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Second Half of 2026 Will Focus on Grassroots Sports Infrastructure and Implementation, Says SSA Adeboye
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has declared that the second half of 2026 will be dedicated to the aggressive implementation of grassroots sports development programmes across Nigeria, with special emphasis on expanding sporting infrastructure, talent discovery, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking while outlining the priorities of his office for the remaining part of the year, Hon. Adeboye said the time for planning has passed, stressing that the focus is now on delivering tangible projects that will positively impact millions of young Nigerians.
According to the SSA, one of the greatest challenges confronting sports development in Nigeria is the inadequate availability of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots level, a gap that has limited opportunities for talent discovery and youth participation in sports.
“The future of Nigerian sports begins at the grassroots. If we are serious about producing world-class athletes and building a sustainable sports economy, then we must first invest in our communities. Sporting infrastructure is the foundation upon which every successful sporting nation is built.”
Hon. Adeboye disclosed that his office is working on a comprehensive grassroots sports development framework that will ensure sporting facilities become accessible to communities across the country, particularly within the 774 Local Government Areas.
He explained that the initiative is designed not only to improve access to sports facilities but also to create safe spaces where young people can develop their talents, promote healthy living, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to national development.
The SSA also revealed that the Office is finalising plans for a National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, which will bring together government institutions, sports federations, corporate organisations, development partners, educational institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, investors, and other critical stakeholders to chart a new course for grassroots sports in Nigeria.
According to him, the summit will serve as a platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilisation, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration aimed at repositioning grassroots sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic growth.
Hon. Adeboye emphasised that while government remains committed to driving the vision, sustainable sports development requires the active participation of every stakeholder.
“Government cannot do it alone. Grassroots sports development is a shared responsibility. We are therefore calling on state governments, local government councils, private sector organisations, corporate bodies, development agencies, sports federations, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us. Together, we can build a sports ecosystem that will transform lives and unlock the enormous potential of our young people.”
He noted that sports has become one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and that Nigeria possesses the talent, population, and passion to become a global sporting powerhouse if the right structures are put in place.
The SSA reiterated that all the initiatives being pursued by his office are fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in the areas of youth development, job creation, community engagement, national unity, and economic diversification.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration understands the power of sports as a vehicle for national transformation. Our mandate is to ensure that every talented young Nigerian, irrespective of geographical location or social background, has access to opportunities that can transform their lives through sports.”
Hon. Adeboye further assured Nigerians that the second half of the year would witness the rollout of several impactful programmes and partnerships aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development nationwide.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development to building sustainable structures that will outlive the present administration and position Nigeria as a leading force in global sports.
“This is a defining moment for grassroots sports in Nigeria. We are moving beyond ideas to implementation. Our vision is clear, our commitment is unwavering, and with the support of our partners and stakeholders, we are confident that Nigerian sports will witness unprecedented growth from the grassroots to the global stage.”
The post Second Half of 2026 Will Focus on Grassroots Sports Infrastructure and Implementation, Says SSA Adeboye first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Second Half of 2026 Will Focus on Grassroots Sports Infrastructure and Implementation, Says SSA Adeboye appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire
Nigeria’s Flamingos maintained their perfect run at the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup with a commanding 2–0 victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the perfect start when she struck in the fourth minute, putting the Flamingos in front at the Lycée Scientifique.
The early goal allowed Nigeria to settle into the contest as the Flamingos protected their advantage through the remainder of the first half.
Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a response after the restart, but Nigeria remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter.
The Flamingos eventually doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute, with Pattra Oparanmegwa finding the back of the net to put Nigeria firmly in control.
The victory extends Nigeria’s perfect record in the competition, with the Flamingos now having won all four of their matches.
Nigeria had earlier opened their campaign with a 5–0 victory over Niger Republic before defeating Ghana 4–2 and overcoming Burkina Faso 2–0.
Against Burkina Faso, Mary Dunstan broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Adegbuyi struck in stoppage time to seal the win.
The victory over Côte d’Ivoire therefore represents another impressive display from the Flamingos, who have continued to combine attacking quality with defensive discipline throughout the tournament.
The hosts entered Thursday’s encounter as Nigeria’s closest challengers in the standings, having collected six points from their opening three matches. Côte d’Ivoire had also demonstrated their attacking threat with a 9–0 victory over Niger Republic before facing the Flamingos.
Nigeria, however, maintained their superiority in the decisive encounter, with Adegbuyi’s early strike and Oparanmegwa’s second-half finish securing another three points.
The result takes the Flamingos to 12 points from four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup standings.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture of the competition against Guinea, as coach Hakeem Busari’s side look to complete the tournament with another victory.
The WAFU-B competition is also serving as valuable preparation for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where the Flamingos will compete against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland in Group B.
The post WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins
The EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another action-packed round of fixtures on Matchday 5, with Sporting Lagos producing one of the biggest results of the round while Rangers International, Barau FC and Shooting Stars all secured important victories.
READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL: Enyimba Stunned Again! Sporting Lagos Complete 3-2 Comeback in Aba
Sports247 reports that in Aba, Sporting Lagos stunned nine-time champions Enyimba FC 3-2, completing a remarkable comeback after the home side took the lead through Stanley Dimgba in the 44th minute. Tobi Iyanda extended Enyimba’s advantage in the 55th minute, but Sporting Lagos responded emphatically.
The visitors levelled in the 51st minute before Haruna Hadi put Sporting Lagos ahead in the 65th minute. Daniel Aboh added another four minutes later to complete the turnaround and condemn Enyimba to another defeat.
Rangers International continued their strong campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees. Iwundu scored in the 53rd minute to hand the defending champions another valuable three points.
At home, Barau FC defeated Abia Warriors 2-0. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the advantage in the 61st minute.
Bendel Insurance also secured a home victory, edging Ikorodu City 2-1. Chinedu Nwosu converted from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, while Alex Oweilayefa struck in the 84th minute. Aderemi Adeoye had earlier scored for Ikorodu City in the 80th minute.
In Ilorin, Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1. Sanni Muhammed gave the hosts an early lead in the 12th minute before Jofrank Istifanus equalised for Nasarawa United in the 29th minute. AbdulSalam A. restored Kwara United’s advantage in the 65th minute.
Shooting Stars recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United, with Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke finding the net.
Doma United and Plateau United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves shared the points after a goalless encounter.
In Lagos, Inter Lagos drew 1-1 with Kano Pillars. Ubong Friday, assisted by Ahmed Musa, put Pillars ahead in the 33rd minute before Bashir AbdulKareem levelled in the 76th minute.
The Matchday 5 action continues on Thursday when Rivers United, the Pride of Rivers, face Kun Khalifat FC. With the campaign gathering momentum, another round of NPFL drama awaits.
The post EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash
The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has grown to 23 players following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
Ndidi and Chukwueze landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at exactly 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, arriving from Lagos aboard an Ibom Air flight before linking up with the rest of Éric Chelle’s squad.
Their arrival followed that of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had earlier increased the number of players in camp from 20 to 21 before the team headed out for its first training session.
The initial 20 arrivals were Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.
With Nwabali, Ndidi and Chukwueze subsequently reporting, Chelle now has 23 players available, giving the coach an almost complete group as preparations gather momentum in Uyo.
Nigeria’s squad underwent a late alteration after Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury, prompting the recall of Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.
The Coventry City striker is already in camp and will compete with Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena among the centre-forward options.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
After the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are under pressure to begin their AFCON campaign positively.
With 23 players now assembled in Uyo and training underway, Chelle can turn his attention to shaping the team he believes can deliver the opening three points against Madagascar.
The post BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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