World News Update

The Nigerian National League (NNL) Conference B is reaching its climax, with Sporting Lagos poised to secure a spot in the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL). The Lagos-based team is on the cusp of booking their ticket back to the top flight, and all they need is a maximum points haul from their final two fixtures against Rovers FC at home and Osun United away. This would mark the end of a two-year wait since their relegation, and their fans are eagerly anticipating a return to the NPFL. Sporting Lagos has been on a roll, showcasing impressive form and determination, their recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. With a solid squad and a winning mentality, they will be looking to carry this momentum into their final two games and seal their promotion. However, Akwa United, currently leading Conference B with 31 points, will not go down without a fight. The Promise Keepers need to defeat Solution FC and hope Sporting Lagos drop points to keep their promotion hopes alive. W...

…Sets New Standard for Road Racing in Nigeria. By - Phemmy Adetula. The maiden edition of the Yenagoa City International 10km Race has ended on a resounding high, earning widespread acclaim as a landmark sporting event and setting a new benchmark for the organisation and delivery of road races in Nigeria. Following months of meticulous planning and strategic coordination, the race delivered a seamless, world-class experience, drawing commendation from stakeholders across the sports ecosystem. The race, flagged off by the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, witnessed outstanding performances from elite athletes, with Ethiopia’s Habtamu Birhane Molla clinching victory in the men’s category with an impressive time of 29:23.62. Nigeria’s Gang James finished second in 29:59.90, while Francis James secured third place in 30:16.71. The women’s race was dominated by Ethiopian athletes, as Shewaye Dueo Tolosa emerged winner with a time of 33:50.07. Tigist Girma Aseta ...

Ethiopian runner Habtamu Birhane has made history by winning the inaugural Yenagoa City International 10KM Race in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 29:23 minutes, claiming the top prize of $5,000. Birhane's victory was followed by Nigerian runners Gang James (29:59 minutes) and Francis James (30:16 minutes), who secured second and third places, respectively. They will take home $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. In the women's category, Ethiopian athletes dominated the podium, with Shewaye Dugo Tolosa (33:50 minutes), Tigist Girma (34:07 minutes), and Gacasho Jilo (34:57 minutes) taking the top three spots. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri congratulated the organizers, Nilayo Sports Management, and the State Sports Ministry for putting together a successful event. "This race has come to stay in Bayelsa, and we'll do our best to improve on the next edition," he said, praising the event's potential to put the state on ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Jos was, in every material sense, strategic, deliberate, and outcome-driven. This was not a symbolic stopover. It was a structured engagement with critical stakeholders across Plateau State. Several leaders spoke—the National Chairman of the APC, two former governors, the serving governor Caleb Muftwang, a former Deputy Speaker Hon. Wase and a respected traditional authority Da Jacob Gyang Buba (CFR) who is the 5th and current Gbong Gwom Jos. The conversation did not end in Jos; the President extended it, inviting key leaders to Abuja for continued engagement—an important signal of sustained federal attention. I was Present. The engagement lasted for almost an hour.  The more consequential aspect, however, was the substance of the engagement itself. The President convened a high-level session that included the nation’s top military command alongside state stakeholders. He did not merely listen—he interrogated, demanded clarity, and issued dire...

The Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, has described the maiden Yenagoa City International 10KM Race as a bold declaration of Bayelsa State’s readiness to take its place on the global sporting stage. Speaking at a pre-race World Press Conference in Yenagoa, Mrs. Olopade said the race, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, is more than just a sporting event, but a strategic initiative aimed at youth engagement, economic stimulation, and community development. “This event is not just another race, it is a statement of intent,” she said. “A statement that Bayelsa State is ready to take its place on the global sporting stage, and that excellence is not accidental, but deliberate.” Organized by Nilayo Sports Management Ltd, the race is an initiative of the Bayelsa State Government, with strong backing from Governor Douye Diri and the State Ministry of Sports. Mrs. Olopade commended the leadership for their vision and commitment to delivering a worl...

The 3rd edition of the National Para Games came to successful end on Friday inside the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National stadium as Enugu state emerged overall winners. The closing ceremony witnessed the presence of top government dignitaries including the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shetima, who represented the First lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON. Also present at the event were; the Honourable Minister for state Education Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and the Wife of the Honourable speaker of the House of Representatives H.E Fatima Tajudeen Abbas amongst others. Thr First lady commended all the participating athletes for their discipline, focus and resilience and reassured them that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will continue to create opportunities for them to excel. " I celebrate and commend the athletes for their participation at this competition.For...

