IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

 In a landmark move for the country’s digital sports sector, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the board of the E-Sports Federation of Nigeria. The event, held on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to embracing the global esports industry.

During his keynote address, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko emphasized the federation's mission to position Nigeria competitively on the international esports stage while providing opportunities for young Nigerians in the fast-growing digital sports ecosystem. Speaking to the media after the inauguration, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade highlighted the transformative potential of esports in Nigeria.

"Esports will energize and encourage the youth to thrive in the digital space. It is a sport that engages millions, with stakeholders estimating its reach at around 46 million individuals," Olopade stated. He acknowledged the long-standing challenges in unifying Nigeria’s esports community and emphasized that the establishment of the federation is a crucial step in leveraging a global industry valued at nearly $30 billion.

"For about six years, there has been a struggle to organize the E-Sports Federation. Unifying esports stakeholders to work as one is a step in the right direction. I congratulate the NSC and all Nigerians—it’s the beginning of great things for the sports industry," he added. Olopade further reiterated that sports, including esports, hold immense potential for job creation and economic development.

"As a former Commissioner for Sports, I can authoritatively say that sports is a powerful tool for job creation, youth engagement, and national development. We want every sport to be an influential contributor to our country’s GDP." The banking sector has also signaled its support for this initiative. Speaking at the event, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry, assured stakeholders that the financial sector is ready to back the newly established esports federation.

The newly inaugurated board consists of 13 members, with Yahaya Maikori serving as President and Pedro Damilola as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Other board members include:

Emmanuel Oyelakin

Sunny Gullong

Sidney Esiri

Suzan Adenoyi

Ikechukwu Okoye

Kunmi Adenipebi (Technical Representative)

Tunde Onakoya (International Representative)

Musa Sanusi (Athlete Representative)

Rita Izoje (NAWIS Representative)

Clinton Agbor (NAFA Representative/Vice President)

The establishment of the E-Sports Federation of Nigeria marks a new era for digital sports in the country, setting the stage for greater investment, youth participation, and international recognition. 

... as Onyeocha lauds Governor Uzodimma. 

The National Sports Festival Zonal Elimination for team teams have come and gone as Imo State came tops from South-East claiming Gold in male and female category in all featured sports except in football where they yielded for the silver medal. 

Some of the Imo contingents on returning from Enugu, venue for the games praised the efforts of the Honorable Commissioner for Sports Development in Imo State, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha for galvanizing support and boosting their morale before their departure to Enugu. 

According to Chibuzor, a volleyball player, "The Honorable Commissioner really tried for us. He made sure our journey to Enugu was worthwhile and we have rewarded him with Gold Medals. This is first of its kind". 

Also Obi a football player eulogized the Commissioner for his kind heartedness and described him as a Saviour of Sports in Imo state. "It has never happened before in Imo State where we go for games and return with only gold Medals. The Commissioner is God sent", he noted. 

Welcoming the Imo contingents, the Honorable Commissioner thanked them for making the state proud with their performance at Enugu and tasked them to replicate same feat during the National Sports Festival that will be holding in Ogun State in a matter of weeks. 

He appreciated the efforts and large heart of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma who he described as a Sports Ambassador who have revolutionalized Sports in the State. "The Sports loving Governor has yet again shown that sports must thrive in our state through continued support and encouragements.

It will be recalled that 5 states of the South-East participated in the games with Imo State sweeping Gold Medals in Abula, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Beach Volleyball and Volleyball except for Football (Female category) where they settled for the silver medal. 

Liverpool announced a pre-tax loss of £57 million ($72 million) for the 2023/24 season, attributing the setback to their absence from the Champions League and rising operational expenses.

Despite the loss, the club’s overall revenue increased by £20 million to £614 million, with commercial revenue surging by £36 million to £308 million. However, a £38 million drop in media revenue contributed to a second consecutive year in the red.

Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17 impacted finances, though matchday income grew by £22 million following the expansion of the Anfield Road stand. Staff costs, including wages and bonuses, rose by £13 million to £386 million, partly due to incentives for Champions League qualification and their League Cup victory in Jürgen Klopp’s final season.

