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SWAN Demands Immediate Inauguration of National Sports Commission Board

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to immediately inaugurate its 17-member governing board. Established in 1964, SWAN, the umbrella body for all Sports Editors, Reporters, Producers, and Presenters, warned that the Commission is operating in gross violation of its establishing law with the delay of a properly constituted NSC board. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said the Commission has been functioning without a statutory board since its creation in October 2024, contrary to the NSC Establishment Act 2023. “As a statutory board member of the NSC, I’m compelled to urge the Chairman and Director-General to take all necessary steps to inaugurate the board without further delay,” President Benjamin said. “Operating without a duly constituted board for nearly a year is not only a breach of the law but also undermines transparency and accountability.” He said Section 2(1) of the Act “is very clear” on the composition of the board, which includes representatives from ministries, sports bodies, the organised private sector, academia, medical field, military, persons with disabilities, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, and SWAN. “There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board. “All major decisions made since October 2024 lack legal backing in the absence of the board,” he added. The SWAN President also linked the situation to a wider pattern of governance lapses in Nigerian sports, citing ongoing litigation involving the Nigeria Football Federation and controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections. “The NSC cannot continue to function as a two-man entity – comprising only the Chairman and the Director-General – while 15 other constitutionally mandated positions remain unfilled. “This issue will remain on the front burner until the law is obeyed,” he warned. SWAN further lamented the neglect of the association in the scheme of operations, particularly in overseeing the engagement of experienced, qualified, and skilled Communication Managers to handle media operations of various sports federations. According to President Benjamin, this would “complement the service of the NSC, enhance promotion, and boost the digital marketability of sports for sponsorship drives.” He added, “Ignoring SWAN’s expertise in this regard is a missed opportunity to leverage professional sports journalism for national sports growth.” SWAN also noted that a situation where National and International events are carried out unilaterally without necessary inputs by the professional sports media body was unacceptable. “One of the major reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom approved a National Sports Commission is to enable accelerated and holistic growth and development of Sports in Nigeria. What obtained in the past when sports was under Ministry or bureaucratic encumbrances is supposed to be a thing of the past with the emergence of NSC. “A situation where unnecessary political/non-professional application or approach is deployed in the day-to-day operations of the Sports Commission is by far not the way to go,” the statement said.

2025 NBPL Gets Tip-Off Date as Rivers Hoopers Seek Three-Peat

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Reigning Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) champions Rivers Hoopers BC will be among a total of sixteen teams to vie for the 2025 NBPL title. According to an official communiqué signed by League Chairman Babatunde Ogunade and Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Secretary General Amina O. Amanchi, action at the 2025 NBPL is scheduled to run from 28 August – 16 November. This will be preceded by a registration period between 11-28 August. The 2025 NBPL is structured to run in four phases (Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four), as the sixteen (16) participating teams have been divided into four (4) groups of four (4) teams each across Savannah and Atlantic Conferences (2 groups per Conference), with games to be staged at yet to be named venues. Defending champions Rivers Hoopers have been paired alongside Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons in Group B of the Atlantic Conference, with Group A consisting of Comets, Police Batons, Lagos Legends, as well as Hoops & Read. In the Savannah Conference, Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko City Chiefs, and Correctional Service make up Group A, while Group B houses Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets. Each team is expected to play six (6) games against the other three (3) teams during the Group stage (home & away basis), after which all eight (8) teams (Group A & Group B) from each Conference will meet at a central venue for the Inter-Group Stage. During the Inter-Group Stage each team will play seven (7) games (one against each of the other teams). The top four (4) teams from each Conference (making a total of 8 teams) will then converge for the Playoffs Round which will be played in a knockout format. The Final Four teams will play each other once in a round robin format, with the team accruing the highest points tally after that, crowned 2025 NBPL Champions. Recall that Rivers Hoopers won their sixth league title by defeating Hoops & Read 71-54 in the playoff final of the 2024 NBPL season last November, and will look to retain their crown for the third straight year.

