World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has officially announced that the maiden edition of National Boxing Week will take place from March 1–6, 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Lagos. The week-long celebration of Nigerian boxing will feature a series of high-profile boxing events, headlined by the National Open Trials to select boxers who will represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, in alignment with the merit-driven approach of the National Sports Commission (NSC). National Boxing Week will also serve as a platform to celebrate the life and legacy of Nigerian boxing legend, Hogan “Kid” Bassey — a national icon of the sport who brought global recognition to Nigeria . Speaking on the significance of the initiative, President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Edun Adewale Olawale, emphasized the importance of honoring the past while building a new future for the sport. “Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of courage, excell...

Get ready for an electrifying encounter as Beyond Limit FC takes on Inter-Lagos FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 11 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, this Saturday.  This clash of titans pits the 2nd-placed Beyond Limit FC against the top-of-the-table Inter-Lagos FC, promising an electrifying display of football. Inter-Lagos FC, currently leading Conference A, has shown impressive form, while Beyond Limit FC is hot on their heels, seeking to snatch the top spot. In their previous encounter, Inter-Lagos FC edged Beyond Limit FC 1-0, but the latter has been on a roll, with a 1-0 win over Heartland and a 3-0 thrashing of Sunshine Stars. *Key Players to Watch:* - _Adio Ganiu_ (Beyond Limit FC): A dynamic player with a penchant for scoring crucial goals. - _Olasunkanmi Usman_ (Inter-Lagos FC): A midfield general with exceptional skills, vision, and goal-scoring instinct. *Head-to-Head Statistics:* Both teams are evenly matched in terms of results. Inter-Lagos FC r...

PRESS STATEMENT The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has thrown its weight behind the National Sports Commission’s athletes training grant programme as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The NCS provided critical support to the Commission’s initiative designed to boost elite athletes’ readiness ahead of major international competitions. Two weeks ago, 26 elite athletes drawn from different sports received training grants worth millions of naira under the programme. The intervention is targeted at strengthening athletes’ preparation through improved access to quality coaching, enhanced nutrition, modern training equipment and exposure to competitive events. The National Sports Commision noted that the backing of the Customs Service comes at a crucial time, as athletes enter the final stretch of preparations for global competitions. The grants are expected to ease financial pressures that often...

Real change in football rarely begins with a whistle. It begins with belief. Belief that a league is worth building. Belief that structure can replace chaos. Belief that domestic football, long overlooked and underfunded, can stand as a serious commercial and sporting enterprise. For the Nigeria National League, that belief may finally have found tangible expression. For decades, the NNL has existed as Nigerian football’s proving ground, producing players who graduate to the top flight while the league itself struggled for identity and financial stability. It was competitive but constrained, passionate but perennially under-resourced. The narrative was predictable: talent thrives, structure lags. Now, the conversation is shifting. The headline commitment by Toptier Sports Management to inject over ₦40 billion into the NNL and the Nigeria Women Football League over the next decade is not just another sponsorship announcement. It represents one of the most ambitious private-sector interv...

PRESS STATEMENT The Local Organizing Committee for the 3rd National Para Games has successfully concluded a comprehensive inspection of facilities ahead of the Games scheduled to hold from March 26 to April 3, 2026 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex, Abuja. The inspection exercise, conducted covered all designated venues to assess readiness, identify technical gaps and ensure compliance with required standards for hosting a seamless and inclusive multi-sport event. A total of fifteen sports facilities were evaluated across the stadium complex and other designated venues in the Federal Capital Territory. These include venues for Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Soccer, Para Swimming, Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis. According to the inspection report, the majority of the facilities have been confirmed ready and suitable...

For years, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has been described as a reservoir of raw talent, competitive, passionate and unpredictable, yet often constrained by structural and commercial limitations.  As the second stanza of the 2025/2026 season starts, a new wave of optimism is sweeping through the league, powered by a renewed partnership with investors, Toptier Sports Management. At a strategic kick-off session held ahead of the resumption of the season, Toptier Sports Management and the NNL leadership mapped out an ambitious vision designed to strengthen the league’s governance, enhance its visibility and unlock its commercial potential. For many stakeholders, it signaled more than routine planning. It felt like a reset. Toptier Sports Management, investors in both the NNL and the Nigerian Women Football League, has been working closely with league management to build governance frameworks that prioritize sustainability and operational excellence. The emphasis has been on layin...

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has announced that the "Invited Diaspora Athletes" ( IDA ), will make its debut at the first edition of the National Intermediate Games scheduled for Lagos, later this year. The IDA is one of the many key reforms that the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, has established as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria's Sports Economy, RHINSE. Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade said since the establishment of the Diaspora Discovery Athletes Committee, which is currently Chaired by Tunde Adelakun, the committee had swiftly swung into action with many Nigerians in the Diaspora showing significant interest to compete for Nigeria. The DG maintained that this is one of the reasons the Invited Diaspora Athletes team will be fully involved at the Intermediate Games this year in Lagos. " We are very excited about this initiative because of the immediate and futuristic impact it will h...

Toptier Sports Management and the Nigeria National League (NNL) have held their strategic kick-off session ahead of the the second stanza of the 2025/2026 season, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening the structure, visibility and commercial value of the league. Toptier Sports Management, investors of both the NNL and the Nigerian Women Football League, has been working closely with league management to establish governance frameworks designed to ensure long-term sustainability and operational excellence. The partnership has focused on building foundational systems that will enhance transparency, professionalism and competitive integrity across the league. As part of its expanded investment in the NNL, Toptier Sports Management has commenced strategic interventions in key areas including indemnities, digitization, broadcast production and branding.  These initiatives are aimed at modernizing league operations, improving club compliance standards and elevating the ove...

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare CON, has donated a bus to the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Ogbomoso North Local Government. The Presidential Spokesman made the donation today Friday 20th February, 2026 in Ogbomoso, at the APC Local Government Office Apake. In attendance, to receive the bus, was the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ogbomoso North Local Government Chapter, Chief Ademola Olawale AGBADEMO, Senator Yusuf Brimo, Engr. Dayo Lawal, Honorable Olamiju Alao-Akala, Baba Akin Ọkẹ, Alhaji Wasiu Olukan, Alhaji Bukola Badmus, Barrister Daud Suilayman Abese, Alhaji Basiru Akatapa, Alhaji Rasaki Razor, Honourable Jacob Ajao, with other stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso. The bus will aid campaign activities, ease movement and engagement of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors across the grassroots, local governments and Ogbomoso Zone, for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu G...

PRESS STATEMENT The Padel Federation of Nigeria (PFN) has been officially launched to govern, regulate, promote, and develop padel, widely regarded as one of the fastest growing sport in the world. The establishment of the Federation provides a formal and structured framework to drive the rapid growth of the sport nationwide. The PFN will oversee national competitions, coordinate coach and referee development, implement youth and grassroots programs, and manage Nigeria’s participation in continental and global padel engagements. The leadership of the Federation is headed by Babajimi Adegoke Benson as President, with Alain Semaan serving as Vice President.  The PFN will work in close collaboration with Magic Sports Limited, leveraging the organization’s experience in facility development, coaching systems, and grassroots programming to accelerate the sport’s expansion across the country. Speaking on the significance of the launch, President Babajimi Adegoke Benson expressed optimism...

PRESS STATEMENT  The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced that the 3rd National Para Games will hold from 26th March to 3rd April, 2026, as preparations intensify toward delivering another landmark edition of Nigeria’s premier para-sport competition. The official online registration portal for participating states opened on Wednesday, 17th February, 2026. The Commission urges all states and relevant stakeholders to complete their registration within the stipulated timeline to ensure seamless participation. Following the conclusion of the online registration phase, the Pre-Delegation Registration Meeting (Pre-DRM) and the Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) will commence. These processes are critical administrative procedures designed to ensure proper verification, documentation, and confirmation of all participating states, athletes, and officials before the Games begin. The Pre-DRM will focus on the preliminary verification of entries submitted via the online portal, t...

PRESS STATEMENT  The National Sports Commission has congratulated Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, for achieving the historic feat of becoming the World Number One in the Women’s SL3 category. Bolaji climbed to the summit of the global rankings with 63,950 points, displacing Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh, following her outstanding performance at the World Para Badminton Championships where she reached the final and claimed a silver medal.  In doing so, she also became the first African athlete to play in the final of the World Championships in para-badminton. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described Bolaji’s achievement as a defining moment for Nigerian sports. The Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for its strategic development of the sport and dedication to athlete welfare. “If you take care of the athletes, they will always return with medals and global r...

PRESS STATEMENT  The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially constituted the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 3rd edition of the National Para Games, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the continued development of para sports in Nigeria. The National Para Games is an annual multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the NSC. The Games provide a competitive platform for Nigerian men and women living with disabilities, promoting excellence, healthy competition, and national unity through sports. The Commission has now constituted a thirteen-member Local Organising Committee made up of men and women of integrity to deliver a world-class Games.  The Committee is chaired by the Director, National Sports Festival & Para Sports Department, Mrs. Thecla Opara, while Mrs. Hauwa Saibu, serves as Secretary. Other members of the Committee include Raphael Odo, Mohammed Rabiu, Abdullahi Libata, Lambu Umar, Dr. Ozi Sal...