Severance payments for Klopp and his coaching staff totaled £9.6 million, while the departures of high earners like Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson helped ease the wage bill. The club also invested around £150 million in new signings, including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Finance officer Jenny Beacham emphasized the club’s commitment to financial sustainability, citing the importance of increasing revenue streams to balance rising costs.

Currently, Liverpool is on track for a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, leading the Premier League by 13 points with 10 games remaining. They are also set to face Newcastle in the League Cup final on March 16 and will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16. 

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo.

Not less than 600 under-25 athletes drawn from the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State will be representing the State at the Maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), billed to hold on 1st to 8th April 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The festival being organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with Dunanis Icon Limited, as consultant, will be bringing together over 3,000 athletes, 600 coaches and 300 media practitioners from the nine NDDC mandate states, which are Imo, Abia, Rivers, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross river, Ondo and Delta. 

During a world press conference at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Sports and Chairman of Imo State Liaison Committee, which serves as the State's Local Organizing Committee, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, hinted that the festival aims to promote talent discovery, human capital development and sports infrastructure in the region.

Onyeocha added that this laudable talent discovery project of the NDDC is aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative and the vision of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s 3R Agenda for sports development.

Onyeocha noted that the selected athletes will be competing in the 17 featured sports including athletics, football, handball, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, tennis, boxing, canoeing, cheese, scrabble, para-athletics, para-powerlifting and traditional wrestling. 

While encouraging eligible athletes to take advantage of the opportunity and register for the festival which closes on 7th of March, Onyeocha informed that the state trials is scheduled for Tuesday, March, 4, 2025, at Dan Anyiam Stadium. 

"Coaches from the 27 LGAs of Imo State, with their athletes, are requested to be at the Owerri Stadium before 9.00am that day.

"The Imo State's Open Camp Begins On 17th March to 23rd, 2025 at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, while the Closed Camp begins on 24th till decamping on the 30th of April, 2025, thereafter departure to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, follows on the 1st of April, 2025." Onyeocha declared. 

The number one sportsman in Imo, seized the opportunity to thank Governor Hope Uzodimma, who he described as Imo true father and leader for his immense support towards sports development.

Other members of the SLO including Hon. Willie T. C Okolieogwo, SA to the State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Secretary to the SOC and Dunanis representative also appreciated the Governor for backing the initiative, assuring to put in their best to make him and the entire state proud by bringing home from the sports festival the gold medal. 

Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has defended Ademola Lookman following head coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s criticism of the winger.

Gasperini had publicly blamed Lookman for missing a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge, labeling him "one of the worst penalty takers." Lookman later described the remarks as "disrespectful."

However, Pagliuca stated that the issue has been resolved within the club.

“We want to move past this situation, and I believe we have, especially after our 5-0 victory against Empoli,” Pagliuca told Gazzetta dello Sport.

He added, “Gasperini made a mistake by singling out an individual. At Atalanta, alongside the Percassi family, our policy is clear: when things don’t go as planned, we take collective responsibility and focus on improving.” 

Heartland Queens have once again asserted their dominance in Imo State female football, securing their third consecutive female FA Cup title in emphatic fashion. 

The NWFL Premiership outfit will now shift focus to the prestigious Presidential Federation Cup, where they will represent Imo State and aim to make a deep run in the competition.

Having suffered a Round of 16 exit last season at the hands of FC Robo Queens, just days after their NWFL Super 6 campaign in Yenagoa, Heartland Queens are eager to make amends this time around. With renewed ambition, they will be targeting a podium finish on the national stage.

Meanwhile, the Owerri-mainstream will have little time to bask in their latest triumph, as they return to league action on Wednesday for a highly anticipated Matchday 6 showdown against arch-rivals Confluence Queens FC. With crucial league points at stake, Heartland Queens will be looking to carry their cup-winning momentum into the NWFL Premiership battle.

The stage is set for an electrifying encounter, as Heartland Queens aim to keep their domestic dominance intact while gearing up for another shot at national silverware. 

The final of this year's Imo State Federation's Cup will hold on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Imo State. 

Qualified for the final are Heartland FC of Owerri and Onwubiko Innocent Sports Academy,OISA, FC Okpala. 