Ademola Lookman AWOL at Atalanta Training

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman row with Atalanta saw him fail to attend training on Monday, as he tries to force through the transfer to Inter. The rapport between the player and his club has hit rock bottom and the situation seems to be at a breaking point. According to multiple sources, Lookman was expected at the Zingonia training ground today for pre-season commitments, but was nowhere to be seen. It comes after he published a long statement on Instagram accusing Atalanta of “broken promises” and confirming he had handed in a formal transfer request. La Dea responded in the form of CEO Luca Percassi, who insisted that while they had promised to sell him this summer if a suitable offer arrived, it was to a club outside of Italy, not their Serie A direct competitors Inter. Now this refusal to attend training will further bring matters to a head, as Inter hope they can convince Atalanta by increasing their proposal of €42m plus €3m in add-ons. This gesture just makes it clear how aggressive the action taken by Lookman is becoming, and it remains to be seen how his club will respond. The 27-year-old is under contract until June 2027.

Breaking: Tinubu Gifts D’Tigress N150M Each, National Honours, 3-Bedroom Flats

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded members of the Nigeria’s D’Tigress with mouthwatering gifts for lifting their seventh African Championship at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. The President represented by the Vice President at the Presidential Villa’s Bouquent Hall, Abuja decorated the team and technical crew with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The President also gifted the players the sum of $100,000,00 (N150,000,000), while the coach and the technical crew $50,000,00. The players and the technical crew were also rewarded with three bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Agenda Estate, Abuja. President Tinubu commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall. He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match. “Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work. “By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the President stated. President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support. “The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances. “The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup next March. President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.” The Coach Rena Makama-led female team won the Afrobasket finals by defeating the Malian side, 78-64, in a thrilling match Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Minister Musawa Hails D’Tigress on Historic Fifth Straight Afrobasket Title

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — August 4, 2025 Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their remarkable victory at the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket tournament, where they clinched the title for a record fifth consecutive time. Musawa, who watched the final match live in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, alongside the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, praised the team’s dominant 78–64 win over Mali. “I am overjoyed by D’Tigress’s record-breaking Afrobasket victory,” Musawa said. “Their triumph showcases true Nigerian excellence and resilience. I commend every player, coach, and supporter who contributed to this achievement.” Describing the win as a symbol of unity, dedication, and elite talent, the Minister emphasized that D’Tigress’s continued dominance on the continental stage was not only a reflection of Nigeria’s growing stature in global sports, but also a source of inspiration for young girls and aspiring athletes nationwide. She further stated that the victory would “energise a new generation of athletes,” and underscored the importance of supporting women in sports. In recognition of their historic feat, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host and honour the team at the Presidential Villa. This latest win cements D’Tigress’s place as the most successful women’s basketball team in Afrobasket history.

Sutcliff, Ottawa Police, NAS Praise KOHCTS 2025 as Box2Box Crowned Champions

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Sutcliff, Ottawa Police, NAS Praise KOHCTS 2025 as Box2Box Crowned Champions Box2Box Academy were crowned champions of the Kick Out Hate Crime Tru Sports – Ottawa Soccer 2025 on Saturday, an event Mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliff, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Long Island Deck Ottawa hailed as a shining example of sport uniting communities against hate. Hosted by the Canadian Hope Transformation Initiative (CHTI) at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School Field, the tournament brought together youth, law enforcement, and community groups to promote inclusion, bridge divides, and foster safer neighbourhoods. Founded and organized by Emmanuel Tobi, CHTI created the tournament to encourage positive engagement between diverse community members. “Soccer is a universal language,” Tobi said. “We want people from all walks of life to share the field and work toward a community free from hate.” In a letter read before kickoff, Mayor Mark Sutcliff hailed the event as a model for building bridges. “This tournament provides a valuable platform for fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth while promoting social integration,” Sutcliff said. OPS Chief Eric Stubbs, represented by Sergeant Barmark Anvari, commended CHTI’s leadership and reaffirmed OPS’ commitment to community safety. Outgoing Capoon of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrate Confraternity), Long Island Deck Ottawa, Dabere Collins Ameachi, called the cause “noble” and aligned with NAS’ mission to fight social ills and support humanitarian work. On the pitch, Box2Box edged Cameroon’s Top Strikers of Ottawa 4-3 on penalties after a tense goalless final. Earlier, they beat OPS 2-1, while Top Strikers secured second place with a 2-1 win over OPS, who finished third. Box2Box claimed the golden trophy, while Top Strikers took silver. In a friendly match, Team CHTI, led by Tobi, defeated NAS 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw. Both teams received medals. Organizers say the tournament’s true victory lies in the bonds formed between youth, communities, and first responders — proving soccer’s power to build a safer, more inclusive Ottawa.

