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Oyedeji charges athletes to justify support

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...Applauds FG as N200m boost lifts elite sports By Maxwell Kumoye    President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has challenged Nigerian athletes to justify the growing investment in sports by delivering podium performances at the Commonwealth Games and other major international competitions. Oyedeji’s charge comes on the heels of the National Sports Commission (NSC) releasing over N200 million as training grants to 26 elite athletes under its newly established Elite and Podium Board. The former NBA star and FIBA ambassador praised the Federal Government and the NSC for what he described as a decisive step toward repositioning Nigerian sports, particularly in supporting home-based athletes currently camping in Asaba, Delta State. “As athletes, you reach for the top, show why you need to be supported and you then give back with good results,” Oyedeji said, urging competitors, coaches and technical crews to “put in the right shift and ener...
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Ghanaian defender, Salisu steps up recovery after ACL setback

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By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Haruna Mubarak      Black Stars defender Mohammed Salisu has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from a serious knee injury, offering hope to club and country as he works his way back to full fitness. AS Monaco confirmed in January that the 26-year-old centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee during their league clash against Olympique Lyonnais.  The injury ruled Salisu out for the remainder of the season and raised concerns over his availability for upcoming international commitments. Following successful surgery, the Ghanaian international has now returned to the gym, intensifying his rehabilitation programme as he targets a competitive comeback.  His progress has been closely monitored, with Black Stars team doctor Prince Pambo paying a visit to Salisu in Monaco as part of the Ghana Football Association’s efforts to support injured national team players. Be...
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NSC inaugurates LOC, sets tone for Africa’s best School Championship

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By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria has taken a decisive step towards hosting a landmark continental event with the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the second edition of the African School Championship, Abuja 2027. The 28-member LOC was officially unveiled by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who charged the committee with a clear and ambitious mandate: deliver the best African Youth Games ever staged. Speaking at the inauguration, Dikko assured the committee of the NSC’s full backing and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting a world-class event that will meet international standards and exceed expectations. “This is a serious national assignment,” Dikko told the newly appointed members. “Your work will demand detailed planning, coordination, transparency and teamwork. I want to assure our African partners and stakeholders that Abuja 2027 will be safe, well organised and memorable ...
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Enabulele opens camp, demands discipline ahead of Niger Delta Games

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By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Team Edo has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2026 Niger Delta Games, with Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Honourable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, officially declaring the athletes’ camp open. The Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission also issued a clear warning, discipline or nothing. At the GRA camp in Benin on Tuesday, February 10, Enabulele fired up athletes and coaches as preparations intensified for the Games scheduled to kick off on February 20, 2026.  The message was loud and clear, Edo are not hosting just to participate; they are hosting to win. “From today, you are ambassadors of Edo State,” Enabulele told the athletes. “You were selected because you are already winners. But without discipline and commitment, talent means nothing.” The 12-day camping programme, designed to sharpen focus and boost performance, comes with what the chairman described as top-notch facilities and unprecedented welfare. A...
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Dr. Osetoba leads the charge as Ekiti youths march against drugs

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...Commends NDLEA, youth organisations for taking ownership of the fight against drug abuse  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      Ekiti State Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, has again stepped beyond the touchline of sports to the frontline of youth protection, rallying young people, students and critical stakeholders in Emure Local Government Area for a powerful anti-drug awareness drive. The high-impact campaign, staged to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, saw Emure youths take over the streets in a colourful but hard-hitting placard walk, sending a clear message, Ekiti youths choose purpose over pills. Organised by the Nigerian Youth Congress, Emure Youths Movement and Students’ Union Leaders, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the sensitization rally attracted a wide spectrum of stakeholders, civil society actors and community leaders. Informatio...
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Niger Delta Games torch lights Up Uyo in grand style