A perennial winner of the cup from the days of Spartans to Iwuanyanwu and now Heartland, the team which has been the traditional custodian of the state FA cup for years beckons on history to repeat itself against the newcomers on Sunday. 

For OISA, a side that campaigns in the Nationwide league, the Okpala boys are not only coming into the FA Cup limelight for the first time as finalist, but also appearing as first team from that location to pick the last two slots in the State FA Cup. 

Expectedly, the match will have the trappings of a cup final as soccer fireworks will be on display during game.

Coming as underdogs, OISA will use the game to prove their mettle after shoving aside others to book a final ticket that will enable them campaign at the national stage. While Heartland need to sustain their dominance of the domestic trophy to prove their worth the state and beyond.

To reach the final, Heartland FC beat Giant brillars 6-0 in their first game before moving to dwarf Amanda fc 3-0 then Dom Daniel fc2-0 in the semi final. While OISA brushed aside last year's runners up, FC Eburuaja 1-0, dumped Heartland feeders 1-0 before overcoming Capt marvel fc who lost them 3-1.

Chairman of Imo FA, Barr Ifeanyi Dike has assured participating teams and stakeholders that the state FA who is on the path to make football great in Imo once again has put all machinery in motion to have a successful final.

According to Barr Dike, mouth watering packages have been outlined for the encounter as the Imo FA expresses happiness over the contributions of some of the club owners and stakeholders who contributed immensely to the success of the 2025 State Federation's Cup. He said that the two teams who have qualified to represent the state at the national stage will receive the backing of the state FA at all levels in the course of the national preliminaries.

.. By GOC Nwadike, NDSF-IMO-SLC, PH.

The Main Organizing, And the Local Organizing Committees Required For The Successful Hosting Of The Meiden Edition Of The Niger Delta Sports Festival Have Been Inaugurated In Port Harcourt, The City Capital Of Rivers State.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival; A Flagship Sport Development Program Of The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, In Partnership With Dunamis Icon Limited; the Consultants, Is Aimed At Harnessing Talents For Human Capital Development In The Niger Delta Beyond Oil.

Performing The ceremony at the NDDC Headquarters on Friday, the Executive Director, Finance And Administration At The NDDC, A Former Commissioner of Sports In Rivers State and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee of the Festival, Alabo Boma Iyaye Enjoined members of the various committees to see their nominations as opportunity to serve their region, while appealing to them to show commitments and seriousness in their charges.

Iyaye noted that the festival which is the first of its kind in the country must not fail to leave up to its expectations which is, the discovery of talents in all sporting segments from the Niger Delta region.

Members Of The Central/Main Organizing Committee inaugurated today are selected from both the NDDC and The Consultants as follows; Alabo Boma Iyaye - Chairman, Itiako Ikpokpo - Co-Chairman, Davies Okerevu, Barr. Salami Okogie, Barr. victor Arenyeka, Mrs. Seladi Wakama, Allwell Egwurugu, Onome Obruthe, Ono K. Akpe, Eniofioke Udo-Obong, Ochuko Igbigbisie, Fred Edoreh, Mr. Paul Bassey and Lady Rose Bassey.

Also inaugurated as Chairmen of Sub-Committees of the Local Organizing Committee are; Mr. Enefiok Udo-Ubong - Technical; Engr. Evong Moduck Evong - Accommodation; Mr. Isreal Ummerri - Transportation; Dr. George Uzonwanne - Medical Services; Mr. Edger Okpozo - Security; Mr. Kufere Etukudo - Facilities/Equipment; Chinyere Clara Braide - Protocol Services; Mrs. Inyang Etim Udoh - Catering Services; Mr. Richard Mode Damijo - Cultural Expo; Mr. Iwuala Harrison - Media/Publicity; Mr. Godwin Enakhena - Scouting/Mentorship Program And Dr. Eyibrayila Ladi Awofeso - Secretariat Services.

The Nine Commissioners Of Sports From The Nine Mandate states of the Niger Delta region, which includes Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Delta, Edo and Ondo are equally inaugurated members of the Main Organizing Committee to oversee their various States Liaisons of the Festival.

The festival is billed to run from 1st to 9th Of April, 2025 at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with that state as the host of the first edition. Over 15 different sports from both the individual, double and team games will be featured in the festival.

