World News Update

 PRESS STATEMENT National Sports Commission Charges Nigerian Athletes to Excel at World Athletics Relays: The National Sports Commission (NSC) has rallied Nigeria’s team ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, urging them to make the nation proud on the global stage. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Hon. Olopade emphasized the importance of discipline, unity, and determination, noting that the championship provides a crucial platform for Nigeria to reinforce its pedigree in international athletics. “The entire nation stands firmly behind you,” he stated. “We have absolute faith in your ability to deliver and make Nigeria proud.” Hon. Olopade further disclosed that he will be physically present in Gaborone to support the team, stressing that his presence reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the success of Nigerian sports. He encouraged the athletes to not only aim for podium finishes but also secure qualification spots for upcoming global ch...

Kingsley Awodi Para Powerlifting Open Championship Reflects Private Sector Collaboration in Nigeria’s Sports Development Plan: As Nigeria intensifies preparations toward the upcoming Commonwealth Games, the Kingsley Awodi Para Powerlifting Open Championship is stands as a symbol of private-sector support for grassroots sports development and athlete empowerment. The championship, spearheaded by Kingsley James Awodi, CEO of Afri-Kings Homes and Properties underscores a growing commitment to creating opportunities for athletes, particularly in para sports, to showcase their talents on a national stage. Awodi’s latest initiative, the organization of an open para powerlifting trials event, is designed to identify and nurture promising athletes while strengthening Nigeria’s competitive edge ahead of major international competitions.  The championship holding from April 30th - May 4th provides a vital platform for para athletes to gain visibility, competitive experience, and support. Thi...

Gusau Pledges Renewed Focus on Women’s Football, Lauds Toptier Sports Management’s Commitment to NWFL and NNL: The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has pledged greater commitment to women’s football as part of plans to elevate the game to global standards.   Gusau, who attended the NNL Super Four Draw in Lagos, also commended Toptier Sports Management for its investment in the Nigeria National League, which he said is now attracting global attention.   Speaking to journalists at the event, the NFF president praised the structure and visibility that private partnership has brought to the domestic game.   “I want to use this medium to commend Toptier Sports Management for what they have been doing in the Nigeria National League. Their investment in the league and their belief in our structure have yielded dividends. Just look at the visibility of the NNL Super Four Draw, the organization, the media presence, the televis...

    Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation Set to Host Kingsley Awodi Open Championship in Abuja: The Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation has finalized plans to host the Kingsley Iwodi Para-Powerlifting Open Championship, scheduled to take place from 30th April to 4th May, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package ‘B’, Abuja. The championship is expected to bring together some of Nigeria’s finest para-powerlifting athletes, further reinforcing the country’s dominance in the sport on the global stage. Arrival of athletes and officials is slated for 30th April, with competitions running from 1st to 3rd May, while departure is scheduled for 4th May, 2026. Top athletes expected to feature at the championship include world champions and decorated lifters such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Esther Oyema, Riluwan Idris, and Ogundolie Tolulope. Folashade Oluwafemiayo, the current world champion in the +86kg category, continues to set the standard globa...

PRESS STATEMENT Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the NNL Board under the leadership of Mr. George Aluo for staging what he described as a “classy and world-class” NNL Super Four Draw in Lagos, while praising Toptier Sports Management for its transformative investment in the league. The Nigeria National League continues to cement its place as the most important league in the country, serving as the critical bridge between the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nationwide League One. With its focus on youth development and competitive structure, the NNL remains a proven pipeline for producing players for Nigeria’s age-grade national teams. Olopade, who led a strong delegation of sports administrators to the event, expressed delight at the level of organization on display. Speaking at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, he described the occasion as a new benchmark for Nigerian football. “I must commend Mr. George Aluo and the entire NN...

The Nigeria National League lived up to its growing reputation after hosting a world-class Super Four Draws in Lagos, where Toptier Sports Management CEO, Mrs. Chichi Nwoko, announced a massive incentive: the NNL Super Four champions will take home ₦10 million, while the three other participants will each pocket ₦2 million.   It was a glamorous day in Lagos as the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s sports industry turned up in style. NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, NFF President Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and Remo Stars Chairman Hon. Kunle Soname led the roll call of administrators.   Nigeria’s ex-internationals added star power to the occasion, with the ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Ikpeba, ‘The Bull’ Daniel Amokachi, and other legends lighting up the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.   Speaking at the event, Mrs. Nwoko put the league’s ambition in clear figures: “Toptier Sports Management is glad to announce that the winner of this NNL Super Four will be rewarde...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its deliberate and structured approach to repositioning Nigeria as a global force in sports, with a series of targeted initiatives designed to strengthen talent discovery, development, and progression. Under the leadership of Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Commission has continued to roll out innovative programs that are already yielding measurable results across the country. One of the flagship initiatives, the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme, has within just one year identified and nurtured a new generation of promising talents. Athletes such as Rosemary Nwankwo, Miracle Ezechukwu, and Jacinta Lawrence have emerged through the programme, progressing from grassroots competitions to representing Nigeria on pathways toward elite international stages. Building on this success, the Commission has introduced the Invited Diaspora Athletes (IDA) initiative, a strategic ef...

