Sports
“We Want To Create Viable Career Pathways For Young Nigerian Talents” – Sports Minister Says
…Calls for allied action in the fight against age-cheating and doping violation
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that beyond laurels and glory at competitions, his administration is focused on ensuring teeming youths with talents in the country forge viable career pathways as athletes.
The Minister made the statement during a briefing in Asaba, as he reiterated the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to continually pay utmost attention to every facet of sports development in the country.
“I can assure you that the present leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shall pay undivided attention to the development of the abundant talents we have all around the nation,” John Enoh said. “We do this not just with an eye on podium performances, but to also create career pathways for our youth and millions of job opportunities in the sports value chain,” he added.
Senator Enoh also stated that the ministry will collaborate with industry stakeholders to strengthen the fight against age cheating in sports, as well as forestall the violation of doping rules, especially amongst young athletes.
“The issue of age cheating in sports is an area in which the Ministry requires the support and collaboration of all stakeholders. On our part, one of the innovations at this year’s edition of the Games is the introduction of the National Identity Number (NIN) as part of the verification process for athletes. Working with other stakeholders, we shall keep improving the process as we move along until we reduce this menace to the barest minimum. We have to get this right as a nation if we hope to achieve sports excellence,” Senator Enoh said.
“Do your best in your respective sports disciplines and compete cleanly without the use of performance-enhancing substances that will eventually ruin your career in sports. I also encourage you to utilize the opportunities provided by the Games to develop enduring friendships and career paths for yourself,” he advised.
Medals have started rolling in for states, with Delta, Lagos, Cross River, Abia, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory winning laurels in different categories of weightlifting events.
Sports
Kukkiwon President Hails Popoola’s Impact on Nigerian Taekwondo, NTF Boss Celebrates One Year of Progress
The President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Grand Master Tayo Popoola has received a letter of commendation from the president of Kukkiwon, Yun Ung- Suk, for her outstanding contribution to the development of the sport.
Grand Master Popoola was hailed for her consistent drive improving the game within a short time of her stewardship in the NTF and the dissemination of Taekwondo activities in Nigeria to the global space.
The commendation letter dated October 25, 2026, was personally signed by Kukkiwon President, Ung-Suk.
Popoola said the commendation came to her as a pleasant surprise.
“I did not see that coming but It is a good one not only for me but the entire federation. I did not do it alone and it is also a challenge to do much more in the days, weeks and months ahead. I thank all the board members and I am optimistic that we will do more for the athletes,” Popoola said.
Incidentally, it is just about one year in office for Grand Master Popoola who has recorded a string of successes in the federation including the National Open Trials in Abeokuta, the Africa Taekwondo Championship 2026 in Bamako Mali where Nigeria won several Medals, the first ever Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele National Taekwondo Championship which took place last month in Lagos and the recently held Korean Ambassador Cup in Abuja which also had in attendance the World Kukkiwon Demonstration team.
The demonstration team dazzled fans in Abuja with spectacular display only last weekend just as the para-athletes in taekwondo were duly classified by experts from the world body in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
“I want to thank the National Sports Commission for the support given to me and the entire NTF. Things can only get better,” Popoola stressed.
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