The NDDC which is the main sponsor of this festival with almost 95% of the funding coming from it, says it's part of its programs set aside for the celebration of the 25 years of existence of the commission. 

Kaoru Mitoma scored a superb opener as Brighton loosened Chelsea's grip on a place in the top four of the Premier League with their second victory over the Blues inside a week. The result means the Seagulls, who also knocked Enzo Maresca's side out of the FA Cup last Saturday, move up to eighth in the table, four points adrift of Manchester City in fifth.

City, Newcastle and Bournemouth, who all have a game in hand, have the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea if they win on Saturday. Japan forward Mitoma set the hosts on their way, superbly controlling goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's long pass forward with a delicate touch, before cutting inside Trevoh Chalobah and curling a low effort past Filip Jorgensen into the right corner of the Chelsea net. From that point on the result rarely looked in doubt as Brighton deservedly recorded their first home league win since 9 November.

Yankuba Minteh added their second before the break with a low close-range effort after some excellent work from the impressive attacking duo of Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter. While Chelsea controlled possession for long periods, they struggled to fashion many clear-cut opportunities against Fabian Hurzeler's side aside from an early Cole Palmer effort that flashed wide and an Enzo Fernandez header that was disallowed for a push on home defender Joel Veltman.

Gambia forward Minteh rounded off the scoring for Brighton just after the hour mark, with Chelsea, who looked shaky in defence all evening, exposed down their left as the winger drove a low effort past Jorgensen at his near post. 

Arne Slot said "emotions got the better of me" as the Liverpool head coach waits to learn his punishment after being sent off in Wednesday's Merseyside derby. Dutchman Slot, 46, was shown a red card after approaching referee Michael Oliver on the pitch following the full-time whistle at Goodison Park.

Everton scored a 98th-minute equaliser in a dramatic conclusion to the 2-2 draw, in which Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool's Curtis Jones were both also sent off after the game had ended. About the incident which led to his red card, Slot said on Friday: "There is an ongoing process now and I have to respect that." He added: "Emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, if I look back I would love to do that differently, and I hope to do that differently next time."

As it stands, Slot will be on the touchline for Sunday's Premier League match against Wolves at Anfield (14:00 GMT) while the Football Association reviews Oliver's report and decides whether it will take further action. The Premier League initially reported on its website that Slot would be banned for two matches "for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language" - but that was later deleted. It is understood human error was to blame for the erroneous post.

Liverpool were adamant that James Tarkowski's late leveller, which was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR), should have been ruled out for a shove on defender Ibrahima Konate in the build-up. But Slot, who was unable to speak to the media after Wednesday's match because of his red card, also voiced frustration over the amount of stoppage time played, after five minutes were initially added.

"I think what happened was that the extra five minutes ended up being eight. It happened a lot," said Slot, whose assistant Sipke Hulshoff was also sent off. "I should have acted differently after the game, but it's an emotional sport and sometimes individuals make wrong decisions and that's definitely what I did." 

The 2025 edition of the annual 42km 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has been once again dominated by East African runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. Kenya’s Edwin Kibet on Saturday emerged winner in the men category, clocking a time of 2:14:06 to win the $50,000 price money.

Kibet came third last year behind his compatriot Bernard Sang who won it with a time of 02:16:49 and another Kenyan Cheprot who came second. It is Kibet’s second win in the competition following his first victory in the 2023 edition.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged victorious clocking a time of 2:37:04 for her first win in the competition. First Nigerian to finish the race, Nyango Gyang Boyi, made history by finishing in the top 10 positions. He finished the race in 8th place, clocking a time 2:25:41.58 which will earn him a prize award of $4,000. As the first Nigerian to finish the race, Boyi also won the N2million top prize in the Nigerian category.

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was also one of the participants in this year’s Lagos City Marathon. The 42km race commenced at Western Avenue, in front of the National Stadium Surulere, and finished in front of Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

This year’s edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon had thousands of runners competing for the top prize. The annual event was to a gold label by the World Athletics in 2023 less than eight years after its first edition. 

