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Abuja 2027 Will Showcase Nigeria’s Strength in Youth Sports — Gbadebo Oyebola

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Gbadebo Oyebola, Chief of Staff to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, has described his appointment into the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the African Youth Games Abuja 2027 as a significant national responsibility and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth of youth sports across Africa.

Oyebola, who is among the 28-member committee inaugurated by the National Sports Commission (NSC), said hosting the African Youth Games will further strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a major hub for international sporting events while creating new opportunities for young athletes.

Read Also: SSA Adeyinka Adeboye Joins Faithful in Ogoja to Honour Late Rev. Fr. Victor Achima Owan

According to him, the Games represent more than just competition, but a platform for talent discovery, youth empowerment, and continental unity.

“The African Youth Games Abuja 2027 present a great opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its readiness to lead in youth sports development across Africa. It will inspire young athletes, promote unity among African youths, and strengthen the future of sports on the continent,” Oyebola stated.

He commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their strategic vision in securing the hosting rights and initiating preparations early for the Games.

Oyebola also praised the appointment of Lekan Abari as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressing confidence in his leadership and wealth of experience in sports administration.

“With a seasoned sports administrator like Lekan Abari leading the committee, there is strong confidence that the Local Organising Committee will deliver a well-structured and memorable Games for Africa’s young athletes,” he added.

He further acknowledged the continuous efforts of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, noting that his commitment to grassroots sports development continues to strengthen the foundation for discovering and nurturing young talents across the country.

“The SSA has remained consistent in promoting grassroots sports as a key driver of youth development and national growth. His dedication to building strong sporting structures at the grassroots level aligns perfectly with the vision of the African Youth Games,” Oyebola noted.

He emphasized that the inauguration of the LOC marks the beginning of a strategic process that will require collaboration, transparency, and teamwork among all stakeholders to ensure Nigeria delivers a world-class tournament.

Oyebola expressed optimism that with collective effort and commitment, Abuja 2027 will set a new standard for youth sporting events in Africa while providing young athletes across the continent with a memorable and life-changing experience.

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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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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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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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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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