Sports - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

N-Youth League: Enyimba, Kwara United to clash in Super 8 showdown

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Tue, 2025

Sports

N-Youth League: Enyimba, Kwara United to clash in Super 8 showdown

19 total views today

By Victor Okoye

Enyimba International Football Club of Aba are set to clash with their counterparts, Kwara United Football Club in the Nigeria Youth League (N-YLC) Super 8 tournament in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos is set to witness top-tier youth football action as the N-YLC Super 8 Tournament kicks off on Monday.

The highly anticipated competition would kick off with a thrilling fixture between Enyimba FC U-19 of Aba and Kwara United U-19.

This would be followed by a clash between Plateau United U-19 and Kano Pillars U-19 in the second match of Day 1 fixture.

Organised by the N-YLC, the Championship will involve Kano Pillars, Plateau United, Kwara United and Mailartanki FC, the top clubs from the Northern Conference of the league.

Teams from the Southern conference vying for glory in the Super 8 are Shuffle Select of Lagos, Enyimba, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Atlanta Business FC of Lagos.

The N-YLC, which began its inaugural season in April 2024, featured 23 teams split across two regional conferences with four teams qualifying from each group and securing their spots in the Super 8.

At the draws held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, President of the NYLC, Robinson Adakosa announced that the Super 8 would adopt a round-robin format, featuring four matches daily at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Adakosa praised the dedication of all involved, noting that in spite of the challenges encountered during the season, the league has succeeded in identifying and nurturing exceptional young talents.

“The N-Youth league has propelled participating players into a limelight in their various clubs as this season has not only revealed outstanding players but also drawn the attention of European scouts.

“The league remains committed to creating pathways for youth development in football,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the participating clubs, board members, and stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for their unwavering support.

He confirmed that all logistics for the tournament have been fully arranged to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for players and fans alike, with matches scheduled from June 23 to 30.

In a major boost to the tournament’s profile, Adakosa revealed that FC Barcelona’s Head of Recruitment, Villa Gorriz, would be attending, alongside scouts from UK and the Netherlands.

He stressed that the move by the foreign agents underscores the growing international interest in Nigeria’s grassroots football talent.

Nigerian international and former Super Eagles players, Tijani Babangida and Emmanuel Babayaro, who conducted the draws for the Super 8 Championship, gave their impressions of the competition.

According to Babangida, the Super 8 would inspire grassroots players with the level of experience required in competitive leagues.

Speaking in the same vein, Babayaro said the championship was a laudable initiative, adding that it provides a suitable platform for the aspiring professional footballers to actualise their dreams.

The Super 8 championship, which is organised for players between the ages of 16 and 19, promises a week of explosive action, skillful displays, and future stars in the making.

NAN also reports that a total prize pool of N40 million is at stake with the overall winners expected to smile home with a whopping N10 million.

The runners up will get N8 million, while the third-placed winners will pocket N6 million.

The remaining participating teams will also receive financial rewards based on their final standings. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Mon, 2025

Sports

Catchball launch set to empower girls

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By Babatunde Ogunrinde

The Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF) says Catchball, a new sport in Nigeria, offers competitive benefits and has strong potential to empower the girl child.

A delegation from the NCF stated this during a visit to the Lagos State Sports Commission headquarters at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, on Monday.

The team was received by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende.

The delegation was led by NCF President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Bola Babarinde.

Other members included Mr Ayotunde Ayodeji, Chief Operating Officer, and Dr Ijeoma Ladele, Director of Chapter Development.

Ladele described Catchball as a fast-growing sport for women of all ages, which is quickly gaining traction across Africa.

She highlighted its recreational and competitive value, as well as its ability to empower young girls.

According to her, Catchball reduces street involvement and promotes both mental and physical well-being.

“Lagos has the opportunity to pioneer this sport in Nigeria,” she said.

She added it would drive grassroots sports, empower girls, and boost youth engagement.

In his address, Babarinde noted Catchball’s registration and official recognition journey in Nigeria.

He commended Mr Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, for his support.

He also acknowledged Mr Anthony Adeyinka, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development.

“Their intervention helped secure federation registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission despite initial challenges,” he noted.

Babarinde, also General Secretary of Renewed Hope Global, said the agenda targets 20 million jobs before President Tinubu’s first term ends.

He said Catchball is one of the key employment-generating initiatives under this agenda.

“Lagos will have the honour of launching Catchball, with plans to expand it to secondary and tertiary institutions,” he said.

He added that local government education authorities would integrate it into primary schools as well.

“The long-term plan includes launching a National Catchball League,” he explained.

This would happen after successful adoption across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Nunayon Travih, Director of Sports, Lagos State, expressed willingness to partner with the NCF.

