World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT Para-Powerlifting African Open Championships: Nigeria Wraps up Tourney With 13 Medals, as Onyinyechi Mark Smashes World and African Records on Final Day: Team Nigeria wrapped up its impressive outing at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, ending the final day of individual events, with an additional three medals comprising two gold and one silver, while also recording new African and World records.  At the end of its participation, Nigeria’s total tally at the championships stood at 13 medals, consisting of seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.  On the final day. Nigeria’s medal rush was headlined by Mark Onyinyechi Gift in the women’s 67kg category. She delivered a historic performance by breaking the African record and also setting a new World Record, underscoring Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in para-powerlifting. Another outstanding moment was the remarkable performance of Folashade Oluwafemiayo, wh...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria Shines in Oran as Rita Ferdinard Sets New African Record at African Open Para Powerlifting Championship: Team Nigeria continued its impressive outing at the African Open Para Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, delivering another dominant performance on Friday as the country closed the day with an impressive haul of five gold, two silver and two bronze medals. The Nigerian contingent once again demonstrated strength and technical excellence across several weight categories, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading para powerlifting nations. In the women’s 41kg category, Nigeria’s Anifat Ganiyu claimed gold after a commanding display that set the tone for another successful day for Team Nigeria. In the women’s 50kg category, Ajiboye Rukayat delivered a brilliant performance to secure gold for Nigeria, while compatriot Nworgu Esther added to the medal tally with a silver medal finish in the same category. Nigeria’s dominance ...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria Shines After Day Two at African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria: Team Nigeria open its campaign at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, on an impressive note, as the nation has won 3 medals after the conclusion of Day Two events. Nigeria’s Ogundolie Tolulope delivered a remarkable performance in the women’s 45kg category to clinch the gold medal, showcasing strength, determination, and technical excellence against a highly competitive field. In the women’s 55kg category, Oyema Esther displayed resilience and composure to secure the silver medal for Team Nigeria, further underlining the nation’s growing dominance in para-powerlifting on the African stage. The men’s 54kg category also produced another podium finish for Nigeria, with Ezuruike Roland earning a bronze medal after a spirited performance that demonstrated courage and competitive intensity throughout the event. Director General of the National Sports Commissio...

 PRESS STATEMENT SUNDAY DARE SYMPATHISES WITH FAMILIES, VICTIMS, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT OVER SCHOOL ATTACK, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU IS MONITORING CLOSELY: The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, extends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, the Government and people of Oyo State, and indeed the entire nation, over the deeply painful and unconscionable attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attack, which led to the abduction of students, teachers, and a school principal, has caused widespread concern and sorrow across the country. Mr. Dare described the incident as barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on the peace, safety, and future of innocent Nigerian children. He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed on the development and is persona...

NSC Felicitates With Weightlifting Contingent, as Nigeria Finishes African Senior Championship With Record Medal Haul: The National Sports Commission has congratulated Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent for their remarkable performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, where the nation finished with an impressive haul of 29 medals. Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the athletes for their resilience and outstanding representation of the country on the continental stage. “This performance is a strong statement that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction. Our athletes have continued to show courage, discipline and excellence whenever they step onto the international stage. Winning 29 medals at the African Championship is not just a victory for weightlifting, but a proud moment for the entire nation,” he said. Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the championship outing as another indication of the cou...

 PRESS STATEMENT African Athletics Championship: Nigeria Extends Women’s 4x100m Dominance, Claims Silver in Men’s Relay: Team Nigeria delivered another impressive performance on Day 4 of the CAA African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, winning gold in the women’s 4x100m relay and Silver in the men’s 4x100m event as the country’s athletes continued their strong showing at the continental competition. Nigeria’s women’s quartet of Rosemary Nwankwo, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Rosemary Chukwuma and Miracle Ezechukwu stormed to gold in the 4x100m relay with a winning time of 42.94 seconds to successfully defend their African title. The Nigerian team held off a strong challenge from Liberia, who settled for Silver, while hosts Ghana claimed Bronze. The victory means Team Nigeria has now won a fourth consecutive African title in the women’s 4x100m relay, extending an incredible winning streak that began in Asaba 2018 and continued through Mauritius 2022, Douala 2024 and now Accr...

