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Abuja 2027 Will Showcase Nigeria’s Strength in Youth Sports — Gbadebo Oyebola
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.
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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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The post Abuja 2027 Will Showcase Nigeria’s Strength in Youth Sports — Gbadebo Oyebola appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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Wrestling Federation President Adewale Adeniyi Says Success At International Competitions Will Inspire New Generation Youths To Work Harder
The president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has declared that successful outings by the country’s grapplers at major international competitions will inspire the new generation youths to work harder, Sports247 reports.
Adeniyi stated this while celebrating the Nigerian contingent that excelled at the recent Central African Wrestling Championship in Brazzaville, Congo, where they clinched five gold and one silver in freestyle, beach and women’s categories.
Nigeria’s surge began on the opening day of the championship, when Terry Godfrey won three gold medals in men’s 65kg freestyle, after which Woyinkorikiye Andrew also won gold in women’s 53kg.
Precillia Archbone added to the golden haul in the 45kg, then the spree continued in beach wrestling with two more gold from Woyinkorikiye and Precillia Archbone while Godfrey settled for silver.
Much to Adeniyi’s delight, the delegation concluded their outing with five gold medals and one silver, to place overall third-best below DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville, which finished first and second respectively due to the number of athletes registered.
The NWF president attributed these feats to the federation’s efforts towards accelerating skill development, enhancing competitive readiness for Nigerian wrestlers from the grassroots and exposing them to international tournaments.
Adeniyi, who is also the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, added that the
need for Nigerian wrestlers to quickly adapt to unfamiliar environments is a major factor behind the NWF’s efforts in local talent identification.
He stated further that successful international outings like the recent one would go a long way in motivating emergent talents towards greater achievements on the wrestling mat.
Adeniyi submitted, “Competing against international peers introduces athletes to diverse wrestling styles, tactics, and higher physical demands.
“Success in international tournaments always inspires the next generation of youth to work hard. It also broadens their cultural and social perspectives, provides direct visibility to professional scouts, and establishes clear pathways for future success.
“This is one of our strategies for athlete development. International representation often attracts more public and private funding to local sports infrastructure.”
Sports247 gathered that the NWF president personally sponsored the three wrestlers to the competition in Brazzaville, along with their coach, Kingkuro Oyinbrakemi Tangi, and assistant secretary of the federation, Abigail Ibrahim.
The post Wrestling Federation President Adewale Adeniyi Says Success At International Competitions Will Inspire New Generation Youths To Work Harder first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Wrestling Federation President Adewale Adeniyi Says Success At International Competitions Will Inspire New Generation Youths To Work Harder appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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Adeola Afolayan Adores Virgil van Dijk, Eyes Career Breakthrough With Grass Runners FC Of Sagamu
A senior secondary three (SS3) student at Universal Comprehensive College, Ikorun, Lagos, Adeola Oluwaseun Afolayan has set his mind on getting a breakthrough into football as a career with Grass Runners FC of Sagamu.
Sports247 gathered that the towering central defender, who adores Liverpool of England and Netherlands national team captain, Virgil van Dijk, has already gauned a link with officials of Grass Runners about the possibility of joining them next month.
With his final paper in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) secondary school leaving assessment holding this week, Afolayan believes he can quickly shift all his attention towards the beginning of a much-desired football career.
The youngster, who is fondly called ‘Adex’ by his colleagues and friends, is currently working out with Super Accurate Football Academy of Ikotun, where he receives tactical instructions and useful career tips from Coach Oseni Adewale (aka Super).
“I am happy that my WAEC exam will end on Thursday. That means I will be able to face football fully from next week. I’m not thinking of going to any university, because it’s football that I want to play for a living.
“I want to specially thank Coach Super for teaching me how to play football. I also watch top players like Van Dijk to learn from them and improve my game. He is my favourite player.
“I am happy that my uncle is already arranging a link for me to join Grass Runners FC when they resume from their break ahead of the new NLO season,” said Afolayan, who is also fondly called ‘Dazzler.’
Sports247 gathered further that the indigene of Kwara State has not dropped his boots but he continued training on his own all through the period of the WAEC papers, though his parents stopped him from attending the football academy during this examination period.
The post Adeola Afolayan Adores Virgil van Dijk, Eyes Career Breakthrough With Grass Runners FC Of Sagamu first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Adeola Afolayan Adores Virgil van Dijk, Eyes Career Breakthrough With Grass Runners FC Of Sagamu appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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NWFL Super Six: ‘Not Time for Celebration Yet’ — Aduku Maintains Focus Ahead of Bayelsa Queens Decider
Head coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku, has insisted that his team will not get carried away despite moving to the top of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rivers Angels.
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The Matchday Four win pushed Edo Queens to nine points from four matches and set up a decisive final-day clash against defending champions Bayelsa Queens at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Aduku praised his players for their resilience and discipline after bouncing back from an opening-day defeat to record three consecutive victories in the competition.
“I want to give kudos to my girls for playing to instruction and also for believing in ourselves that we could bounce back after that opening defeat,” Aduku said after the match.
Despite the impressive turnaround, the experienced tactician stressed that the team’s mission is far from complete, warning against premature celebrations ahead of the title showdown.
“We are not celebrating yet. Our focus completely shifts to Bayelsa Queens — that’s all I can say for now. We know we have one final hurdle to clear against a very tough opponent who happen to be the defending champions,” he added.
The upcoming encounter is expected to be a thrilling finale to the NWFL Super Six, with Bayelsa Queens also still in contention for the title as they seek to defend their crown.
For Edo Queens, victory in the decisive fixture would complete a remarkable redemption story and secure the club’s first-ever NWFL Premiership title.
The Benin City side has shown remarkable character throughout the tournament, recovering from early disappointment to place themselves within touching distance of domestic glory.
All eyes will now be on Port Harcourt as two of Nigeria’s top women’s football clubs battle for supremacy in what promises to be a high-stakes season finale.
The post NWFL Super Six: ‘Not Time for Celebration Yet’ — Aduku Maintains Focus Ahead of Bayelsa Queens Decider first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post NWFL Super Six: ‘Not Time for Celebration Yet’ — Aduku Maintains Focus Ahead of Bayelsa Queens Decider appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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