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...Games consultant Sir Itiako Ikpokpo praises smooth organisation of the ceremony ...Elder Paul Bassey applauds the professionalism behind the Games By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Edidiong Stephen     Uyo sparkled with colour, culture and confidence on Monday as the torch of the 2nd Niger Delta Games swept into the Akwa Ibom State capital amid pomp and pageantry, igniting excitement ahead of the Edo 2026 showpiece. The flame, a symbol of peace, strength and unity arrived from Calabar as part of its tour of the nine Niger Delta states competing at the Games, scheduled for February 20–27 in Edo State. Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Edidiong Umoafia led the procession, flanked by a proud parade of Akwa Ibom’s past and present sports heroes. The colourful march moved from the Ministry of Sports headquarters to the iconic Globe Roundabout on Wellington Bassey Way, where Governor Pastor Umo Eno stood ready to receive the torch alongside top government off...
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Anderlecht turn the page as new faces take charge after Still’s exit

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...2017 AFCON winner, Arnaud Djoum part of technical team  By Maxwell Kumoye      RSC Anderlecht has been forced into an unexpected reset after Edward Still stepped down as head coach, barely 24 hours after the club’s painful defeat to Genk on matchday 24 of the Belgian Pro League.  The decision, which caught many by surprise, has triggered a swift response from the club hierarchy as they look to steady the ship at a crucial stage of the season. Still, one of the league’s youngest coaches, opted to resign following growing pressure after recent results. His departure leaves Anderlecht fourth on the table with 36 points, still firmly in the hunt, but with little margin for error as the campaign intensifies. In response, the club has turned inward. Former Anderlecht defender Jérémy Taravel has been handed the reins on an interim basis, a move that signals trust in familiarity and continuity.  Taravel is widely regarded as a strong locker-room pres...
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Faith Chukwuma blazes the trail as Team Delta Athletics trials end in Asaba

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...As Team Delta unleash speed and Steel at NDG athletics trials By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Jude Agbeyeke     Team Delta has wrapped up its athletics trials in emphatic fashion, lighting up the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, ahead of the 2nd Niger Delta Games set for Benin City from February 19. The trials didn’t just pick a team, they unveiled a glimpse of the future. Faith Chukwuma stole the headlines in the women’s 200m, storming to the line in a blistering 22.34 seconds despite early drama that nearly derailed her outing.  But her dominance won’t go unchallenged. Ejiro Peter, the exciting new face from Ethiope West, finished second in 24.03 seconds, with Chinonso Odika close behind in 24.18 seconds to complete a fierce podium. The men’s 200m was equally electric. Osama Chibueze rose above a stacked field to claim top spot in 20.85 seconds, ahead of Rim Rukeh Fada (21.57s) and Egbo Destiny (21.78s).  Still, it was the sixth-p...
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Women take the field, this time in the boardroom

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...As Nigeria Federation of American Football sets for historic inauguration of its new board By Maxwell Kumoye          Nigeria’s sports governance just recorded a quiet but powerful first down. As the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF) prepares for the historic inauguration of its new board, two heavyweight women’s sports bodies, the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS) and the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) have secured seats at the decision-making table, signaling a welcome shift in how Nigerian sports is governed. The new NFAF board will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by the National Sports Commission (NSC) at its Abuja headquarters, an event that will also run alongside the Local Organising Committee meeting for the 2027 African School Sports Games.  Symbolism meets substance and progress on and off the field. NAWIS has nominated Dr. Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, while AFF...
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CAF power brokers touch down in Dar as AFCON 2027 countdown heats up

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By Trust Ittai     Dar es Salaam will be the heartbeat of African football on Friday as members of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Executive Committee converge on Tanzania for a crucial EXCO meeting. Chaired by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, the high-level gathering comes at a pivotal moment for the continent’s game, with key decisions expected to shape CAF’s roadmap in the months ahead. All eyes will be on the table as Africa’s football power brokers deliberate on pressing administrative and developmental issues. The meeting will be followed by a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam that will be streamed live on CAF TV, giving fans and stakeholders a front-row seat to the outcomes. Beyond policy and paperwork, the Dar es Salaam meeting carries symbolic weight.  It marks a major milestone in the countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  With Eas...
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