NSC DG Bukola Olopade charges Nigeria Taekwondo athletes on Podium Success at African Championship in Mali: Director General  of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has paid a working visit to the National trials of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, urging the team to aim for Podium success at the African taekwondo championships in Bamako, Mali. The DG's visit is part of the inclusivity policy of the NSC, where every sport gets its desired attention, support and motivation to excel at major continental and global championships. The Director General said it is very important to demonstrate that every sport  truly matters to the general growth of Nigerian sports under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian sports Economy ( RHINSE ) reforms. He stresses that this underlines why the past one week has been full of landmark achievements for the country in different sports like Cycling, Weightlifting, Para sports and Athletics. " I am happy to be here to witness th...

 PRESS RELEASE  Okowa Elected CAA Senior Vice President: Nigeria’s athletics community has recorded another major continental breakthrough after Tonobok Okowa was elected Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics. The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria emerged victorious during the Executive Council election, defeating two other candidates in a keenly contested vote. Results from the ballot showed that Okowa secured six votes to finish ahead of South Africa’s Dlamini Dakhele, who polled four votes, while Bruno Konga managed one vote from the 11 votes cast. The victory further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in African athletics administration and comes at a time the country has continued to make strong impressions both on and off the track. Okowa’s emergence as Senior Vice President is expected to boost Nigeria’s voice in major decisions concerning the development of athletics across the continent, especially in areas involving compe...

PRESS STATEMENT African Athletics Championship: Team Nigeria Storms into 4x100 Relays Finals, as Medals Prospect Brightens: Team Nigeria delivered another strong outing on Day 3 of the ongoing CAA African Senior Athletics Championships with the men’s 4x100m relay team storming into the final after an impressive victory in their heat. Nigeria’s quartet of Favour Ashe, James Taiwo Emmanuel, Tejiri Godwin and Chidera Ezeakor clocked 38.77 seconds to comfortably win their heat ahead of Namibia and Zimbabwe, who finished second and third respectively. The Nigerian team showed great coordination, baton exchange and speed to secure automatic qualification for the final as hopes continue to rise for a podium finish in the event. In Heat 2, Ghana’s team of Edwin Gadayi, Joseph Amoah, Ibrahim Fuseini and Saminu Abdul-Rasheed won in a time of 38.69 seconds. Botswana finished second in 38.80 seconds while Kenya came third in 39.15 seconds. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ojeli narrowly missed out on a place i...

 *PRESS STATEMENT*  NSC Thumbs Up Weightlifting Team for Exceptional Performance at African Weightlifting Championships: The National Sports Commission has applauded the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their outstanding performances at the ongoing 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships and 16th Mediterranean Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, where Nigerian lifters have already amassed 10 gold and five silver medals after two days of competition. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the performances as a clear reflection of the renewed commitment to sporting excellence in the country, noting that the athletes have continued to justify the confidence and investments being made in Nigerian sports. “This exceptional outing by our weightlifters is another proud moment for Nigeria and proof that our athletes can dominate on any stage when given the right support and environment. The consistency, discipline and hunger shown ...

PRESS STATEMENT NSC Relishes Remarkable Week for Nigerian Sports, Says President Tinubu’s Support Driving New Era of Growth: The National Sports Commission has stated that the last one week is a reflection of the country’s drive towards sports excellence, following a series of impressive achievements recorded by Team Nigeria across cycling, aquatics, and athletics, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for Nigeria to host the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football and this year’s CAF Awards Ceremony. Reacting to the recent developments, Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the current administration’s deliberate investment and support for sports are producing visible results across different sporting platforms. “This has been another great week for Nigerian sports and it is clear that the sector will continue to get better under the leadership and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Mr. President has shown genuine enthu...

 PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria Stands on Business, as Tobi Amusan Leads Medal Rush on Day 2 of CAA African Senior Athletics Championships: Day Two (2) of the 2026 CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, was a memorable outing for Team Nigeria as the nation recorded impressive performances across several events, winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. World record holder, Tobi Amusan, led the medal rain as she stormed to gold in the women’s 100m hurdles to hand Team Nigeria its first gold medal of the championships. Adaobi Tabugbo also impressed in the same event, producing a strong finish to secure the Bronze medal, as Nigeria occupied two podium positions for the event. Team Nigeria continued the celebrations by clinching a second gold medal on Day 2 through the Mixed 4x400m Relay team. The quartet of Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Sampson and veteran, Patience Okon-George combined brilliantly to finish first with a winning time of 3:16.41, to beat Botswana, Kenya an...

Inaugural National Intermediate Games in Lagos to set legacy standards for Nigerian Sports - NSC DG: The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade says the inaugural National Intermediate Games coming up Lagos is one of the biggest Policy shifts of the Commission since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, re-established the NSC. The Director General Stated this on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of the Main Organising committee of the Games held in Abuja. " The Intermediate Games will surely be one of our true sporting legacies in terms of podium placement, Grassroots development and building capacity, which is why we are  very excited at the Commission". " We have always struggled to find the right balance between the Youth Games and our Elite competitions and this is the whole essence of creating these Intermediate Games". " We also want to go back to the good old days and bring back  the Intermediate Sports system that produced some of the country...

National Sports Commission reaffirms commitment to supporting Elite Athletes, from Prospect to Podium: The Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade has reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring that Nigeria maximises the full potentials and qualities of its athletes both home and abroad for better podium placement at international competitions. The DG re-emphasized this when he paid a visit to the home of teenage track sensation, Annabelle Fasuba in the United Kingdom. The DG said it is the desire of the Commission to have as many young Nigerian athletes in the Diaspora to continually identify with the country's Sports project, and represent Nigeria at major International sports meets in a bid to revive and re-energise the fortunes of the nation as a major Sporting Country. “Nigeria wants you and will make sure we give you all the support you need to get to the very top in your career”.  " This is one of the core objectives of P...

PRESS STATEMENT Team Nigeria has emerged as the dominant force at the ongoing 2026 Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Para-Track and Track African Championships taking place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja. The championship has attracted elite cyclists from across the continent, including powerhouse nations such as Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, and host nation Nigeria. With a commanding performance on home soil after two days of intense competition, Nigeria currently tops the medals table with an outstanding haul of 16 medals comprising 9 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Nigeria’s remarkable outing places the country ahead of Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and Algeria, underlining the nation’s growing dominance and rising profile in African cycling. Egypt occupies second position on the medals table with 14 medals, while Kenya sits third with 9 medals. South Africa and Algeria complete the top five standings. The performances by Team Nigeria cyclis...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana from May 12–17. A total of 41 Nigerian athletes will represent the country at the six-day continental championships, as the team arrived Accra ahead of the Opening Ceremony on Monday. The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, charged the athletes to compete with confidence, discipline, and patriotism as ambassadors of the nation. “Team Nigeria has continued to demonstrate tremendous growth and consistency on the continental and global stage, and we are confident that our athletes will make the country proud once again in Ghana. “This championship is another opportunity to showcase the depth of talent we possess as a nation. We are particularly encouraged by the blend of experienced international stars and emerging young athletes in the team. The Nigerian contingent comprises...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended the Nigeria Aquatics Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their performances at the 17th Africa Aquatics Championships held in Oran, Algeria from May 5–10, 2026. Team Nigeria concluded the championships with a haul of three bronze medals, alongside several remarkable performances and continental recognition that further underline the rapid growth of aquatics sports in the country. Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the athletes, coaches, and the federation for making Nigeria proud on the continental stage. “This performance is another strong indication that Nigerian sports is on the rise across different disciplines. We are proud of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the athletes, coaches, and every stakeholder who contributed to this achievement in Algeria.” “Winning medals is commendable, but receiving the award as the Fastest Developing Federation in Africa clearly shows that the reforms, investments, a...

