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Youth Athletes Appreciation Tour: NSC Honours Young Athletes in Abuja and Asaba, as Tour Continues

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3 weeks ago

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The National Sports Commission (NSC) has continued its nationwide Youth Appreciation Tour with the recognition of outstanding young athletes in Abuja and Asaba, bringing the total number of honourees so far to eleven.

The Abuja leg of the appreciation tour took place on Wednesday at the Nigerian Tulip International College, with the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, now Presidential Spokesman, Hon. Sunday Dare, in attendance.

READ ALSO: Moses Itauma Emerges Young Boxer Of The Year, Anthony Joshua Not Listed

Speaking at the Abuja event, Hon. Sunday Dare expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in youth sports development.

“I’m excited because what is being done align with the universal laws of sowing as we know it – find promising stars early, nurture them and then the harvest comes.

We have continued to partner with the private sector, and the seeds we sowed four years ago are what we are harvesting today.

Credit must go to the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission for their insight and commitment to sustaining this vision,” he said.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed that youth and grassroots sports remain central to the Commission’s mandate.

“Youth and grassroots development are at the core of what we do. We want to raise the standards of school sports and ensure that schools at all levels, primary, secondary and universities, receive the necessary support to discover and nurture athletes in collaboration with the National Sports Commission,” Dikko stated.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the Commission is strengthening partnerships between schools and the sports ecosystem while prioritizing athlete welfare.

“We will continue to encourage strong relationships between schools and sports. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always made it clear that Nigerian athletes must never feel abandoned or neglected, and that is the commitment of this Commission,” Hon. Olopade said.

Hon. Sunday Dare had previously signed a landmark partnership with Nigerian Tulip International College during his tenure as Sports Minister, a collaboration that continues to support youth sports development.

Among the athletes honoured in Abuja were Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu, two exceptional junior athletes who first emerged through the invited junior athletes initiative.

Both athletes progressed to represent Nigeria at the CAA African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, where they won gold medals for the country, before going on to secure additional medals at the African Youth Games in Angola and African Schhool Games in Algeria.

Other beneficiaries of the appreciation programme included taekwondo athletes Crown Umeh and Unique Umeh, who received ₦1 million each in recognition of their performances. Unique Umeh had earlier secured a bronze medal at the maiden African School Games in Algeria.

In athletics, Andrew Miracle Yemi, an African Junior standout, received ₦2 million in appreciation of his achievements. Adaeze Precious was also honoured with ₦1 million, while Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo received ₦3 million for her outstanding performances.

Miracle Ezechukwu, the West African champion and Nigerian champion, was also recognised with a ₦3 million reward for his remarkable accomplishments.

Simultaneously, another NSC team carried out a similar recognition event in Asaba, Delta State.

The team was led by the Director of Grassroots Development, Chief Amaka Ashiofu, alongside the Director of FEADS, Madam Mbora Ikana, where promising athletes and medal winners, Udoh David and Gowon Oghenerunor were also honoured.

The Youth Appreciation Tour will continue in Uyo on Thursday, where the Commission is scheduled to honour additional junior sports stars as part of the NSC’s commitment to grassroots sports development.

The NSC Youth Appreciation Tour is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to support and reward emerging talents while strengthening the foundation of Nigerian sports through structured grassroots development.

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Clear Intent’ Ikorodu City Coach Ozegbagbe Salutes Team Spirit After Hard Fought Win Over Warri Wolves in Lagos 

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23 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Head coach Bright Ozegbagbe has praised his team’s resilience and mentality following Ikorodu City FC’s dramatic 4–3 victory over Warri Wolves FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 clash.

The pulsating encounter, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, March 29, 2026, delivered seven goals in an end-to-end contest that showcased attacking quality from both sides.

Reacting after the match, Ozegbagbe took to social media to celebrate his team’s performance, highlighting their determination and belief:

“Emphatic win at the arena .Statement performance. Strong mentality. Clear intent.

The belief stays alive, till the very end, till the final whistle. ” Ozegbagbe wrote .

Ikorodu City made a fast start, with Abayomi Ayodeji netting twice (8’, 42’) to set the tone. Joseph Arumala added another in the 24th minute, while Tosin Oyedokun struck in the 54th minute to complete the hosts’ tally.

Warri Wolves responded through C. Orji (26’) and a brace from I. Evwierhurhoma (52’ penalty, 90’), but fell just short in a fiercely contested tie.

Arumala’s goal proved significant, as the forward moved into a tie for the NPFL top scorer chart with 11 goals this season—further underlining his importance to Ikorodu City’s campaign.

The victory marks Ikorodu City’s 14th win of the season and lifts them to third place on 52 points, keeping them firmly in contention for a continental qualification spot behind leaders Rivers United and second-placed Enugu Rangers on 55 and 54 points respectively.

Warri Wolves, meanwhile, remain 13th on 40 points as they continue their push for a stronger finish in the league.

Ikorodu City’s spirited display and late-game composure reflect a side growing in confidence, something their coach believes could prove decisive as the season approaches its climax.

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NPFL: Bendel Insurance, Boboye Fined; Home Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

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23 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Bendel Insurance have been sanctioned for multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules following their Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

READ ALSO: J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

According to the league authorities, the Benin City club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, which led to unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas.

The club’s supporters were also found guilty of displaying unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

In addition, fans reportedly harassed match officials and failed to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Head coach Kennedy Boboye was also cited for gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed contrary to the principles of fair play and discipline.

As part of the sanctions, Bendel Insurance were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security and an additional ₦1 million for supporters’ misconduct.

The club will also pay ₦2 million for holding match officials hostage for approximately 40 minutes after the game.

Boboye has been fined ₦2 million and handed a 17-match suspension for his actions.

Furthermore, Bendel Insurance will play their next three home matches behind closed doors as part of the disciplinary measures imposed by the NPFL.

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J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

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23 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Nigeria’s rising tennis star Seun Ogunsakin has reached a new milestone in his junior career after climbing 18 places in the latest ITF rankings to a career-high world No. 64.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Ebimobowei Hails Team Effort After Bayelsa United’s Convincing Home Win

The 17-year-old earned the significant jump following his impressive triumph at the J200 tournament in Cairo over the weekend, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest young prospects.

Ogunsakin’s steady rise continues to gather momentum, with the Ekiti-born player now firmly in contention for a place in the main draw of Roland Garros junior event if his current form is maintained.

Fresh off his J200 success, the Nigerian will waste no time returning to action as he begins his J300 Cairo campaign. He is scheduled to face Botswana’s Ntungamili Raguin in the first round on Monday.

The matchup presents an intriguing contest, with Ogunsakin having defeated Raguin en route to his title win last week.

However, the Botswana player has proven his resilience on the big stage, having reached the third round of the Australian Open junior event earlier this year after progressing through the qualifiers.

Ogunsakin, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Australian Open, will be aiming to build on his recent success and continue his upward trajectory on the global junior circuit.

Currently Nigeria’s top-ranked junior player, Ogunsakin has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year.

His achievements include winning the U-18 Africa Regional Championship and multiple J100 titles, while training at the ITF High Performance Centre in Tunisia.

With confidence high and form on his side, the Nigerian teenager will be looking to make a strong statement in Cairo as he pushes closer to junior Grand Slam qualification.

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