He revealed plans to establish a dedicated department for Catchball in the state. “A joint working committee will ensure smooth implementation,” Travih said.

Dr Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports, also praised Catchball’s potential to engage Lagos youths.

She said its similarity to volleyball allows players and coaches to transition easily. “It offers a fresh option within the busy school sports calendar,” she noted.

Ogunlende thanked the NCF for selecting Lagos as the launchpad for the sport.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive sports, especially those empowering girls.

He also noted the urgency of the meeting, ahead of Babarinde’s trip to South Africa.

The NCF president will attend the Africa Catchball Championship from June 16 to 26.

Other Lagos dignitaries present included Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports.

Also present were representatives of the Lagos State Sports Commission and other NCF members.

They included Blessing Oluwatimiro, Miss Naomi Nnaji, Haleemah Ojo, and Itohan Imoisili.

According to them, the meeting, held at the Commission’s boardroom, marks the start of a promising sports partnership in Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Mon, 2025

Sports

Lagos hosts 2025 South-West schools sports

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By Milicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Lagos State Government has confirmed that no fewer than 370 pupils will participate in the 2025 South-West Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) competition.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, revealed this on Monday at a news conference held ahead of the three-day event.

The competition will take place from June 17 to June 19, hosted by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

It will be held in partnership with the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) and cover the South-West geo-political zone.

Alli-Balogun stated that the events include races (100m, 200m, 400m), long jump, high jump, football, chess, scrabble, ayo-olopon, table tennis, and board games.

He said the competition aims to inspire a new generation of sports lovers and leave a lasting impact on participating children.

Alli-Balogun said: “This event demonstrates the state’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting healthy competition for children’s all-round development.

“Lagos has a strong record of sporting excellence, with students excelling in competitions locally, nationally, and internationally.”

According to him, the event also promotes unity and sportsmanship, and the state is well-prepared to engage and challenge other states.

The preliminary football matches will begin Tuesday through Wednesday, while the track events will take place Wednesday at Agege Stadium.

The grand finale will be held on Thursday at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex.

Alli-Balogun stressed that participants’ safety is a priority and assured that proper security measures would be enforced throughout the event.

He noted that only qualified officials would supervise events, ensuring a smooth and hitch-free competition.

He recalled the state’s outstanding performances in past National Sports Festivals, especially in football, table tennis, and athletics.

“I’m honoured that Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, was unanimously chosen by all six South-West SUBEB Desk Officers to host this edition,” he said.

The zone includes Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti States.

Alli-Balogun praised the collaborative efforts of UBEC, state SUBEBs, and the Nigeria School Sports Federation in organising the event.

He also commended Ekiti State for successfully hosting the inaugural edition in 2024 and setting a high benchmark.

“This year, we build on that legacy, highlighting the best of our pupils’ sporting potential.

“Let’s also recognise sport’s role in students’ holistic development — mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially,” Alli-Balogun added.

Wishing participants success, he declared the 2025 South-West BESS Competition officially open.

Earlier, LASUBEB Chairman, Mr Babatunde Shittu, said the competition is more than a sporting event — “it’s a celebration of teamwork and discipline.”

He urged Lagos pupils to compete fairly, learn from others, and strive for excellence on and off the field.

According to Shittu, the event nurtures talent, promotes healthy lifestyles, and encourages unity, discipline, and teamwork among children.

He described it as a festival of youthful energy, skill, and the untapped potential within every child.

“Our schools aren’t just academic centres but also places where physical and moral development are equally prioritised,” Shittu stated.

He said the competition reinforces physical education as vital to the school curriculum.

He added it also encourages healthy interaction among schools in a structured and secure setting.

“Through this event, pupils learn perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship,” said Shittu.

He said that Lagos is building a generation that is intellectually capable, physically strong, morally sound, and socially responsible. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Kanu U-19 Football Tourney kicks-off in Aba

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Fri, 2025

Sports

Kanu U-19 Football Tourney kicks-off in Aba

145 total views today

By Nicholas Obisike

The Nwankwo Kanu’s second edition of the Under-19 Football Tournament kicked off on Friday in Aba, with three matches played on the opening day.

The tournament, organised by the Enyimba Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, for the discovery of talents for the clubs, started in 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six teams slugged it out for supremacy inside the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Friday.

The competition features two centres, Aba and Owerri, and the winners from each centre would meet in the grand finale at the Enyimba International Stadium.

The teams playing in Aba centre include Enyimba FC Under-17, Ngwa United FC, Aba Madrid FC, all from Aba.

The rest are Petson Academy and Okwu United from Umuahia.