The Federal Government has lauded Ogun State for its unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class National Sports Festival (NSF) as preparations for the highly anticipated event intensify. In a groundbreaking move, the festival’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC), with strong backing from the National Sports Commission (NSC), officially announced Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor in a record-breaking deal unveiled on Wednesday in Abeokuta.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed the development as a significant milestone, emphasizing the crucial role of corporate partnerships in advancing Nigerian sports. “The unveiling of Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor for the 2024 National Sports Festival is a testament to the growing confidence of the private sector in Nigerian sports,” Dikko stated. “Ogun State has shown an extraordinary level of dedication, and this collaboration is a step toward elevating the festival to exceptional standards.”

Dikko further highlighted the festival’s economic and social impact, noting that beyond the thrill of competition, the Gateway Games 2024 would boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy. “This festival is more than just a sporting event, it is a celebration of talent, resilience, and the boundless potential of Nigerian sports. With Ogun State’s level of preparation and the commitment of all stakeholders, I have no doubt that the Gateway Games 2024 will be the most remarkable edition yet,” he added.

The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ogun State to ensure the festival’s success and lasting legacy. Dubbed the "Nigerian Olympics," the National Sports Festival is owned by the NSC and is set to welcome over 20,000 participants from the 36 states and the FCT. For the first time, Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) will compete as a 38th contingent.

The 2024 National Sports Festival will take place from May 16 to May 30, 2025, with Ogun State set to host a historic edition of the prestigious sporting event. 

Manchester City's fans started the night by unfurling a huge flag taunting Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior for their angry reaction to Rodri beating the Brazilian to last year's Ballon d'Or. 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' was the message, the words of the Oasis hit accompanied by an image of Rodri kissing the coveted trophy at the ceremony boycotted by Real in protest at the decision.

Firing barbs at the most ruthless and experienced operators in Champions League history is a dangerous occupation, and so it proved. All the tears belonged to City and their supporters at the final whistle after a trademark smash-and-grab late surge gave Real a potentially decisive 3-2 advantage after the first leg of this play-off to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Real's relentless, concrete-clad confidence in themselves and street wisdom honed over years of experience and triumphs, saw them turn a 2-1 deficit after 86 minutes into a victory, Carlo Ancelotti's side preying on City's own painful lack of self-belief. The contrast was stark, City wilting visibly in the second half, then consumed by anxiety and nerves once their former midfielder Brahim Diaz restored parity with four minutes of normal time left.

City are never home and hosed this season. Real Madrid never believe they are beaten. And this was the case again as Pep Guardiola's team lost a lead for the fifth time in this campaign. It is perhaps an insight into City's current state of mind and form that the two late goals conceded here made it eight goals shipped in the final 16 minutes of their past five Champions League games, the most of any side.

Guardiola is currently presiding over a team with too many miles on the clock, too many players not fully fit – or not fit at all in Rodri's case. The cracks are starting to look beyond repair, rather more in need of major renovation. Rodri was watching from the sidelines, having been included in City's Champions League squad in the hope he may recover from his knee injury this season, and on that giant flag. How City needed his calming influence, quality and steel on the pitch as they were overcome late on once more. 

Heartland Queens will be up in arms in a do-or- die battle against two-season campaigners, Dannaz Ladies in Wednesday's NWFL Premiership matchday 5 game at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo state.

On Wednesday, it would be the third time the sides are meeting each other in the topflight, and the outcome in the past two clashes have been one win apiece. Before now, they were in the same trenches in the 2022 NWFL Championship promotion playoffs in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state and the Owerri side smiled home on that occasion and the latest nonleague meeting was the 2024 Sheroes Cup preseason in Abuja which ended one goal apiece.

Available facts showed that almost the same time in the immediate past season, the Owerri mainstreams were second on the eight-team log on eight points, three behind the then leaders, Confluence Queens but the scene is quite different at the moment with the Owerri side barely breathing on the seventh place on the eight-team Group A and without a win after four matches while the side from the 'Centre of Excellence' are on an improved sixth spot with four points on the log.

Prior to Wednesday's showdown, the home side were humbled 1-4 by Remo Stars Ladies in Ikenne, Ogun state while the visitors were too happy to share the spoils one goal apiece with the reigning champions, Edo Queens in Lagos.