  The National Sports Commission has clarified misconceptions relating to the Sports for the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu state, confirming that twenty(20) sports have been picked to feature at the Games. The NSC said the clarification has become very important to set the records straight following the meeting of the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade with States' Directors of Sports held in Abuja. The DG reiterated the Commission's exclusive rights to organise and coordinate the National Sports Festival and reaffirmed that the decision to reduce the number of sports to twenty(20) was taken at the last National council on sports meeting held in Calabar, in consideration of the prevailing economic realities in the country. The DG further explained that the Commission's decision to come up with a list of twenty (20) sports for the games is inline with the model being used for the 2026 Commonwealth games in Glasgow, Scotland, where some sports were bein...

NNL Super Four Finale Set for 4pm Kickoff as Title Race Goes Down to the Wire: _Simultaneous Matches, ₦10M Prize and Portable’s Live Performance Add to Friday’s Showdown in Ikenne_ The final matches of the 2026 NNL Super Four will kick off at 4pm on Friday, not 3pm as earlier circulated, the league has confirmed. Both fixtures will be played simultaneously across two centers — a standard practice in professional leagues worldwide aimed at eliminating any possibility of match manipulation. “I crave the indulgence of fans to come out in numbers and enjoy top-class football artistry,” a league official said. “This is what you get in an ideal league, and it aligns with the best international standards.” The big question heading into the final day is who will lift the ₦10,000,000 prize and the NNL Super Four trophy. Will it be Sporting Lagos, Doma United, or Inter Lagos? Ranchers Bees are now out of contention after losing their first two matches. Beyond the title decider, fans can expect a...

_He Credits NFF President and Toptier Sports Management for League Growth_ Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has praised the quality and organization of the ongoing NNL Super Four in Ikenne, describing the tournament as a major step forward for Nigeria’s second-tier league. Speaking with journalists at the competition venue on Wednesday in Ikenne, Aluo said the NNL had successfully taken the Super Four “to another level,” highlighting the impressive atmosphere, quality officiating, and world-class facilities at the stadium in Ikenne. According to him, the venue ranks among the very best in the country. “The ambiance is very good. The stadium is world class — outside the Nest of Champions in Uyo, this is the best in the country. The playing turf is fantastic and the teams are playing very good football,” Aluo said. He added that the crowd turnout and officiating throughout the competition had also been commendable. “The referees have done a good job officiating...

Sporting Lagos delivered a commanding display at Remo Stars Stadium on Wednesday night, overpowering Doma United 4-0 to move top of the NNL Super Four standings with six points. Both sides started with intent. Doma United showed the first spark in the 5th minute when Mathew danced past his marker on the left and forced a low shot that was well blocked and turned behind for a corner. Sporting Lagos answered in the 15th minute through Akanni, who was played through on goal but failed to apply the finishing touch. As the half progressed, Sporting gained control with sharper movement and better midfield coordination. The pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Seun Akanji reacted quickest inside the box to slot home from close range and give Sporting a deserved lead. At halftime, Sporting Lagos led 1-0, looking the more composed and threatening side, while Doma United were left searching for a response. Any hopes of a comeback faded quickly after the restart. In the 47th minute, Shola do...

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, will present the trophy to the winners of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four on Friday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State. The grand finale of the competition is expected to deliver both football excitement and top-class entertainment as popular music star Portable and others are billed to perform live during the closing ceremony. The 2026 NNL Super Four has already attracted notable personalities in Nigerian sports and business circles. Monday’s opening day witnessed the presence of Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle, ex Minister of Youthe and Sports Development and current Presidential Spokesperson, Hon. Sunday Dare, and Chairman of Bet9ja, Kunle Soname, among other dignitaries at the Remo Stars Stadium. On the pitch, Sporting Lagos have emerged as the team to beat after winning their opening two matches. The Lagos-based side defeated Ranchers Bees 1-0 before overpowering Doma United ...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade has heaped  a special praise on  Nigeria's First lady, Senator Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for her continuous support for Nigerian Sports. The DG stated this as the First Lady received the Nigeria victorious Women Wrestling team who triumphed at the just concluded Africa Wrestling Championship in Egypt. The Country recorded an unprecedented 15th continental title in the women's category with eight gold and two silver medals by the country's women team. The DG said the first lady has been one of the biggest supporters of Nigerian Wrestling and more especially women involvement in Sports. " The first lady's special commitment to Nigerian sports has played a big role in the continuous success of the Country's women athletes at various continental and global competitions". " She has been a mother to every one of us,  sacrificing her time, her attention and finances to make sure ...

NNL Super 4: Inter Lagos Bounce Back with Win Over Ranchers Bees: Inter Lagos produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat Ranchers Bees 2-0 in their second game at the NNL Super Four, bouncing back strongly after a disappointing start to their campaign in Ikenne. They had opened the tournament with a narrow 0-1 defeat to Doma United, a result that left them needing a response, and they delivered it in style. The first half against Ranchers Bees was tightly contested, with both sides cancelling each other out and heading into the break locked at 0-0. The breakthrough came immediately after the restart in the 47th minute, when Qoyum Akinpelu unleashed a powerful strike from inside the box to put Inter Lagos ahead at 1-0. From that moment, they grew in confidence and began to take control of the game. Qoyum could have added another shortly after, choosing to go alone instead of squaring to Bayo Oyedele, but narrowly missed the target. However, Inter Lagos didn’t have to wait lo...

NNL Super Four: Inter Lagos, Ranchers Bees Clash in Must-Win Matchday 2 as Hostility Resumes: On the back of a disappointing opening match where both teams narrowly lost to their opponents, Inter Lagos and Ranchers Bees will go toe-to-toe in must win Matchday 2 of the 2026 NNL Super Four crunch showdown at Remo Stars Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.  With both teams desperate to get points on the board, this clash could define their title hopes. The Lagosians fell 1-0 to Doma United on Monday in a tight encounter where defensive solidity wasn’t enough to earn a result.  Ranchers Bees, meanwhile, suffered also a 1-0 loss to Sporting Lagos and now need an immediate response to stay in contention for the NNL crown. The equation is straightforward: lose again and the 2025/2026 NNL title race becomes a steep climb. A win keeps either side firmly in contention with two games still to play. For Inter Lagos, the focus will be on sharpening their attack. They created chances against Dom...

Doma United and Sporting Lagos Battle for Top Spot in NNL Super Four Showdown: Matchday 2 of the 2026 NNL Super Four closes with a pivotal encounter as Doma United face Sporting Lagos at Remo Stars Stadium on Wednesday evening. With both sides chasing a second straight win, the 6:00 PM kickoff could go a long way in deciding who controls the title race. Both teams made winning starts on Monday. Doma United edged Inter Lagos 1-0 through defensive discipline and composure under pressure, while Sporting Lagos beat Ranchers Bees by the same scoreline, using sharp transitions and pace on the break to carve out the result. Three points here would put either side in a commanding position in the 2025/2026 NNL title race with only one game left to play. A draw keeps both unbeaten but leaves everything to play for on Friday, while defeat would seriously dent their title ambitions. Tactically, the matchup sets up as a contrast in styles. Doma United will look to tighten their grip on midfield and...

Portable to Perform at NNL Super Four Finale: _First 200 Fans to win ₦5K each and Two Fans to Smile Home with ₦500K Each in NNL Super Four Raffle Draw_ Afrobeats star Habeeb “Portable” Olalomi will perform at the closing ceremony of the 2026 NNL Super Four, organizers confirmed on Wednesday at Remo Stars Stadium. The Ogun State-born performer is set to bring his signature high-energy set, viral dance moves, and hit songs as the NNL crowns the 2025/2026 champion in Ikenne. But the entertainment won’t stop at the music. Two lucky fans will each walk away with ₦500,000 in a live raffle draw conducted by Portable himself. On top of that, the first 200 fans through the gates on finals day will each receive ₦5,000. Video of Portable confirming his presence  _“We’re rewarding the fans who show up early and bring the atmosphere that makes Nigerian football special,”_ a Toptier Sports Management official said. _“From Portable’s performance to the cash giveaways, we want a proper festival of...