The defending champions, Apex Crane FC from Enugu, brings the team to six and they defeated Enyimba’s Under-17 by a lone goal in the first match of the day.

In other results of the day, Aba Madrid FC drew 1-1 with Okwu United FC before Ngwa United played out goalless against Petson Academy in the last match of the day.

Coach Isaac Loute of Apex Crane FC, who once played for Enugu Rangers, hailed the players and believed the competition would serve its purpose of discovering talents.

“I love what I saw from the first match against our opponent, Enyimba Under-17, and it showed there are talents in the lower league.

“The tournament is a good one for the youths and I think at the end of the day, there will be more improvement as the tournament progresses,” Loute said.

NAN gathered from the Enyimba media that matches would continue on June 16 inside the Enyimba International Stadium by 9 am. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

NIM hosts chess tournament to boost critical thinking in students

Folashade Adeniran
Jun, Fri, 2025

Sports

NIM hosts chess tournament to boost critical thinking in students

157 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM) has hosted a chess tournament to stimulate critical thinking in primary and secondary school students in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament is an advocacy initiative of the institute in partnership with Dynamic Chess Ville, a chess foundation.

The President of NIM, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, said at the invitational chess competition on Thursday in Lagos that the competition brought together young chess talents to interact and gain exposure.

He said that the tournament was the maiden edition and designed to promote inclusivity and nurture key life skills such as strategic thinking, discipline and sportsmanship through the game of chess.

“It also seeks to foster spirit of healthy competition, empower young minds and celebrate intellectual excellence.

“At the end of today’s competition, trophies, medals and prize money will be won while the participating schools will receive certificate of participation,” he said.

Ayuba said that the winner in the primary school category would win N150,000 while the first runner up would go home with N100,000, and second runner up, N50,000.

He said that in the secondary school category, the winner would get N200,000 while first and second runners up would get N150,000 and N100,000, respectively.

Ayuba said that from 2026, the institute would consider expanding the scope of the competition to make it a national event.

“What we have done is to create a garden of future champions in chess where they can be groomed to do exploits internationally,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Tolulope Fasinu, Managing Director, Dynamic Chess Ville, said the tournament served as an opportunity to invest in the development of schoolchildren.

Fasinu said that chess was an important sport as it helped to improve cognitive abilities and calculation skills, boost self confidence and sharpen decision making skills.

He urged governments and corporate organisations to invest in chess to widen its reach, improve it outcomes and encourage participation in chess competitions at the global level.

NAN reports that the participating schools in the primary category include Chess in Slums Africa, Indian Language School, Bethany Hall School, and Home Science Association Nursery and Primary School.

The others are Dupeola Childrenland School, Dansol Nursery and Primary School,Favour of God International School, and Priceless Jewel Elementary School.

In the secondary school category, the participating schools include Chess in Slums Africa, Indian Language School, Home Science Association Secondary School, Grenville School, Kings College and Queens College.

The others are Value Place School, Favour of God International School, Chess with Laura and Dynamic Chess Ville.

In the primary school category, Bethany Hall School secured the first position while Chess in Slums Africa and Home Science Association Nursery and Primary School emerged second and third, respectively.

In the secondary school category, Home Science Association Secondary School took the first position while Indian Language School and Dynamic Chess Ville came second and third, respectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Football fans call for equal pay for Super Falcons

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Fri, 2025

Sports

Football fans call for equal pay for Super Falcons

158 total views today

By Vivian Ahanmisi

Some football fans have raised concerns about the stark differences in earnings, allowances, and match bonuses between the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons players.

Speaking in Lagos, some of the fans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) they were unhappy with the current situation.

The inequality has ignited widespread debate, with many Nigerians calling for equal pay and fair treatment for both national teams.

Former international footballer, Azuka Izu, criticised the disparity, saying the Super Falcons do not receive the same level of support from football authorities as the Super Eagles.

He stressed that both teams bring honour to Nigeria and deserve equal recognition and compensation for their efforts and achievements.

“It’s unfair that the Super Falcons earn far less than the Super Eagles,” Izu said, expressing frustration over the ongoing inequality.

He believes the issue stems from a longstanding bias toward men’s football, in spite of the Falcons’ strong and consistent performances over the years.

“Though the Eagles generate more revenue, that shouldn’t overshadow what the Falcons have achieved for Nigeria,” he added.

He insisted on equal pay, saying the Falcons’ commitment, talent, and success merit the same treatment given to the Eagles.

He also called for increased investment in the Falcons, so they can grow and compete effectively on the global stage.

“Let’s close the gap and support women’s football more in Nigeria,” he urged.

