Category: Sports

D’Tigress’ FIBA Victory: Akpabio hails Nigerian Women as Champions, Pacesetters

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has applauded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for clinching their seventh FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title a record-setting fifth consecutive championship win.   In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the team’s triumph as a moment of immense national pride and a resounding affirmation of the resilience and excellence of Nigerian women.   “It is heartwarming that within two weeks, Nigerian women have conquered Africa twice. Last week, it was the Super…

LASUED wins Gold at inaugural Lagos Campus Beach Soccer 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

It was a thrilling and fun-filled Saturday as football enthusiasts trooped to Atican Beach, Lekki, to witness the maiden edition of the Lagos Campus Beach Soccer tournament. The atmosphere was electric with pulsating music from DJ Bright and high-stakes action on the sand as the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) clinched the gold medal, emerging as overall champions of the 2025 competition.   LASUED displayed exceptional resilience and tactical brilliance throughout the tournament. They opened with a 1–0 victory over Lagos City Polytechnic and held the University of Lagos…

Chief Amurun Idama sponsors Multi-Million Naira Delta Central U-17 Football Tournament … As Sheriff Oborevwori Unity Cup kicks off August 3 across eight LGAs

Emporium Reporters

Chairman of Arthur Ferdinand Ltd., Chief Amurun Idama Esq., has unveiled a multi-million naira football tournament aimed at promoting grassroots sports development and youth engagement across Delta Central Senatorial District.   Tagged the Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Cup, the competition is designed to identify and harness young football talents from the eight local government areas within the senatorial zone. The tournament will officially kick off on Saturday, August 3, 2025, with the opening fixture between Ethiope East and Ughelli North, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Ekpan Police Station Football…

NOA partners National Sports Commission to promote national unity, donates 5,000 copies of reintroduced Anthem

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a renewed effort to deepen national consciousness and promote Nigeria’s core symbols and values, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has donated 5,000 copies of the reintroduced national anthem, Nigerian flags, and a National Values Charter plaque to the National Sports Commission.   The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Special Duties and State Operations, Mr. David Akoji, said the gesture is aimed at addressing recurring instances where athletes struggle to correctly recite the national anthem at international events.   He described sports as…

NUJ FCT, China Cultural Centre Strengthen Ties Ahead of 7th Nigeria–China Table Tennis Tournament …. As Grace Ike urges deeper cultural exchange for journalists

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, has announced that the 7th Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament will hold on November 15, 2025. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and her executive team to the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. They were received by the Centre’s Director and Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, Mr Yang Jianxing, along with senior officials. Comrade Ike commended the Centre for its continued collaboration,…

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…