Category: Sports

Senate President Akpabio mourns late Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and national football legend, Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61.   In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described Rufai as a symbol of national pride and one of the finest goalkeepers in Nigeria’s football history.   “Peter Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football are unforgettable. I recall his electrifying performances for Stationery Stores…

Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies at 61

Emporium Reporters

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana”, has died at the age of 61. The news of his passing was confirmed via a post on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Super Eagles on Thursday, 3rd July, 2025. However, the cause of his death was yet to be disclosed as of the time of filing this report. “We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and 1994 AFCON champion. Rufai, fondly known…

Purple Crown Gymnastics Club hosts 5th Fun Day & Beauty Pageant

Emporium Reporters

The Purple Crown Gymnastics Club marked a major milestone with the successful hosting of its 5th Edition of the Annual Fun Day & Beauty Pageant. The event was held at the picturesque Imagine Early Years and Elementary School in Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria, and attracted children from various schools and nationalities.   The event featured gymnastics showcases, talent displays, and a beauty pageant parade, highlighting the athletic abilities, confidence, and creativity of the children. Miss Meridith I. Ketsy was crowned Queen of the Year, and numerous medals were awarded to deserving…

Sports No Longer a Pastime but an Economic Force — Akpabio

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called for a national rethink on the value of sports, declared that it is no longer a pastime but a powerful economic force capable of transforming lives and nations.   Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival held yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Senator Akpabio emphasized that the sports sector hold immense potential for job creation, national unity, health promotion, and economic growth if given the right attention and investment.   “Sports is no longer a pastime;…

RIGAN mourns Kano Athletes, condoles with National Sports Commission,Kano Govt , deceased families

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Research Institute Games of Nigeria (RIGAN), Prof. Owolade Oluwaferanmi, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 20 athletes and officials from Kano State. The victims were returning from the recently concluded Gateway Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when the unfortunate incident occurred on May 31, 2025.   In a condolence message released on Sunday, Prof. Oluwaferanmi, on behalf of the RIGAN Council, extended heartfelt sympathies to the National Sports Commission, the Kano State Government, and the bereaved families of…

NUJ FCT Council launches monthly fitness exercise, promotes healthy lifestyle among Journalists

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has launched a monthly fitness exercise to promote healthy living and enhance productivity among journalists. The initiative, which kicked off on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Abuja, saw journalists from various media organizations participating in aerobic sessions and wellness routines. Speaking during the maiden edition, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, emphasized the importance of regular exercise and medical check-ups in combating the effects of sedentary lifestyles common among media professionals. “Many of…

Fatal road accident claims 20 Kano Athletes returning from National Sports Festival

Emporium Reporters

A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of at least 20 athletes from Kano State who were returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. The vehicle, a bus conveying 30 members of the Kano State contingent, reportedly veered off the bridge and plunged into a ditch, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, confirmed the incident and expressed…

Nigeria Customs Service earns CAVB Commendation for hosting historic 39th Women’s Volleyball Championship

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been commended by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) for its outstanding role in the successful hosting of the 39th edition of the Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship, held in Abuja from April 1 to 14, 2025. The commendation came in a formal letter of appreciation signed by CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, and addressed to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. In the letter dated May 22, 2025, Hajij described the tournament as a historic milestone, being the first time in many years…

RIGAN congratulates new Director General National Institute for Sports,Hon Philip Shaibu …… Eyes Strategic Partnership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Research Institutes Games Association of Nigeria (RIGAN), the umbrella body of 37 Research and Development Institutes across various Federal Ministries, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu on his appointment as Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS). RIGAN, known for promoting sports development, research innovation, and talent discovery among member institutes, expressed optimism about enhanced synergy with the NIS under the new leadership.   “We look forward to working with the NIS under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu to elevate Nigerian…

NiDCOM Chairman celebrates Tunde Onakoya’s Guinness World Record Chess feat

Emporium Reporters

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded Nigerian Chess Master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, following his official recognition by Guinness World Records as the new holder of the world’s longest chess marathon.   In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, April 21, 2025, Dabiri-Erewa described Onakoya’s 64-hour chess marathon, completed alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez at Times Square in New York City, as a historic and inspirational achievement that reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigerians…