Sports

Gumel Meets Bach, Extracts Further Support From IOC For NOC In 2022

Published

3 years ago

February 17, 2022

In a bid to build a more virile relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel met with His Excellency, Thomas Bach, the President, International Olympic Committee (IOC) to discuss ways in which the IOC can aid in the development of sports in Nigeria.

The meeting which took place in Beijing, China during the current 2022 Winter Olympics was held at the instance of the IOC President who discussed the need for mutual understanding, good relationship and further improvement of the Olympic movement in Nigeria.

In a release signed by Phemmy Adetula, Public Relations Officer, NOC; which stated that the meeting between both parties went well and quoted the NOC President, Gumel saying “I met with His Excellency, Thomas Bach, the President, International Olympic Committee (IOC) to discuss the way forward for Olympic movement in Nigeria. There are a lot of programmes and activities the NOC has highlighted for this year. In fact, we have done the Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course for Sports Administrators/officers of Nigeria Association of Physical & Health Education (NAPHER-SD) and other sport organisations for three days in January 2022. Others are awaiting approval and we are introducing more for all the sporting spheres in Nigeria. So, these and many more are what we discussed”.

Nigeria is competing for the second consecutive time at the Winter Games with Samuel Ikpefan, a male athlete in cross-country skiing. Also, Seun Adigun, who competed in 2018 in the sport Bobsleigh was the teams’ doctor and as well carried the Nigerian flag during the opening ceremony in Beijing, China.

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Sports

35 Days to Go: Nigeria Set to Host African Junior Athletics Championship in Abeokuta

Published

2 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With just 35 days to go, Nigeria is revving up preparations to host the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Returning to Nigerian soil, the prestigious biennial event will welcome the continent’s most promising Under-18 and Under-20 athletes to the newly refurbished MKO Abiola International Stadium, which recently played host to the 22nd National Sports Festival.

Over 500 athletes from more than 50 African nations are expected to compete in this year’s championship, making it one of the largest gatherings of young athletic talent on the continent.

South Africa, the reigning overall champions, will be looking to defend their title, but Nigeria’s young stars are also eager to make a strong statement on home soil.

“This is not just a competition; it is a celebration of Africa’s future in track and field,” Hon. Bukola Olopade, DG of the National Sports Commission said.

“Nigeria is honored to host once again and to demonstrate its world-class capacity in organizing major sporting events,” he added.

The choice of Abeokuta—also known as the Gateway City—underscores the state’s growing reputation as a hub for sports development, alongside other Nigerian cities. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, the city is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials, and fans alike.

The CAA African Junior Championships is widely regarded as the breeding ground for the continent’s future Olympic and world champions.

As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on Nigeria to once again rise to the occasion and reinforce its status as Africa’s true sporting giant.

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