Similarly, Abdulrahman Gbadamosi, coach of Sebioba Football Club in Ibadan, described the disparity as unjust, given the Falcons’ accomplishments.

He argued that the Super Falcons’ 11 continental titles between 1991 and 2018 prove their excellence and deserve appropriate reward.

He noted that while Super Eagles players earn high match bonuses, Falcons players often receive little or none in comparison.

Gbadamosi suggested improved marketing of women’s football could increase revenue and attract greater support for the female team.

He cited the United States’ equal pay model for male and female teams as an example Nigeria should consider adopting.

“There must be fairness and respect for the Falcons. Their contribution to Nigerian football is immense,” he said.

He emphasised the urgent need to address the issue, in spite of differing public opinions on the subject.

“We must prioritise support for women’s football and ensure players are compensated fairly,” he added.

He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to close the pay gap and guarantee equal opportunities for both teams.

He also called for more investment in women’s football to help close the gap and promote gender equality.

Football analyst, Monday Izegagbe, raised another concern: inadequate preparation for the women’s championship beginning on 5 July 2025.

“With only weeks left, no serious preparations have been made. This shows how poorly the Falcons are treated,” he said.

In spite of their achievements, he said the Super Falcons have long faced neglect from the NFF regarding commitment and investment.

Izegagbe cited issues such as poor training facilities, inadequate accommodation, and lack of proper funding as recurring problems.

“They deserve better. They proudly represent Nigeria but receive very little in return,” he said.

He stressed the importance of addressing systemic challenges affecting the growth of women’s football in Nigeria.

“Women’s football needs more than words. The NFF must show genuine support and long-term commitment,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Thu, 2025

Sports

We’re making sports sector attractive for investment – Dikko

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By Emmanuel Afonne

Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), says efforts are being made to rebrand the Nigerian sports sector to make it attractive for investors.

Dikko spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the executive board meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) consisting of all the heads of sports federations in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised to draw a framework and clean the system, which in turn will attract investors.

“We see the sports federation presidents as our operational officers; they are the ones on the field, and are the ones driving the individual sports, as well as the ones driving the vision that we are working on.

“So, we have to align our thoughts and our vision to align with what we are trying to do in line with the mandate President Bola Tinubu has given us; so, we have to explain that to them so that they can understand it.

“You have to clean the system up; put it in the right perspective and make sure that it is attractive to the big supporters, investors and everybody to get there.

“So, we have to put that framework together; that is why we said we are resetting, refocusing and relaunching.

“As the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, myself and the Director General are invited to be part of it.”

According to Dikko, Tinubu is keen on seeing sports contribute to the economy.

“Tinubu is very intentional sports development; he believes sports should be a key driver of the economy; it should be a platform that will create opportunities, create jobs, create social impact and increase our security.

“If sports is working, security will improve because the young ones will get something to do; so, he is very intentional about it and therefore, he feels that the best way to do it is to go in this direction.

“We have a clear plan of how to do it but it is not about bringing the money; it is about bringing the right money.

“We will focus on making things better, reset our thinking to be more domestic, and relaunch our sports to make it more positive.

“When we do that, then you can see part of our key pillars to get the private sector involved.”

Dikko said that the president had his target for instituting the NSC, as he was keen on removing obstacles to sports development in the country.

“The president is very bold and very deliberate in whatever he does and has technically removed sports from all the bureaucratic complaints and issues, and put it directly on his table.

“You can see the drive going forward; everybody is appreciating that process; everybody is seeing the direction he is going, and that is why you can see the whole industry is calm; everybody is focusing on their assignment.

“The last Sports Festival is a testament to what can be achieved if everybody is working together; everybody is happy about it because it is a huge success.

“That is how we want to see our sports being week in week out; we should be having a weekly sports festival; of course, all sports happening across the country and creating jobs.

“That is the kind of support the President has given to us; that is the kind of vision he wants us to do, and we have to do it,”Dikko said.

President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, in his remarks, tasked the sports federations to take up the challenge and ensure that Nigeria became one of countries to be reckoned with in sports.

“I am so glad that it is a joint meeting between the Nigerian Olympic Committee, all the national federations, Olympic sports and the Chairman and the DG of the National Sports Commission.

“So, we met to rub our minds, to discuss issues of mutual understanding, because we have to collaborate with one another; we have to work together in the interest of our country.

” I am happy that a lot of the national federations asked questions, clarification were made, advice was given, and the chairman and the DG were able to answer all the questions to the happiness of everybody.

“We also discussed issues about the upcoming games like the Islamic Games in Riyadh, the Youth Games in Angola, the School Games in Algeria, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and even the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

“We are ready to make sure that Nigeria shines in all the games that we are going to attend.”