The Nigerian National League (NNL) Conference D has reached its climax, with Jigawa Golden Stars taking the top spot following a disciplinary ruling that awarded them three points and three goals against Yobe Desert Stars.  The decision, stemming from Yobe's use of a suspended player, Shedrack John, has set the stage for a thrilling final day. Ranchers Bees, who had previously led the table, now face a must-win scenario to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League. They travel to Gombe United, who need a win to survive relegation. A victory for Gombe could dash Ranchers Bees' hopes, making it imperative for the Kaduna side to come out strong. Notably, Ranchers Bees are under new ownership, with Sadiq Umar and partner at the helm, and a win would be a significant step towards their first-ever promotion to the NPFL. Meanwhile, Jigawa Golden Stars will travel to Kebbi to trade tackles against Kebbi United with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the NPFL. The Dutse-bas...

With just two days to the highly anticipated maiden Yenagoa City International 10KM Race, anticipation has reached fever pitch as athletes, residents, and stakeholders gear up for a landmark sporting event in Bayelsa State. Scheduled to take place on April 4, 2026, the race is set to transform Yenagoa into a vibrant hub of athletic excellence, community participation, and global sporting attention.  Organizers, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. have now unveiled detailed route directions and hydration points to ensure a seamless and world-class race experience for all participants. The race will commence at Opolo Roundabout on Isaac Boro Expressway, with runners covering a dynamic course through major parts of the city. The route extends approximately 10 kilometers, passing through Sanni Abacha Expressway and Lambert Eradiri Road, before culminating at the iconic Peace Park along Mbiama-Yenagoa Road. To support athletes throughout the race, strategically placed water points have been e...

Nigeria's first lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON , has confirmed her presence to grace the closing ceremony of the 3rd edition of the National Para Games taking place at the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja. The National Sports Commission,NSC, disclosed that the first lady who has been a passionate lover and sponsor of Para sports in Nigeria, is the special guest of honour as the games comes to an exciting end on Friday inside the main bowl of the Abuja National stadium. The presence of the first lady will further boost and climax what has been a very successful hosting of the 3rd edition of the National Para Games which has witnessed the coming together of the country's finest para athletes from all over the country. Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been a very  strong advocate of Nigerian sports development with her investments, funding and support for different sports in the country. She was the Grand Patron of the 2025 Africa Women's Volleyba...

The African Union Sports Council Region 2, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, has convened a Workshop on the Popularization of African Union Policy For Sustainable Development of Sports in Africa.  The workshop, held at BON Hotels in Abuja, brings together Sports Directors from West Africa to discuss strategies for implementing the AU's sports policy framework. Speaking at the Workshop. Dr. Angel Martins, A.G. Director Social Development, Culture and Sports, African Union, emphasized the importance of member states' contributions to the Union's budget, ensuring they're in good standing and avoiding sanctions. "Our financial Secretary is always in engagement with all the member states to ensure that they are in good standing with the Union," she said. Dr. Martins stated that the African Union is committed to nurturing talents and promoting African Games, preparing athletes for international competitions. "The African Union really ensures...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially unveiled a list of distinguished Team Nigeria Ambassadors ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, reflecting the country’s commitment to a strong and impactful outing at the global multi-sport event. The list, as approved by the Commission, features prominent figures across sports administration, athlete representation, and corporate partnership. Amongst the delegation of ambassadors is Mallam Saleh Ahmadu, alongside respected stakeholderi including Dr. Amos Adamu, Chief Patrick Ekeji, Alhassan Yakmut, Gbenga Elegbeleye.  These experienced administrators previously served as Director General of the NSC, and thus, carry tremendous wealth of experience that will benefit Nigeria at the Games and beyond. Also named are ex elite athletes and stakeholders such as Olympic medalist Daniel Igali, Blessing Oborodudu, Tajudeen Ogunbade, Khadijat Sulaiman, Victor Iroele, as well as a representative from Premium Trust Bank and th...