The good thing going for the Owerri side is that the sweat merchant in all the matchups remains the same coach Obi Ogbala and is expected he will use his experience to conjure a potent lineup that will see his side overrun the visitors from the nation's centre of commerce, Lagos.

The Owerri side have been winless in all four matches, coach Ogbala knows that time is ripe to call a time on the poor runs and start on the winning note starting with the game against Dannaz Ladies .

With glaring deficiencies noted in some key players in the game at leaders, Remo Stars Ladies in Ikenne, coach Ogbala is most likely to come up with massive changes that will see new charges being thrown into the fray for the do-or-die clash.

Victory for the Owerri side will serve as a major boost in their season's campaign as well as the next matchday 6 crunch road trip at former champions, Nasarawa Amazons in Lafia.

Moro Ojomo, a Nigerian-born defensive lineman, played a key role in the Philadelphia Eagles' 40-22 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, securing the team’s fifth NFL title.

Born in Lagos, Ojomo moved to the U.S. at age seven and later excelled in football at Katy High School and the University of Texas. Despite being drafted in the seventh round by the Eagles in 2023, he worked his way into a crucial defensive role.

In the Super Bowl, Ojomo's defensive contributions helped neutralize Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. His journey from Nigeria to the NFL highlights the rising impact of Nigerian athletes in American football, inspiring young players worldwide. 

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to successfully hosting the first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival.

Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit from the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Eno highlighted the unifying role of sports in strengthening ties among Niger Delta states. He expressed gratitude for Akwa Ibom's selection as the event’s host and assured the NDDC of the state’s readiness to collaborate for a successful festival.

The governor emphasized that the event would not only promote regional unity but also serve as a platform to showcase local sporting talent and boost economic activities.

Dr. Ogbuku noted that the festival aligns with the NDDC’s broader efforts to foster unity and showcase the region’s diverse talents. He stated that Akwa Ibom was chosen due to its peaceful environment and well-equipped sports facilities.

The festival, scheduled from April 1 to 8, will mark the NDDC’s 25th anniversary, with the Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium set to host 20 sporting events. Athletes and sports enthusiasts from across the nine Niger Delta states are expected to participate in the week-long competition. 

In a significant step towards strengthening support for Nigerian football, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has endorsed the ongoing efforts to unify the nation’s football supporters clubs. Dikko welcomed representatives of various supporters clubs to his office, commending their decision to harmonize and work together under a single umbrella. Using a metaphor, he likened their unity to a bundle of broomsticks: “If you single out broomsticks, you could so easily break them one after the other. But when you put them together as a bunch, you cannot break the broom.”

The delegation, led by Mr. Vincent Okumagba, briefed the NSC Chairman on the outcome of a meeting summoned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where the groups agreed to set aside their differences and work as one for the greater good of Nigerian football and sports in general. A Call for Unity in Support of Nigerian Football. Dikko urged the supporters clubs to intensify their efforts toward unity, emphasizing that a collective approach would enhance the overall impact of their support.

“You must come together and work as a group so that we can achieve the desired goal,” he stated. “When we are all working together towards the same goal, success is guaranteed. When you see the army and police marching, they march at the same time, but once one person falters, everything comes to zero.” While acknowledging that the decision to unify rests with the clubs themselves, Dikko stressed that a single, coordinated supporters club would provide the best backing for the national team.

“We want everyone to be in one Supporters Club, but we won’t be the ones to force you. You have to meet and agree to be one. You have to unite in the interest of the sport you all claim to love,” he said.

Focus on World Cup Qualification

Beyond unity, the NSC Chairman reminded the delegation of the immediate task at hand—ensuring the Super Eagles secure a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

“Our task now is to make sure that we get that World Cup ticket. We have to be focused and put all our energy into getting that done. What is home advantage when the supporters are not behind you as a group? We all need to come together and sing in one voice to give our players the home advantage that they need,” he emphasized.

Dikko assured the clubs of the Commission’s full support in their mission to rally behind the national team. “We in the Commission myself, my DG, and the staff are fully supporting and enforcing this move to have a unified group. We are here to render any support you need from us,” he concluded.