The Nigeria National League is rolling out the red carpet in Lagos, and Nigeria’s football royalty is answering the call.   NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, will lead the crème de la crème of Nigerian sports administration to the NNL Super Four Draws. The power duo will be flanked by an all-star cast of ex-Super Eagles legends, with the ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Ikpeba, and other big guns from across the industry expected to grace the event.   For many, their presence sends a clear message: the NNL is no longer a feeder league operating in the shadows. With deliberate branding, improved organization, and growing commercial appeal, the second tier is staking its claim as the most important league in Nigeria.   Much of that transformation is down to Toptier Sports Management. The private investors have injected fresh energy and funding into the league, repositioning its status, raising operational standards, ...

Kaduna erupted in celebration as Ranchers Bees booked the last ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League, completing a historic quartet of promoted sides.   The Sadiq Umar Boys have now joined Doma United, Sporting Lagos, and Inter Lagos as the four NNL teams promoted to the NPFL after a tense end to the regular season. And they did it the hard way.   Ranchers Bees fell 2-0 away to hosts Gombe United in a tense encounter on Wednesday. But fate smiled on them in Kebbi, where Kebbi United’s 3-0 win over Jigawa Golden Stars handed the Kaduna side the sole Conference D slot at the expense of a hard-fighting Jigawa side.   Against all odds, Ranchers Bees have gained promotion to the Nigerian elite league in their very first season in the NNL. Insiders credit the club’s owner, whose relentless motivation and provision of the team’s needs throughout the campaign proved decisive.   History has been made. For the first time in Nigerian football, all fo...

The battle for the last Nigeria Premier Football League promotion slot from the Nigeria National League will be settled today as the Northern Conference D group wraps up. All eyes are on Ranchers Bees, co-owned by Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and El-Rufai’s son, who stand on the brink of history. Formed in late 2025, the Kaduna-based side could secure a first-ever promotion to the NPFL in their debut NNL season. A draw at the Pantami Stadium will be enough to seal the ticket.   However, that result would relegate Gombe United to the Nationwide League One, Nigeria’s third tier. Having featured in the top flight as recently as the 2023/2024 season, Gombe now face a dramatic fall, a fate reminiscent of Leicester City, who went from 2016 Premier League champions to relegation 10 years later. Can Ranchers Bees deliver the final blow, or will Gombe United pull off a great escape? In Dutse, traditional side Jigawa Golden Stars, formerly known as Samba Boys, face a must-win clash a...

The Nigeria National League has announced that the official draw for the 2025/2026 Super 4 Playoffs will take place on April 24, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, setting the stage for the final showdown of an intense season. The Super 4 tournament, which will determine the overall champions of the NNL season, is scheduled to hold from May 1 to May 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.  Already, Doma FC  Inter Lagos, and  Sporting Lagos, have all secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, underlining their consistency throughout the campaign. However, attention now shifts to the remaining promotion ticket and the battle for Super 4 qualification. In the Southern Conference,  Sporting Lagos, and as well Inter-Lagos have picked  the two  tickets to the Nigeria Elite league and a shot at the Super 4 crown. Meanwhile, the Northern Conference presents its own drama. Ranchers Bees, referred to as the Sadiq Umar boys are still i...

In his usual way of giving back to the society and generosity, The Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Public Communications), Chief Sunday Dare CON, has just delivered yet another remarkable project in Ogbomoso. The Civic Center, named after His Imperial Majesty, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Laoye Orumogege III, The Soun of Ogbomosoland, is part of Chief Dare's contributions to the development of Ogbomosoland, and in line with the 25-Year Development Vision for Ogbomosoland. The Ọba Ghandi Civic Center, located at Building 3 Starlight Junction, Abegan Street, was equally commissioned by HIM Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Laoye Orumogege III, on Saturday 18th April 2026, to the full admiration and glare of Ogbomoso sona and daughters present. In his release, after the commissioning of the project, The Soun of Ogbomosoland, HIM Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Laoye Orumogege III, stated that "I had the honor of commissioning a remarkable project delivered by our illustrious son,...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT PRESS RELEASE The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, describing his death as a profound loss to Nigerian sports industry. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the late Alhaji Galadima as a mentor, father figure, and a selfless patriot who placed national interest above personal gain and always worked for the collective good. “He was more than a leader; he was a guiding light, mentor and a father figure to many of us who had the privilege of working under and alongside him. His passion for national development was unmatched, and he consistently demonstrated incredible commitment to building structures that would stand the test of time and I was privileged to have worked so closely with him as one of his mentees and strategic advisors throughout his time at the helm of the N...

PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria’s rising cycling star, Godwin Grace Osaretin, delivered a standout performance to win Stage 5 of the prestigious Tour du Burkina Faso, further cementing her status as one of the continent’s most promising young talents. Osaretin’s latest triumph adds to what has been a remarkable journey defined by resilience and rapid progression. From humble beginnings as a wheelbarrow pusher, she has grown into a Nigerian and African junior champion, with her story inspiring many across the country. Her breakthrough moment on the national stage came at the 2024 National Sports Festival (Gateway Games) in Ogun State, where she stunned speactators by defeating Nigeria’s first cycling Olympian, Ese Ukpeseraye, to win gold in the Women’s 200m Sprint Final. She followed that performance with another gold medal in the women’s road race at the inaugural African School Games in Annaba, Algeria, confirming her growing dominance among her peers. Her Stage 5 victory at the Tour du Burki...

It is crystal that Sporting Lagos have gained promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League in dramatic style on Thursday, grinding out a 1-0 victory away at Osun United to finish as champions of the NNL Southern Conference A.   Striker Alex Leme was the hero of the day, rising highest to nod home a pinpoint cross in the 17th minute. That lone goal proved decisive, sealing three priceless points and sparking celebrations that stretched from Osogbo back to the streets of Lagos.   The win took Sporting Lagos to 33 points, enough to hold off a strong challenge from second-placed Akwa United, who failed to keep the promise. The Uyo-based outfit also ended their campaign with victory over Solution FC, but it wasn't enough to book their spot in the NPFL.   With promotion secured, Sporting Lagos will now join Inter Lagos, who also topped their NNL grouping, in the top flight next season. They become the third Lagos club in the NPFL, lining up alongside Iko...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has restated its commitment to Nigerian sprint sensation, Favour Ofili, following the decision by World Athletics to deny her request for a transfer of allegiance. Responding to press questions, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that Nigeria remains fully supportive of Ofili and is eager to welcome her back into the Nigeria national team fold. “She’s our daughter. We love her so much and I’ve always said we must speak to her to come home. I am urging Ofili and those close to her that home is waiting for her.” “Don’t be dejected or angry. Know that we love you and we still want you back. We promise you all the support that you require to shine at the Olympics in two years’ time,” Hon. Olopade added. The NSC recognizes the complexities athletes face in making career decisions and reiterates its commitment to fostering a supportive and enabling environment where talents like Ofili can excel at the highest ...

PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) is taking Nigerian sports beyond the track and pitch into the digital arena. In a move that could redefine the future of sports development in the country, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Thursday led a high-powered delegation on a strategic working visit to the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Hon. Idris Olorunbe.  The meeting aimed at forging a groundbreaking partnership to accelerate sports digitalisation and position Nigerian e-sports on par with global standards. During the meeting, Hon. Olopade made it clear that the NSC is ready to embrace technology as a core driver of growth. “Our intention is to work closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission to improve sports science, especially e-sports, through viable sponsorship. We are counting on the NCC to help deepen connectivity and attract the kind of corporate backing that modern sports demand.” He further emphasized the need fo...

_15 compulsory sports set to feature at the Games_ The National Sports Commission, NSC, has announced that the highly anticipated 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games, will hold from the 27th of November to the 11th of December this year. The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, revealed this on Thursday during the first Main Organising Committee (MOC) meeting for the Games held in Abuja. He stated that the arrival of states will be from the 25th to 26th of November, while the opening ceremony will hold on the 27th of November and the Games close on the 11th of December 2026, emphasising that the dates are all sacrosanct. The DG said the final dates were agreed upon following a productive and fruitful meeting he had with the Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Peter Mbah. "I must commend the Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Peter Mbah, who has shown tremendous enthusiasm in the aggression with which facilities are being built and completed for the Ga...

PRESS STATEMENT The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) unveiled a 24-athlete squad for the World Athletics Relays set for May 2–3 in Gaborone, Botswana, with a remarkable highlight, the inclusion of three secondary school students in the national team. Rosemary Chukwuma, Jecinta Lawrence, and Miracle Ezechukwu have emerged as the surprise names on the list, underlining a new wave of young talent breaking into Nigeria’s senior athletics setup. The trio, still in secondary school, are products of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, an initiative of the National Sports Commission. They caught national attention as IJA athletes at the National Sports Festival, where they competed against more experienced athletes, before going on to represent Nigeria at the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships. Their rapid progression has now earned them places on one of the country’s biggest athletics stages. Chukwuma and Ezechukwu have been drafted into the women’s 4x100m relay team an...

The camp of the Nigeria senior  judo team received a big boost on Monday following the visit of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, ahead of the forthcoming Africa senior judo championship in Kenya. The DG and his team visited the players in training and reassured  them of the Government's full support as they intensified  preparations to fly the country's flag in Nairobi, Kenya later this month. The DG reaffirmed the Sports Commission's Committment to ensure no stone is left unturned for the team to prepare adequately for the tournament. " I salute you guys dedication and commitment but at the same time I also want to urge you all to stay disciplined at all times and put in the hardwork to achieve a successful outing in Kenya". " I personally bring you greetings from the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who is also keen to see that sport like Judo reaches its full potential adequate support". ...