Category: Sports

Nigerian military debunks allegations on Visa request for Invictus Games

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters has refuted recent allegations regarding the Nigerian military’s visa requests for the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.   In a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the military clarified that it received an official invitation to participate in the global sporting event, which celebrates wounded and recovering service personnel. Nigeria’s contingent consisted of three officers, 21 athletes, and a physiotherapist, with the Invictus Games Foundation covering accommodation and feeding costs.   However, despite all necessary arrangements, only 14 members of the team…

NSC Chairman applauds Waldorf Knoll’s Inter-House Sports, pledges support for Grassroots Talent Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has commended Waldorf Knoll for its well-organized inter-house sports event, describing it as a crucial platform for discovering and nurturing young talents across Nigeria. He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for grassroots sports development.   Speaking as the chairman of the event, Dikko praised the school’s commitment to sports, emphasizing that such programs create opportunities for identifying emerging athletes. He assured Waldorf Knoll of the Commission’s continuous support to further enhance the initiative.…

Customs partners National Sports Commission to host African Volleyball Inter-Club Women’s Championship

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bid to revitalise sports and provide meaningful engagement for Nigerian youths, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has sought the collaboration of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to host the prestigious African Volleyball Inter-Club Women’s Championship in Abuja. During a courtesy visit to the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, on Monday, 27 January 2025, CGC Adeniyi underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to using sports as a tool to promote national pride, foster unity, and create youth development opportunities. He praised the NSC’s leadership, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s…

World Scout Bureau Delegation Visits Nigeria, Confers Grand Patron Title on President Tinubu

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A high-powered delegation from the World Scout Bureau, led by Acting Secretary General, arrived in Nigeria today for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening ties with The Scout Association of Nigeria (TSAN) and advancing youth development initiatives across the country.   One of the key events during the visit is the conferral of the title Grand Patron of the Scout of Nigeria on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This honor recognizes his leadership and the Federal Government’s efforts in promoting youth empowerment and development.   The delegation’s agenda included discussions with…

19-Year-Old Yaqub Usman-Malah Joins Brito Sporting Club

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a significant move for his budding football career, 19-year-old Nigerian-born footballer Yaqub Usman-Malah has signed with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal. The official announcement and unveiling ceremony took place on January 4, 2025, marking a new chapter for the promising young athlete.   Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, has shown immense potential and talent from an early age. Prior to his recent signing, he honed his skills at the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom, where he made a notable impact. His impressive record includes 17…

JUST IN: NFF appoints Eric Chelle as new Super Eagles Head Coach

Emporium Reporters

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed former Malian player and coach Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The announcement was made following the NFF Executive Committee’s endorsement on January 7, 2025.   Chelle, 47, is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the role, having previously managed Mali’s national team and several clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle chose to represent Mali during his playing…

Dabiri-Erewa applauds Daniel Ford Foundation for empowering Youth through Table Tennis Tournament

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has lauded the Daniel Ford Foundation for its ongoing philanthropic efforts to support humanity, particularly in empowering youth through sports.   Dabiri-Erewa, who served as the Special Guest of Honour at the Daniel Ford International Elite Table Tennis Tournament held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, commended Mr. Yemi Edun, the founder of Daniel Ford International, for sponsoring the event and creating opportunities for young talents to shine.   The tournament, designed to uncover emerging table tennis stars,…

Edo Sports Commission Chairman inspects facilities, vows to revive state’s Sporting Glory

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadi Enabulele, has assured Edo sports enthusiasts of the Commission’s commitment to revitalizing sports in the state.   Speaking during an inspection tour of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Enabulele stated that the new board would work tirelessly to provide a conducive environment for athletes and coaches to excel. He reiterated that the welfare of sports stakeholders would remain a top priority.   “Our aim is to move sports forward in Edo State. This new…

CAF Awards: Senate President Akpabio Celebrates Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigeria’s football stars, Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, as well as the Super Falcons, for their outstanding achievements at the CAF Awards.   In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio hailed Lookman, the Atalanta forward and Super Eagles’ goal poacher, for clinching the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award.   The Senate President described Lookman’s victory as a recognition of his dedication and exceptional talent.   “I wish to congratulate…

Customs Comptroller leads Security Agencies in Katsina Marathon to promote Work-Life Balance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Customs Area Controller, Katsina Command, Comptroller Abba-Aji Idriss, on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, led officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and representatives from military, police, and paramilitary organizations on a 3-kilometer marathon in Katsina.   The exercise, themed “Work-Life Balance,” began at 4:00 PM at the Katsina Customs Headquarters. Participants marched through a designated route to the Nigerian Army 17 Brigade Old Building and returned to the Customs premises. The initiative, according to the Comptroller, aims to ensure the physical and mental fitness of officers and strengthen inter-agency…