World News Update

With just two weeks to go to the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM), excitement continues to build as foremost bottling company, 7Up, confirms its participation in Africa’s biggest road race, adding fresh energy to an already buzzing marathon atmosphere. 7Up’s involvement further strengthens the growing list of giant brands aligning with the marathon, underscoring the event’s stature as a World Athletics Gold Label race and one of the most powerful sports platforms on the continent. The 2026 edition enjoys the support of an impressive lineup of partners, including headline sponsor Access Bank, the Lagos State Government, 7Up, Kia Motors, Power Oil, Brila FM, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Unilever, Eko Atlantic, Aquafina, Salonpas, Joy, Rexona, Easy Tipping, Robb, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals, Morning Fresh, among others. As race day approaches, brands are jostling for association with the marathon, drawn by its proven credibility, massive reach, consistency and unma...

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has strengthened its global sports drive and agenda with a high-level diplomatic engagement as the delegation from British Cycling paid a working visit to the Commission, reinforcing LSSC’s commitment to leveraging sports as an instrument for diplomacy, institutional learning, and sustainable development. The delegation, led by Ms. Amy Gardner, Sport and Participation Director at British Cycling, held discussions with the management of the Commission on areas of collaboration, with emphasis on knowledge exchange and skill transfer aimed at enhancing technical capacity and the cycling culture in Lagos State. Speaking during the visit, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the engagement as a deliberate and outcome-focused step in Lagos State’s broader sports development strategy. “Sports has become a powerful tool for diplomacy and development,” Fatodu said. “Our commitment to knowledge exchange an...

With 16 days to go to the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the race stands tall as a symbol of 11 years of consistency, growth, and continental pride, firmly established as one of Africa’s most anticipated sporting events. Over the past decade, the marathon has evolved into far more than a road race. It has unearthed athletic stars, amplified Africa’s voice on the global marathon stage, and driven significant economic activity across Lagos. From transportation and hospitality to small businesses, the event continues to stimulate the local economy, creating hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of indirect employment opportunities annually. Much of this success is credited to Nilayo Sports Management Ltd., the concept holders and organiser of the race, under the leadership of Mrs Yetunde Olopade. Her vision, consistency, and strategic direction have elevated the marathon to a World Athletics Gold Label race, setting new standards for road racing on the continent. On Saturday, February 1...

As preparations intensify for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2026, organisers have released the official race schedule and cut-off policy, offering clarity to thousands of runners counting down to race day. The announcement comes as part of the marathon’s final countdown, reinforcing transparency, fairness, and world-class race standards ahead of Africa’s biggest road race. *Race Schedule* The 42km marathon will flag off at 6:30am and officially close at 12:00pm, giving runners a total race duration of six hours. The 10km race will start at 9:30am and also close at 12:00pm. Organisers clarified that all registered runners are free to run at their own pace within the official race window.  However, the cut-off time applies strictly to medal qualification, not participation. *Medal Eligibility* Only runners who complete the full race on or before the official cut-off time will receive an official Access Bank Lagos City Marathon finisher’s medal. To maintain fairness and integrit...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT PRESS RELEASE Team Nigeria cyclists will train in Manchester for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is one of the fallouts from a meeting between the National Sports Commission, Cycling Federation of Nigeria and British Cycling Association on Tuesday.  The British Cycling Association delegation led by Commercial Strategy Manager Izza Ourzik was on a collaborative visit to Nigeria. The three-pronged collaboration focused on supporting the development of cycling in Nigeria; ensuring a culture of winning fairly in both the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as impacting on the society through sports and cycling.  Furthermore, an agreement was reached for the Team Nigeria cycling contingent to prepare in Manchester ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.  Responding, an elated National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko assured the delegation of the Commission's support towards the actualization of t...

 _assures on an improved organised Games in Edo state this year_  Organisers of the Niger Delta Games say the competition will continue to be an integral part of the sporting calendar of the National Sports Commission for the overall objective to change the trajectory of Grassroots sports development in Nigeria. This is according to Mr Malik Ikpokpo, chairman of Dunamis Icon , organisers of the Niger Delta Games during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade. Mr Ikpokpo said his visit to the NSC is to formally brief the Director General on the preparations towards the successful staging of the games this year in Edo state. He stated that the successful organisation of the first edition of the games last year in Akwa Ibom state was largely due to the strategic support of the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu and Hon Bukola Olopade. " We are very excited at the Niger Delta games that we have a very cordial rel...