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has announced a formidable list of membership to serve in the Main Organising Committee, MOC, for the maiden edition of National Intermediate Games scheduled to be held later this year in Lagos state. The National Intermediate Games is one of the many forward thinking initiatives birthed by the current leadership of the NSC led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon Bukola Olopade to further earnest the sports production mandate of the new NSC under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy ( RHINSE ). The Intermediate Games was also established to create a scientific and organic pathway for athletes who are above 15 years of age after attending the National Youth Games. The Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade will serve as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee  while the Local Organising Committee Chairman will serve as the Vice Chairman and Olalekan Alabi is the MOC Secretary. Other members of ...

The Nigeria National League (NNL) promotion battle is intensifying, with several clubs vying for a spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Doma United FC has already secured promotion from Northern Conference Group C, ending Lobi Stars' NPFL hopes. The Gombe-based club, which was relegated from the Premier League two seasons ago, is looking to make a swift return to the top flight. In Southern Conference Group B, Inter Lagos and Beyond Limits are locked in a tight contest for the single promotion spot. Both teams have impressed, but only one can make it to the top flight. Beyond Limits has experience, having earned promotion two years ago, but were unable to take their place due to NPFL rules. Inter Lagos, on the other hand, is determined to feature in the NPFL for the first time and is doing everything to secure the coveted spot. Akwa United appears poised to secure promotion from Southern Conference Group A, having extended their lead to 5 points with a 3-1 win over E...

 _Commend their commercial rebirthing of Nigerian football league_  The Nigerian National League (NNL) is experiencing a significant commercial resurgence, powered by the strategic investment of Toptier Sports Management and the innovative broadcast execution of Team 33 Production.  A few days ago, Team 33 produced a live broadcast of the game between First Bank of Lagos against Osun United, which attracted plaudits from fans and other stakeholders alike. The game which ended in a 2-0 win for the Lagos based side was another watershed moment for the League’s prospects. Once regarded as a competition with limited commercial appeal, the league is now being repositioned as a viable sports property capable of attracting sponsors, advertisers, and media investors. At the heart of this transformation is a deliberate shift in how the league is packaged and presented. Through high-quality live broadcasts, structured matchday storytelling, and consistent digital visibility, the NN...

Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), Africa’s leading sports marketing and management agency, has unveiled an attractive prize structure for the inaugural Yenagoa City International 10KM Race, scheduled for April 4, 2026. Themed “The Reveal (Bayelsa Wua!),” the race is strategically designed to position Bayelsa State as a rising hub for international road racing while celebrating and rewarding outstanding athletic talent.  The 10KM race, which will commence from Opollo Roundabout, reflects global best practices and reinforces the organizers’ ambition to deliver a truly world-class sporting experience in the Niger Delta. To ensure broad-based recognition, the prize framework is divided into two key categories: the International Elite Category and the Nigerian Category.  In the International Elite division, male and female winners will each receive $10,000, while second- and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $3,000, respectively. Complementing this is a strong local...

PRESS STATEMENT  Nigeria officially welcomed the African Games Bid Evaluation Committee on Monday, marking a significant step in the nation’s quest to host the 2031 African Games. The delegation, led by Dr. Decius Chipande, was received by top officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and treated to a comprehensive and compelling presentation showcasing Nigeria’s readiness, capacity, and vision to host a memorable Games. Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, in his remarks, reaffirmed the solid support of the Federal Government for the bid. He emphasized that hosting the African Games remains a national priority, backed by strong political will and a commitment to deliver world-class infrastructure, seamless organization, and a lasting legacy for African sports. Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, presented Nigeria’s strategic sponsorship and marketing framework, outlining innovative approaches to funding and commercial partnerships. He noted that Ni...

News  The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday directed its state and zonal coordinators to intensify grass-roots mobilization by promoting President Bola Tinubu’s policy achievements in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, the national coordinator of the party’s Renewed Hope Ambassadors network, issued the directive during the group’s fourth strategic meeting in Abuja. The gathering followed an earlier session organized by the Progressive Governors’ Forum in February at the Presidential Villa, attended by President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The network is designed to propagate President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the community level under a unified strategy: “One Party, One Message, One Mobilization Framework.” “This outfit is designed to create national awareness, help citizens understand the reasons for the President’s reforms, educate them on their necessity, and inform them of the benefits as they trickle d...