Key Stakeholders in Attendance

The meeting saw the presence of top figures in Nigerian football support, including:

Vincent Okumagba – President, Super Eagles Supporters Club

Hon. Sunday Gulong – President, Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club

Amb. Abimbola Ariyo – National Secretary, Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club

Amb. Kemi Ogunfuwa – President, Football Fans Club of Nigeria

Umar Shehu – Northern Coordinator, Super Eagles Supporters Club amongst others. 

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusivity in sports administration, pledging to engage all key stakeholders in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s sports economy and grassroots development mandates. During a courtesy visit from the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), Dikko emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving national sports objectives.

"We have a clear mandate from the President to build the sports economy and enhance grassroots sports development," he stated. "To achieve this, we must involve all stakeholders. That is why our doors remain open to meaningful engagement. We welcome input and ideas rather than resorting to public complaints." The NSC chairman also promised to revisit the previous administration’s commitment to including AFFAN in the boards of Sports Federations. "Since the former minister had already approved your inclusion, we will explore ways to implement that decision," he assured.

Recognizing the historical contributions of female athletes to Nigeria’s sporting achievements, Dikko highlighted plans to ensure women’s representation in major sporting events. "We acknowledge the impact of female athletes in securing laurels for the country. Just as we have agreed with Olympians on the inclusion of ex-internationals in our teams, we will ensure that women are adequately represented," he added.

Additionally, he outlined plans to decentralize sports administration by strengthening the Commission’s zonal offices. According to him, "These offices will operate as mini sports commissions, each led by a Federal Sports Commissioner tasked with talent discovery. There is already budgetary provision for these zonal offices, which will focus on school sports as a foundation for grassroots development."

The visit was led by AFFAN President, Dr. Toyin Aluko. 

Manchester City will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League, while Arsenal have been drawn against Real Madrid. Women's Super League champions Chelsea will travel to City for the first leg before hosting Gareth Taylor's side in the second leg.

Arsenal, winners of the competition's previous format in 2007, will host the second leg against Real Madrid after qualifying as group winners. It is the first time that three English teams have progressed to the last-16 stage. Should Arsenal progress, they will avoid meeting a fellow English team until the final as they have been drawn against the winners of Bayern Munich versus Lyon in the semi-finals.

Chelsea or City will face the winners of the tie between two-time German winners Wolfsburg and current holders Barcelona. The draw means Chelsea and City will face each another four times within the space of 12 days across three competitions. The two clubs meet in the League Cup final on 15 March and again in the WSL on 23 March.

The Champions League quarter-final first leg will be held before the WSL match, either on 18 or 19 March, with the second leg on either 26 or 27 March.The semi-final first legs are scheduled for 19 or 20 April, with the second legs on 26 or 27 April. 

Women's Champions League quarter-finals

Manchester City v Chelsea

Real Madrid v Arsenal

Wolfsburg v Barcelona

Bayern Munich v Lyon

Women's Champions League knockout dates

Quarter-finals

First leg: 18/19 March

Second leg: 26/27 March

Semi-finals

First leg: 19/20 April

Second leg: 26/27 April 

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has appointed sports management expert, Blessing Ekwe Chisalam, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a strategic move aimed at advancing the sport’s growth in the country. Ms. Blessing, a passionate sports scientist, holds a master’s degree in sports management and has a strong background in sports administration. Her expertise comes at a time when Nigerian badminton is experiencing rapid development, both at the grassroots and international levels.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has emphasized the need for sustained efforts to build on these achievements, stating that the BFN must “not rest on its oars” as the sport continues to gain momentum. BFN President, Francis Orbih, expressed confidence in Ms. Blessing’s appointment, highlighting her qualifications and alignment with the federation’s vision:

“We need someone who can project badminton with a positive image and align with our dreams and aspirations as a federation. Ms. Blessing is highly competent, a sports scientist with a master’s degree in sports management, and understands the physiology of the sports ecosystem. Her appointment will be instrumental in driving the growth of badminton in Nigeria.” As COO, Ms. Blessing will focus on expanding the sport’s outreach, enhancing its economic appeal, and improving administration and competition structures within the federation. With her extensive experience, she is expected to play a key role in strengthening Nigerian badminton’s operations in line with the National Sports Commission’s strategic objectives.

Her appointment signals a new era for badminton in Nigeria, as the federation aims to cement its place among the leading sports organizations in the country.