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has expressed its deepest condolences to the Captain of the Super Eagles, Wilfred Ndidi, over the demise of his father Mr Sunday Ndidi. Mr Sunday Ndidi lost his life in a fatal motor accident. The Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade who expressed shock over the news, said this is a sad moment for Nigerian football and urged the entire sports family to put the  Ndidi family in their prayers in this difficult time. " On behalf of the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Nigerian Sports family, I want to express our heart felt  condolences to Wilfred Ndidi and his family for the unfortunate loss". " I know for a fact how close Wilfred Ndidi is to his father and the role the man has played in the success story of his son". "Wilfred Ndidi has been a patriotic servant for our great country over the years, playing for the Super eagles and also representing Nigeria in good light playing club football in Europe...

  With 18 days to go to the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the spotlight is firmly on defending champion Edwin Kibet Koech of Kenya and the big question on everyone’s mind - can he do it again? Kibet stamped his authority on the streets of Lagos at the 10th edition of the marathon on February 15, 2025, storming to victory in 2:14:18 to clinch the $50,000 winner’s prize and reclaim his place at the top of Africa’s biggest road race. The triumph marked a remarkable comeback for the Kenyan star, who had won the race in 2023, before losing his title in 2024 to compatriot Bernard Sang.  Determined to bounce back, Kibet returned stronger in 2025, outpacing Nehemiah Kipyegon (2:16:37) and Bernard Cheruiyot (2:17:17) as Kenya completed a dominant clean sweep of the podium. Now, as Lagos prepares for the landmark 11th edition on February 14, 2026, all eyes will be on Kibet to see if he can withstand renewed challenges from East Africa’s finest and the growing ambition of Nigeria...

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to deepening youth empowerment through strategic partnerships that prioritise skills development, technical education, and access to sustainable employment opportunities across the country. The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Initiative (Monitoring and Delivery), Dr Titilope Gbadamosi, stated this on Monday in Abuja when the Chief Executive Officer of DAG Bajaj Automobile Company, Mr Vijay Bhatt, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to her office to review ongoing collaborations and explore ways to expand their impact on young Nigerians. Dr Gbadamosi described the visit as timely and significant, noting that the Federal Government remains focused on initiatives that directly prepare young people for the realities of the modern labour market. She emphasised that partnerships with credible private sector players are central to the administration’s youth development agenda. “I welcomed the Chief Executive ...

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Nigerian athletes preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, will undergo an intensive four-week residential training camp as part of efforts to ensure optimal performance at the Games. Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, disclosed that the Commission has secured a training base in Aberdeen, Scotland, a move designed to enhance coordination, reduce travel fatigue, and eliminate last-minute logistical challenges. According to Hon. Olopade, situating the camp within the host country well ahead of the Games reflects lessons learned from previous international competitions. “We have deliberately positioned our preparation camp close to the competition environment to allow athletes settle early and train under similar conditions. Experience has shown us that last-minute movements across countries can be disruptive. This time, we are prioritizing stability, structure, and proper co...

With just 20 days to go to the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, excitement is building as organisers confirm that the highly anticipated Marathon Expo will run from February 9 to 13. The five-day expo will take place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, and is expected to be a major hub of activity in the lead-up to race day. Designed as more than just a pre-race formality, the Expo promises a vibrant experience featuring games, rewards, music, and fun, alongside exciting discount sales from a wide range of vendors, making it a must-visit for runners and sports enthusiasts alike. Participants will also collect their official race-day kits at the Expo, ensuring all registered runners are fully prepared ahead of the February 14 showdown on the streets of Lagos. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is organised by Nilayo Sports Ltd and enjoys strong backing from the Lagos State Government and key partners including Access Bank, 7Up, Aquafina, Kia M...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, produced a commanding performance to defeat host nation Rwanda 30–20, sealing top spot in Group A at the ongoing Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali. Reacting to the result, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s performance and reaffirmed the Commission’s athlete-focused approach. “When you take proper care of the athletes, they respond with results. This victory and our consistent presence on the medals table reflect the foundation we have laid since assuming office. Athlete welfare remains central to our success story,” Hon. Olopade said. Hakeem Salami racked up eight goals, with by Yusuf Faruk hitting 5, while Iyor Tyer Sessugh and Dikko Ibrahim added three goals each. Mohammed Mustapha and Rotibi Victor also contributed two goals apiece, underlining a balanced team effort. Goalkeeper Michael Solomon delivered a standout performance, making a serie...