 PRESS RELEASE Nilayo Sports Management Limited extends its deepest appreciation to the tens of thousands of runners who participated in the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. We remain immensely proud of every athlete’s determination and the vibrant spirit that continues to make this marathon a defining moment for Lagos and Nigeria. However, we acknowledge with sincere concern that during medal distribution following the 10KM race category, an unexpected and dangerous crowd surge occurred at the 10KM medal collection point. In the interest of protecting the safety of our runners, volunteers, and staff, medal issuance was temporarily suspended while the situation was brought under control. This decision was taken solely as a safety precaution to prevent potential injuries. Most importantly, our hearts go out to everyone who was affected by the surge or experienced distress during this period. We understand the excitement and emotion that come with crossing the finish line, and w...

The 2026 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, delivering a day filled with intrigue, suspense, action, love, and world-class entertainment as over 25,000 athletes converged on Nigeria’s commercial capital for Africa’s premier road race. Kenyan sensation Ezra Kering powered to victory, breasting the tape in an impressive 2:11:55 to claim the coveted $50,000 first prize. In a race marked by tactical brilliance and a dramatic final stretch, Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel followed closely in 2:11:59, earning $40,000 for second place. Fellow Ugandan Namutala Lumbasi completed the podium sweep with a strong finish in 2:12:25, taking home $30,000. In the women’s race, Ethiopia reigned supreme as Dinke Meleka surged to victory in 2:37:36, demonstrating poise and power to secure the championship title. Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel finished a close second in 2:37:43, while another Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, placed third with a time of 2:38:59. Amid the elit...

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering delivered a Valentine’s Day masterclass, storming to victory at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, 14 February 2026. Kipchumba crossed the finish line at Eko Atlantic City in an impressive time of 2:11:55, clinching the $50,000 top prize in one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. Uganda dominated the other podium spots, with Lomoi Samuel finishing a close second in 2:11:59, while Namutala Kephar Lumbasi secured third place in 2:12:25, capping off a fiercely competitive men’s race. The Gold Label marathon is organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, under the leadership of Managing Director Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, and continues to raise the bar for long-distance running on the continent. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meseret Meleka claimed top honours, crossing the line in 2:37:36. Kenya’s Daniel Flomena Cheyech followed closely in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Getaw Wgagen Zewdalem finished third in 2:38:59. An...

PRESS RELEASE The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been honoured with the prestigious Sports Administrator of the Year award at the New Telegraph Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria. The award, which took place on Friday, celebrated Olopade’s transformative leadership, administrative excellence and longstanding commitment to building sustainable sports structures across the country. A seasoned sports administrator, Olopade has served twice as Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, where he spearheaded progressive reforms and talent development initiatives. His leadership footprint also spans multiple strategic roles within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. He is a former President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, where he championed inclusivity and the advancement of para-sports.  He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), strengtheni...

Lagos is set for a historic showdown as 28,000 registered runners hit the streets for the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, themed “New Steps, Fresh Goals – 14th Feb.” From elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts, the energy across the city is electric as participants prepare to take on either the 42KM full marathon or the 10KM race in one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. *Mainland Runners Covered* To ensure a smooth and stress-free race morning, organizers have put transportation plans in place for runners coming from the Mainland. Pickup Location: Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere First Bus: 4:00 AM Last Bus: 5:00 AM Buses will depart promptly, and runners are strongly advised to arrive early as race day waits for no one. The organizing committee emphasized that participants should not wait until the final bus to avoid unnecessary delays. *Medal Cut-Off Time – 12:30 PM* All finishers who cross the finish line on or before 12:30 PM will receive an official finisher’s medal. A...

The organisers of the gold-labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, have described the 11th edition of the race scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, as iconic, marking the beginning of a new decade for one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. Speaking at a press conference held at the Access Bank headquarters in Lagos to herald the commencement of the race, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, said the 2026 edition represents growth, resilience and renewed ambition for the marathon. She expressed appreciation to Access Bank, other corporate sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support and commitment to the annual event. “This 11th edition is symbolic for us. It is not just another race, it signals the beginning of another decade of excellence, impact and global recognition for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon”. “We are deeply grateful to Access Bank, our valued sponsors a...