Gumel said that funding had always been a serious challenge to the country’s participations at international events but that the new era of sports might be different from previous administrations.

“Yeah, funding issue is a challenge, but the National Sports Commission and the government is doing their best, and we are going to the private sector again, to ensure that the private sector give us their support.

“This will enable us to go for the qualifications, and then, we can attend the games proper, so that we can make our country proud,” Gumel said.

No fewer than 28 sports federations including Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Nigeria Archery Federation, Nigeria Wresting Federation, Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Basketball Federation attended the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Cricket: Nigeria beat Uganda by 5 runs in low-run scoring thriller

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Wed, 2025

Sports

Cricket: Nigeria beat Uganda by 5 runs in low-run scoring thriller

131 total views today

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Nigeria Women’s Senior Cricket Team on Wednesday defeated her Ugandan counterpart by 5 runs at the ongoing Kwibuka Women’s Cricket Tournament in Rwanda, Kigali.

The low-run scoring thriller had fans on their feet as Nigeria snatched victory from the defending champions, halting their win streak after six games in a row.

Uganda won the toss and opted to field at the Gahanga A oval, while all-rounder Kehinde Amusa again had one of the best performances with the bat- 33 runs of 54 balls.

Amusa was closely supported by Salome Sunday with 14 runs off 25 balls as the rest of the Nigerian batting line up were unable to make major contributions with the bat.

Nigeria was restricted to 73/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

In the second innings, Uganda looked to chase the score relatively comfortably, till the death overs as the Nigerian bowlers began tightening the screw.

With two overs to go, Uganda needed 6 runs in 12 balls with four wickets in hand.

Nigeria’s Lilan Ude was handed the ball in the penultimate over and she delivered a maiden wicket, swinging the pendulum back to her team’s favour.

The last over saw Anointed Akhigbe pick three wickets in the last over to bowl out Uganda for 68 runs. Nigeria won by 5 runs.

After the game, Favour Eseigbe, captain of the Nigerian team, said the team had to follow through their game plan.

“We had a low total to defend and at some point the game was slipping through our hands and I told my players that `he who is down should not be afraid of falling’.

“So, we decided to apply ourselves more in the game, stick to the basics as we had nothing to lose and the result turned out in our favour,’’ Eseigbe noted.

On her part, Janet Mbabazi, captain of the Ugandan side, commended the Nigerian spirit, adding that they would return stronger.

“I felt it was a target we could chase, but it is a game and sometimes, things do not work in your favour. So, I congratulate Nigeria. We will be back stronger,’ Mbabazi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, in its 11^th edition with nine teams participating, is in commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Mon, 2025

Sports

SWAN @ 60 Anniversary logo

147 total views today

By Victor Okoye

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled its 60th anniversary logo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the logo sets the stage for a series of celebratory events marking six decades of commitment to excellence in sports journalism, advocacy, and development.

Founded in 1964, SWAN has grown into a cornerstone of sports reportage and promotion in Nigeria.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the association’s headquarters, showcased the commemorative logo — a striking design in green and white, incorporating the number “60” alongside the iconic SWAN emblem.

A ribbon inscribed with “Years Anniversary” underscores the significance of the milestone.

SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, hailed the unveiling as a defining moment in the Association’s history.

“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he said.

According to Benjamin, the anniversary celebrations — slated for October — will feature an array of events.

These include public lectures, awards ceremonies, sports activities for media professionals, tributes to sports legends, and a gala night to honour long-time supporters and contributors to SWAN’s mission.

NAN also reports that the celebration coincides with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, adding to the national significance of the commemoration.

In its 60 years of existence, SWAN has played a pivotal role in shaping the sports media landscape, championing the cause of ethical reporting, and influencing policy discussions on sports governance and inclusion at all levels.

The SWAN president called on media professionals, stakeholders, partners, and the general public to join in honouring its landmark achievement and support its vision for continued growth and impact. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Tinubu mourns boxing legend, Obisia Nwankpa

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Sat, 2025

Sports

Tinubu mourns boxing legend, Obisia Nwankpa

167 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family and friends of boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa, who died on Monday at 75.

Nwankpa represented Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, competing in the light-welterweight division.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s sporting community and Nigerians would long remember the legendary boxer and coach for the honour he brought to the country in the ring and the exciting moments he gave to fans throughout his career.

“The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for nurturing a new generation of boxers after retiring from active competition, including leading Nigeria’s boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics,” he said.

Nwankpa won gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the same welterweight division.

He held several prestigious titles, including Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union (ABU) Light-Welterweight Champion and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.

The president prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of Nwankpa and divine comfort for all who mourn him. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani