major highlight at the ongoing 4th African Youth Games in Angola on Friday, as female weightlifter Florence Oluwadamilanre delivered an outstanding performance to win three gold medals in the 58kg A category. Oluwadamilanre dominated the competition, finishing ahead of Chanel Vivier of South Africa and Etori Bakie of Ethiopia to emerge the overall champion in her weight class. Her commanding display further underlined Nigeria’s growing strength in weightlifting on the continental stage. The triple-gold feat adds significant momentum to Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Games and reflects the country’s strategic plan in developing youth talents. The African Youth Games continue to serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents across the continent, with Nigeria maximizing the opportunity. SIGNED: Kola Daniel, S.A, Media, Office of the Director General,  National Sports Commission (NSC). ...

By Sunday Dare. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026 Budget Speech is remarkable, not only for its rhetorical flourish, it is remarkable, for something far more consequential in Nigerian public finance management: authority, realism, and enforcement intent. This budget  indicates where Nigeria is coming from, where it is, and—critically—what must now change. 1. A President Owning the Hard Truths, Powering Forward  The first strength of the speech lies in what it does not evade. The President openly acknowledges that: * budget execution must be stronger,firm * revenue assumptions were optimistic, * and fiscal reality eventually caught up with projections. This candour is rare in budget presentations, which often prefer abstraction over admission. By naming the problem plainly, the President establishes credibility and signals a shift from excuse-making to corrective action. The clarification that the additional three months for 2025 budget execution is legal housekeeping, not fis...

Nigerian football is on the cusp of a major transformation, thanks to a groundbreaking ₦40 billion investment from Toptier Sports Management.  The 10-year strategic investment is set to supercharge the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL), marking a seismic shift in the country’s domestic football landscape. "This is a long-term investment in structure, people, and possibilities," said Chichi Nwoko, Founder of Toptier Sports Management. "If Nigerian football is going to truly compete, it must be built deliberately, funded properly, and managed professionally. That is what this ₦40 billion commitment represents." Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) said “this ₦40 billion commitment is a clear vote of confidence in the reforms taking place across Nigerian sports. At the Commission, we are intentional about creating an environment where credible private investors can partner with government to ...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) proudly salutes Super Eagles legend, Ahmed Musa for his exceptional service, dedication, and contributions to Nigerian football as he officially calls time on his illustrious international career after 15 remarkable years. Reacting to Musa’s retirement, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, paid glowing tribute to the Super Eagles legend stating thus, “Ahmed Musa represents everything that is right about representing Nigeria; commitment, humility, resilience, and unwavering patriotism. For 15 years, he wore the green and white with pride, inspired a generation of young footballers, and delivered on the biggest stages.” “His record as the most capped Super Eagle and Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer speaks volumes about his consistency and excellence.” “On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sporting family, we thank Ahmed Musa for his selfless service and wish him co...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT  PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has lauded the impressive victories and overwhelming dominance of Team Nigeria across various categories at the ongoing 4th African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola. Medal table standings clearly reflect the Nigerian team’s winning spirit, resilience, and determination—attributes that have continued to make the leadership of the NSC, sports enthusiasts, and the nation at large proud. On Day One of competition in the “Gold Dust” category, Team Nigeria made a strong statement with a medal sweep in weightlifting, securing a total of eight (8) gold medals and one silver. In the 44kg category, Favour Cornelius thrilled the Nigerian contingent with an outstanding performance, clinching three gold medals after lifting 50kg in the snatch, 64kg in the clean and jerk, and recording a total of 114kg. Also delivering an exceptional performance in the 48kg category was Esther Chidalu Ez...

Nigeria made a powerful statement on Day 1 of the weightlifting events at the 4th African Youth Games in Angola, dominating the competition and winning a total of eight gold medals and one silver. Favour Cornelius led the charge in the 44kg category with an outstanding performance, claiming three gold medals after lifting 50kg in the snatch, 64kg in the clean and jerk, and finishing with a total of 114kg. In the 48kg division, Esther Chidalu Ezenwa delivered another triple-gold display for Nigeria. She recorded 63kg in the snatch, 77kg in the clean and jerk, and posted a combined total of 140kg to top the category. Chinaza Cecelia Ezenwa continued Nigeria’s golden run in the 53kg category, winning two gold medals and one silver. She lifted 65kg in the snatch to claim silver, before responding strongly with gold in the clean and jerk at 83kg and gold in the total with an impressive 148kg. On Day 1 of weightlifting event, Nigeria’s medal haul from stood at eight gold medals and one silve...

PRESS STATEMENT  Nigeria recorded another impressive outing at the 4th African Youth Games as its 50kg boxer, Abijuwon Furuk Olalekan, secured a convincing victory over Salmane Kochubati of Tunisia in the men’s 50kg category. Olalekan dominated the bout with confidence and technical superiority, earning a well-deserved win that has now qualified Nigeria for the semi-finals in the boxing event.  His performance further highlighted Nigeria’s strong presence and competitive edge at the Games. Meanwhile, attention shifts to the weightlifting arena as the weightlifting competition is set to commence tomorrow at Dream Space, with Nigerian athletes expected to be in action. SIGNED: Kola Daniel, S.A, Media, Office of the Director General,  National Sports Commission (NSC). December 17, 2025.

PRESS STATEMENT  Swimming action will continue on Day 4 of aquatics at the 4th Africa Youth Games at the Piscina do Alvalade pool in Luanda, Angola, with Nigerian athletes set to be on display. Timilehin Olaiya will feature in the final of the boys’ 400 metres individual medley after a strong showing in the earlier rounds. His progression into the final of one of swimming’s most physically demanding events underlines his growing confidence on the continental stage, as he looks to contend for a podium finish. Meanwhile, Aidan Dumuje Abili qualified for the final of the boys’ 100 metres backstroke but will not compete in the race. Team officials confirmed that the decision was a tactical one aimed at managing his overall workload and preserving energy for the 50 metres freestyle event scheduled for Tuesday, where expectations are higher and medal chances remain strong. Aidan earlier in the Games won bronze the 50m boys butterfly with personal best of 25.78.  In the girls’ 100 me...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria has claimed a prestigious gold medal in table tennis at the 4th African Youth Games after defeating continental powerhouse Egypt to emerge champions in the mixed team event. The Nigerian mixed team, represented by Matthew Fabunmi and Ojo Favour, delivered a composed and dominant performance in the final, overcoming Egypt by a convincing 2–0 scoreline to secure the gold medal and confirm Nigeria’s growing strength in youth table tennis. Nigeria’s journey to the top of the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories.  The team first defeated Tunisia in the quarters to book a place in the semifinals before producing a spirited display to overcome Algeria in a tense and hard-fought semifinal encounter. The gold medal ceremony added further significance to the achievement, as the Nigerian team was presented with their medals by Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). This triumph against one of Africa’s traditional table tenn...

PRESS STATEMENT Team Nigeria continues to soar at the ongoing 4th African Youth Games (AYG), delivering outstanding performances across multiple sports and reinforcing the nation’s growing dominance at the youth level. In Beach Volleyball, Nigeria clinched the Gold Medal in emphatic fashion, defeating Egypt 2–0 with convincing set scores of 21–15, 21–17, a testament to the team’s preparation, resilience, and technical excellence. Nigeria’s Badminton contingent also impressed, finishing with a strong medal haul: * **1 Gold Medal (Mixed Doubles)* * **2 Silver Medals** * **3 Bronze Medals** In Golf, Josephine Clement Benjamin capped a fine outing by winning the Bronze Medal for Team Nigeria at the conclusion of the golf events on Sunday, adding yet another podium finish to Nigeria’s growing medal tally. Also, Nigeria recorded another bronze, which came in the 50m Backstroke, as Aidan Dumuje Abili fought to finish on the podium. Meanwhile, in Table Tennis, Nigeria advanced to the Semi-Fina...

PRESS STATEMENT  The National Sports Commission has expressed delight over the impressive performance of Nigeria’s youth chess team at the 2025 Africa Youth Chess Championships, held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Nigeria’s contingent, featuring promising young talents such as Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Jason Nwankwo, Zita Agusionu, Olakitan Elegbede, and Adeola Elegbede, delivered commendable performances while competing against some of the finest young chess players from across the African continent. Competing in various age categories, the Nigerian players demonstrated high levels of tactical intelligence, mental resilience, and exemplary sportsmanship.  The Commission also acknowledged the leadership of Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, President of the Chess Federation of Nigeria, alongside members of the Federation’s Board, for their sustained commitment to advancing chess development nationwide. Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade stated that “beyond podium finishe...

- Clement Nwankpa Jr in Luanda  If trends are to be reckoned with, Nigeria seems to be bulldozing her way into a hitherto uncharted territory in sports. Over the years, we have decried the nation's lack of podium appearances in swimming, a multi medal event at major Games.  At the continental level, we had watched nations like Egypt and South Africa feast on medals in water like sharks preying in the sea. These medals ultimately enabled these countries to finish ahead of Nigeria in the overall medals table in most of these events. If Nigeria had not been impressive in Africa, of course little should be expected at the global stage.  The shortcomings in swimming weren't accidental. They were as a result of poor foundations. This is one of the sports that athletes stand better chances of excelling when they start very early. And we had never even been excellent at the junior levels.  Meanwhile, recent events point to a change in the nation's fortunes in swimming. There...

PRESS STATEMENT Team Nigeria delivered an outstanding performance on the track as athletics events concluded at the 4th African Youth Games in Angola on Saturday, finishing with an impressive haul of 11 medals.  The Nigerian contingent secured a total of six gold and five silver medals, underlining the country’s talented pipeline in youth athletics. In the sprints, Nigeria made a strong statement in the 100 metres. Rosemary Chigozie Nwakwo powered to gold in the girls’ race, clocking 11.77 seconds to top the podium. She finished ahead of South Africa’s Oluchi Ndubueze, who claimed silver in 12.12 seconds, while Morocco’s Maria Saadi took bronze in 12.27 seconds.  In the boys’ 100 metres, Emmanuel Akolo earned silver for Nigeria with a time of 10.76 seconds, finishing behind South Africa’s Micah Africa, who won gold in 10.67 seconds. The quarter-mile events also brought further success for Team Nigeria. Hafsoh Bisola Majekodunmi claimed gold in the girls’ 400 metres, producing ...