Ademola Lookman Hands Atalanta Transfer Request

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has handed the club a formal transfer request, the player said Sunday. Lookman made the announcement with a statement posted on Instagram. The 27-year-old said the request was made “after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer. “Sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough,” he said. He said in the statement that it had already been decided that it was the “right time” for him “to move on and experience a new adventure.” He said he and the club ownership had been “in agreement” that now was the right time for a transfer, and that the club agreed to let him leave if a fair offer was made. He said an offer did arrive but now the club was not sticking to its end of the agreement. “Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” he said. “Over the past three years at Atalanta. I’ve given absolutely evrything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication. “I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. “Atalanta, and especcially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I’ve always tried to repay that love-even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes. “That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure. There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer come in they would allow me to move. “As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request. “Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential. I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice. “To the fans -the heartbeat of this club -I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always give me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special. “I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible,” the forward stated.

8th African Nations Championship: Nigeria Launch Quest for Another Continental Title

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago07 mins

Days after racing to a 10th triumph in the Women Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria will on Tuesday begin another serious quest for a continental title when the home-based senior men’s team, Super Eagles B take on Cup holders Senegal in the opening match of group B of the 8th African Nations Championship. Bronze medal-winners in 2014 and runners-up four years later, Nigeria have blown hot and cold in the 16-year-old tournament that is exclusively reserved for footballers plying their trade with valid contracts in the domestic league of their countries on the continent. Ahead of the inaugural edition hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 and won by the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Eagles squandered a two-goal lead over arch-rivals Ghana in Accra to end up losing 2-3, and then failed to find the back of the net in the return encounter in Calabar. Ghana qualified instead. Two years later, Nigeria also failed to reach the finals in Sudan. In 2014, Stephen Keshi (of blessed memory) coached the Eagles to a bronze medal finish in South Africa, overturning a 3-0 deficit at half-time against Morocco en route. It was a year after the great Keshi had led the ‘A’ to lift the Africa Cup of Nations in the same country. Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stage in Rwanda in 2016, but then went all the way to the Final in the following edition, losing to hosts Morocco on a frosty night in Casablanca. The country failed to qualify for the 2021 edition hosted by Cameroon, and also painfully missed out of the finals staged by Algeria two years ago. In essence, Nigeria will be making only her fourth appearance at the competition. Christened Pamoja 2024, this year’s African Nations Championship promises a lot of thrills and excitement across five venues in three host nations – a novel arrangement in hosting of sports events on the African continent. The Confederation of African Football awarded a joint bid by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda the hosting right for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and afterwards opted to grant the three nations the opportunity to use the CHAN as a dress rehearsal. The 19 participating countries have been cast into four groups, with groups A, B, and C having five teams, and group D (where Nigeria will feature) having only four, including Cup holders Senegal, as well as Congo and Sudan. Nigeria’s technical and tactical approach to games will be curated by Eric Sekou Chelle, also the gaffer for the ‘A’ team. Chelle has spoken of belief and self-confidence among his 23-man squad, who spent three weeks at a training camp in Ikenne-Remo and another 10 days in Zanzibar (to which was embedded two drawn matches against the Zanzibar National Team). Chelle still has goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Junior Nduka, midfielder Alex Oyowah and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi – who were in the squad that turned back Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-0 on aggregate in the qualifiers. However, there have been excellent additions like Steven Mayo and Leonard Ngenge in the defence, Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna and Michael Tochukwu in the midfield, and Temitope Vincent, Shola Adelani and Godwin Obaje in the attack. At the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, Chelle will go for the maximum points to underscore Nigeria’s ambition, as well as to diminish anxiety ahead of the clashes with Sudan and Congo. Joint-host Tanzania took the first three points of the tournament on Saturday, beating Burkina Faso 2-0 in their group B encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. GROUP A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia GROUP B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic GROUP C: Uganda, Niger Republic, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa GROUP D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria SUPER EAGLES B AT 8TH AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars) Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United) Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)