With 21 days to go, the countdown has begun, the road is calling, and Lagos is once again preparing to host Africa’s biggest road race, where speed, stamina, and pride will collide on a global stage on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The 10th edition delivered unforgettable moments. Now, it’s time to go again. This year’s edition promises even more excitement with the unveiling of a brand-new race route, a historic first in the marathon’s journey.  The 42km race will start at ORCA Mall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, pass through sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, and finish in grand style at the iconic Eko Atlantic City. As a World Athletics Gold Label race, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon continues to attract top international contenders, with East African distance-running giants expected to face stiff resistance from a determined Nigerian contingent eager to shine on home soil. Beyond elite competition, thousands of recreational runners are also set to flood the st...

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) is set to enter an exciting new era as organisers unveil a brand-new race route for the landmark 11th edition, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026. In a first for Africa’s biggest road race, the 42km marathon will now start at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, sweep through sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, and climax at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, showcasing Lagos as the beating heart of road racing in Africa. The strategic route change signals the dawn of a new decade for the marathon, prioritising a smoother athlete experience, modern infrastructure, and a refreshed race story that puts Lagos firmly on the world stage as a fast-rising global city. After ten editions on a familiar course that has become woven into Nigeria’s sporting culture, organisers say the refreshed route honours the marathon’s rich legacy while injecting fresh energy, curiosity, and spectacle for runners, fans, and international audience...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, continued the nation’s impressive start to the 2026 sporting calendar with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda. The Group A opener, played on Tuesday at the Petit Stade, marked Nigeria’s second defeat of Algeria in just two weeks, following the Super Eagles’ resounding 2–0 win over the North Africans at the quarterfinal stage of the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Displaying composure, discipline, and tactical maturity, the Golden Arrows seized early control of the contest, racing into a 16–13 lead at halftime, before going on to close out the game. The victory places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also includes hosts Rwanda and Zambia, as the Golden Arrows strengthen their bid for a podium finish at the continental championship. Nigeria will return to action on Thursday against Zambia in their second gro...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated former Nigeria international basketball star and sports administrator, Olumide Oyedeji, on his election as the Secretary General of the World Olympians Association (WOA). Oyedeji was elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on Sunday, a development that further elevates Nigeria’s profile within the global Olympic and sports governance community. He remains the first African to ever hold such position at the World Olympians Association ( WOA ). Congratulating him on the achievement, the NSC described Oyedeji’s election as well deserved, noting that it reflects his years of service, integrity, and commitment to the growth of sports and athlete welfare both locally and internationally. Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade stated that “Olumide Oyedeji’s election as Secretary General of the World Olympians Association is a proud moment for Nigeria and a clear recognition of his integrity,...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) congratulates Nigeria’s para badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, on her remarkable gold medal victory at the SPIRO SPATHIS Egypt Para Badminton International 2026, sealing an impressive back-to-back gold achievement on the international stage. The championship was held from 13–18 January 2026 at the New Capital Indoor Hall (The Club) in Cairo, Egypt, and featured top para badminton athletes from around the world. Reacting to the victory, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised Eniola’s consistency and excellence. “Eniola Bolaji continues to be a shining example of what is possible when talent meets discipline, hard work, and belief. Winning back-to-back gold at this level is no coincidence, it is a reflection of her dedication and Nigeria’s growing strength in para sports. The Commission will continue to support Nigeria’s athletes every step of the way, locally or internationally,” Olopade said...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their outstanding third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a hard-fought victory over Egypt in the bronze medal match. The Commission praised the team not only for securing the bronze medal but for the character, discipline and exciting brand of football displayed throughout the tournament. Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties after regulation time ended in a barren draw, capping a resilient campaign that reflected the spirit of a proud football nation.  Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the performance as a defining response from a team that refused to be broken. “This bronze medal represents far more than a podium finish. It speaks to the resilience, character and belief of this Super Eagles team. After a difficult loss against Morocco, they responded with discipline, unity and courage, values that define Niger...

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) reaffirms its commitment to the principles of integrity, fairness, and athlete welfare as set out in the World Athletics Rules and the global integrity framework administered by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Age eligibility requirements are a fundamental component of fair competition in athletics. They exist to protect athletes, particularly minors, ensure equal conditions of participation, and safeguard the credibility of results and development pathways. Any falsification or misrepresentation of age constitutes a serious breach of eligibility rules and undermines confidence in the sport. In line with World Athletics standards, the Federation applied a robust and proportionate disciplinary framework to confirmed cases of age manipulation arising out of the recent AIU inquiry. This framework reflects the AIU’s emphasis on: • Accountability, including responsibility for athletes and for athlete support personnel; • Deterrence, through mean...

A prominent figure in Nigerian basketball, Mr Igoche Mark, has commended the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon Bukola Olopade, for taking bold steps to address the lingering crisis in the country's basketball family. In a statement, Mark, a basketball promoter and initiator of the Mark D' Ball Basketball Championship, praised Olopade's initiative to summon basketball stakeholders across the country, saying it was a "right move from a right-thinking leader". "Right move from a right-thinking leader, who is ready to confront the impediment; a path others have avoided. For this, I salute the DG's thoughtfulness. This is a masterclass in sports administration," Mark said. The NSC's move, Mark noted, is a significant step towards bringing lasting peace to Nigerian basketball, which has been plagued by disunity among stakeholders. "Unity is lacking among stakeholders, and it's time we transition from disunity to uni...

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has finally resolved the leadership crisis in the Nigeria Judo Federation as stakeholders unanimously endorsed Dr Musa Oshodi as the President of the Federation and Segun Gbayi as the Technical Director of the Board. The Peace pact which was brokered by the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade  saw the warring stakeholders in the  Judo family finally agreeing to work with the elected board of Dr Oshodi while Gbayi works as the Technical Director. The stakeholders also agreed that Amos Iliya will serve as the new Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Federation. Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade said this peace pact is a major boost for Judo in the country because no sport truly survives with infighting amongst its stakeholders. " A sport can only achieve little if it is having internal crisis and this is why at the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and I have always preached peace and reconciliation ...

 PRESS STATEMENT The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed seasoned sports technocrat, Tunde Adelakun as chairman of its newly established Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee. Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who made the announcement on Wednesday, said the leadership of the commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, carefully selected Adelakun for his wealth of experience in sports, especially within the diaspora. The DG noted that the committee is of great importance to the commission, as it will further strengthen the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s sports development through scientific approaches to achieving sustainable podium excellence. “Myself and Mallam Shehu Dikko are very excited with the direction we are heading to ensure we harness all the resources we have as a country, both at home and abroad, to achieve sports excellence, and this committee will take care of the diaspora aspect.” “Adelakun, with his rich ...

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has taken a huge step to structure the Sport of Netball in Nigeria by appointing a seasoned Sports administrator, Dr Oluwatoyin Aluko as the President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, NNF. Making the announcement on Wednesday, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, said it's time Nigeria established a sustainable structure for the growth of Netball in Nigeria. He said Netball is one of the World's fastest growing sports and Nigeria has many top professional athletes in the diaspora who are doing the sport at the highest level. "As part of Mr President's mandate to build a sustainable Sports economy, is creating a well organised system where Nigerians either home or abroad can be proud to represent the country in their specialised sports". " And currently based on our research, over thirty Nigerians are gainfully playing the Sport of Netball in some of the top Netball leagues in Europe and in South Af...

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso on Monday staged a massive rally to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling a unified front among party leaders and members in the zone. The open-air gathering, held at Soun Ogunlola Hall in Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, was organized under the banner of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative and led by former Senate Leader and prominent party figure Senator Teslim Folarin. In his keynote address, Folarin urged party faithful to carry the message of what he described as Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to grassroots communities across Oyo State. He emphasized that mobilizing voters and educating citizens about the quality of leadership offered by President Tinubu would be crucial to securing victory in the 2027 polls. A number of high-profile APC leaders were present at the rally, including Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, Senat...

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have commenced high-level discussions as Lagos intensifies preparations to host the 2026 National Intermediate Games for Under-18 athletes. The esteemed delegation from the Lagos State Sports Commission, led by the Director General, Mr Lekan Fatodu, was received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Foluso Lesi, at the Senate Building of the institution and ushered into his office, where both teams, comprising senior officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission and members of the UNILAG Sports Council, engaged in discussions underscoring a shared commitment to delivering a world-class sporting event that aligns with Lagos’ vision of excellence in sports development. Lagos State has successfully hosted several high-profile sporting events in recent years that have drawn athletes from various parts of the world, including Game X, the Festival of Table Tennis, the African Senior Fencing C...

IMPRISONED BY AMBITION: Welcome to 2027: Peter Obi’s Reckless Misreading of Politics and Power: ...2027 just got clearer; See you All in 2031! If the recent decamping of Peter Obi from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress was intended to detonate like a political bombshell, it failed spectacularly. What arrived instead was a dull thud—unremarkable, unsurprising, and terminally familiar. Nothing more. Nothing less. The script had been written long ago, recycled endlessly, and now—ironically—with this latest move, even that script has run out. All smoke. No fire. With his entry into the ADC, the plot does not evolve; it simply ends. Mr. Obi used the occasion not for clarity or restraint, but to fling predictable broadsides against a man who dwarfs him in political reach, institutional mastery, and historical consequence—Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is a President who does not govern by tirade, who does not rely on subterfuge, and who does not court cheap populism as a substitut...