World News Update

Nigerian-born midfielder Paul Salami stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick as he powered his side to a commanding 3-0 victory over the Melbourne Sharks in Week 9 of the Australian U23 League. The 21-year-old dynamo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing confidently after a swift counter-attack. The match took a dramatic turn in the 40th minute when Sharks defender Liam Mastos was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving the hosts to battle with 10 men. Salami continued to torment the undermanned Sharks, striking again in the 52nd minute with a precise finish after a well-worked team move. He capped off his brilliant performance with a third goal in the 75th minute, completing his hat-trick in style and securing all three points for his team. A composed and creative presence in midfield, Salami’s performance was a showcase of skill, intelligence, and clinical finishing. His hat-trick not only earned him the match ball but also reaffirmed his growi...

Following its earlier expression of condolences, a high-level delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC) has concluded a condolence visit to the Government and people of Kano State, as well as families of victims of the tragic road accident involving members of the state’s contingent returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival. Led by Director of Finance Alamin Mustapha, alongside Director of Facilities Muhammed Rabiu and Special Assistant on Special Duties and Protocol Kawu Ahmed Muazu, the delegation delivered a personal message of sympathy on behalf of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade. “We came not just to mourn, but to stand with you in person,” said Mr. Mustapha. “Having met with some of the grieving families, we leave with heavier hearts but a firmer resolve to ensure that their pain is not in vain.” The NSC reiterated its earlier commitment to fast-track a more strict national safety protocol for sporting contingents. This i...

 _as NSC DG attends the games strategic seminar in Riyadh_  The National Sports Commission, NSC, has reaffirmed its commitment and readiness to attend the 6th Islamic solidarity Games billed for Saudi Arabia from the 7-21 of November 2025. And as part of preparations for the games, the NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade is currently attending a two day seminar in Riyadh as the Chef de Mission for Team Nigeria. The seminar will afford all participating countries the opportunity to get acquainted with the games new guidelines and modules operandi. The Director General departed the Country on Friday, immediately after supervising the successful execution of the 22nd National Sports festival in Ogun state. The DG's participation at the games' strategic seminar is expected to ensure Team Nigeria is fully equipped with all the regulations and requirements needed for Nigeria to record a successful outing at the games in November. The Islamic solidarity Games is another opportun...

 _stages an inspiring closing ceremony as Delta retains title_  Ogun State took the hosting of the National Sports festival to another new level after ending the Games with a breathtaking closing ceremony on Thursday at the MKO Sports Arena. After about two weeks of non stop competition, the closing ceremony had every element of a true global sporting spectacle.  From the quality of attendance, to the inspiring calisthenic display, to the musical performances and the different inspiring speeches of top government dignitaries, Thursday's closing ceremony has definitely raised the bar for future games. Unarguably no state seemed to have done it better to inspire thousands of Nigerian youths using the power of Sports, like Ogun state, and the show it displayed for both the opening and the closing ceremony, will leave a lasting legacy for a very long time. Delta state emerged the winners of the games and successfully defended the title they won two years ago in Asaba as host,...

This is me wishing the Special Adviser Media and Public Communications to Mr. President, Chief Sunday Dare, a heartfelt wishes on the occasion of his 59th birthday today. An astute, competent, hardworking, and charismatic trailblazer are some of the virtues that uniquely characterised the personality of Chief Sunday Dare, as he marks another year. As the former Minister of Sports , I remember how he pioneered some of the enabling policies that we are currently implementing today as part of our Renewed Hope initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy. His passion for sustainable sports development is one of the reasons the 22nd edition of the National Sports festival is held in Ogun State and today marking the closing ceremony of the Games rightly coincides with his 59th birthday. As a consultant I bidded for Ogun state to host the Sports festival and Chief Sunday Dare  then Sports Minister believed strongly in our bid and awarded us the hosting rights and today the games is drawing to a ...

Happy 59th birthday to Chief Sunday Dare, a true patriot and rare gem. Your dedication to public service and humility have made you a shining example for many. As Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, your expertise and passion have been invaluable assets to the nation. Your journey, marked by integrity and hard work, has inspired countless individuals. From your early days as a journalist to your current role, you have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Your ability to bring people together and foster collaboration has earned you respect and admiration. As Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development (2019-2023), you implemented policies promoting sports development and youth empowerment. Your tenure as Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), showcased your exceptional leadership skills in managing interactions with public and private sector stakeholders. Throughout your ca...

 _As organisers promise another spectacle at closing ceremony on Thursday_  After 11 days of  a true showcase of sporting competition in multiple Sports by some of the country's top and even promising athletes, the curtain will finally be drawn on what many have described as one of the best ever organised National Sports festivals, when the closing ceremony is held on Thursday at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta. Whilst the quality of the Games' opening ceremony is still getting tongues wagging, the entire sporting family and beyond is now anxiously looking forward to what the closing ceremony will look like. The last 11 days have showcased Ogun state as a true Sporting hub with potential to even do more, with the quality of the facilities built for the games and the enthusiasm of the people who made the various venues their second home in the last few days. A big testament to this was the history-making crowd that attended the male football final between Ogun state and K...