World News Update

AN OPEN LETTER TO CHIEF SUNDAY AKIN DARE, CON, ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY: Dear Chief Sunday Akin Dare, CON, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, As you celebrate your 60th birthday today, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began on a fateful day, September 7, 2019. Little did I know that our meeting would mark the beginning of one of the most defining chapters of my life. From that moment, my path has been blessed in ways I could never have imagined. Through God's grace and your uncommon generosity of spirit, I have experienced growth, opportunities, and invaluable lessons that continue to shape my life and career. When you served as the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, I approached every assignment with dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. What I did not anticipate was the depth of your investment in the people around you. You saw potential where others saw only performance. You nurtured talent, rewarded diligence, and created opportunities for many ...

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENTIAL AIDE SUNDAY AKIN DARE AT 60: Today, I celebrate Chief Sunday Akin Dare, renowned journalist, communications expert, and my Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, on attaining 60 on May 29, 2026. Sunday has come a long way with me as an ally and partner in our long and arduous struggle to establish a progressive democratic order in the country. Since he returned from the United States of America to join us, he has neither relented nor looked back in his resolve to contribute significantly to the entrenchment of democratic good governance in the land.  Together, day and night, from 2013 to 2014, we were in the crucible, planning, strategising, consulting, and engaging with like-minded people in our bid to forge an alliance between progressives in the North and South of Nigeria, until the birth of our governing All Progressives Congress. Through it all, Sunday exhibited no let or hindrance. His dexterity, ten...

PRESS STATEMENT 2026 National Sports Festival: NSC Supports Enugu State for Coal City Games: _secures project approvals for Olympic size-swimming pool, indoor sports hall renovation, others_ The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Enugu State's preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival, Coal City Games, with the approval of critical sports infrastructure projects aimed at delivering a world-class event. The Federal Government, through the Commission approved a series of strategic sports infrastructure projects for Enugu, further strengthening preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival. Among the approved projects for Enugu State are the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, the upgrade of the indoor sports hall, the rehabilitation of athletes’ hostels, and the execution of other supporting sporting infrastructure projects. These interventions are designed to significantly enhance the state's capacity to host maj...

Kingsley Awodi Welcomes Nigeria’s Para-Powerlifting Team After Algeria Championship Success: Fresh from the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria, Nigeria’s para-powerlifting team returned not just with luggage, but with 49 medals and a story of grit that had already begun to ripple across the country. Leading the welcome was Kingsley Awodi, a philanthropist who has quietly backed Nigerian sports for years. Recall that he re-grassed the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja under Sunday Dare, restoring one of the country’s key sporting venues for athletes and fans. Awodi is also a major stakeholder in the sports industry. In the past, he single-handedly paid athletes’ grants to ensure competitors could focus on training and competition without financial strain. His support has remained consistent and practical: in April, he hosted and sponsored the Kingsley Awodi Para-Powerlifting Championship in Abuja, providing the team with competitive exposure just weeks befo...

The Rebirth: FG Concludes Plans to Revamp Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta: The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has approved the revamping of the Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in honour of one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal. The rebirth of the historic stadium is part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country and create world-class facilities capable of driving grassroots and elite sports development. Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the project as a “fitting recognition for a true Nigerian sporting icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes across the country.” “Muda Lawal remains one of the finest footballers ever produced by Nigeria and deserves to be immortalized through a modern sporting facility that will serve not only ...

PRESS STATEMENT  Oran 2026: NSC Applauds Contigent as Nigeria Finishes as First Runner-Up at African Open Para Powerlifting Championships: Team Nigeria delivered another commanding performance on the continent, finishing as first runners-up, at the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria. The team garnered a haul of 49 medals comprising 32 gold, 12 silver and 5 bronze medals.  Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team for their displayed resilience, discipline and patriotism throughout the competition, describing the team’s achievement as another proud moment for Nigerian sports. “This team once again demonstrated the true Nigerian spirit of excellence and determination,” he said, noting that their performance has continued to inspire millions of Nigerians and further elevate the country’s image globally.  “I commend the athletes, coaches and officials for their commitment and sacrifices. We want t...

PRESS STATEMENT NPFL 2025/26 Ends in Style as Rangers Clinch Title in Lagos Thriller:   _NSC DG Hon. Bukola Olopade Showers Encomium on Elegbeleye led NPFL Board_ The Nigeria Premier Football League wrapped up its 2025/26 season in grand style on Sunday as Rangers International were crowned champions after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The decisive encounter drew top sports administrators to the ground, including National Sports Commission Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, who presented the trophy to the new champions, Rangers International, alongside the Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Olayinka Adeboye, and NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. Rangers’ victory sealed the title despite Rivers United’s 3-0 win over Katsina United on the same day. The Port Harcourt side’s result was not enough to overturn Rangers’ advantage, confirming the Enugu club as champions. Speaking after the match, NSC...

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...