Sports
Culture Comes Alive in Abuja as 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament Kicks Off in Grand Style
By Joel Ajayi
It was a spectacular showcase of culture and tradition at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honors, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.
“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”
With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.
“Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”
The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.
Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.
As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.
This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.
Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport: “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.
Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.
“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.
Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region.
Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.
Sports
NSC Applauds Enugu State Govt,, as LOC for 23rd NSF is Inaugurated
Joel Ajayi
Preparations for the highly anticipated 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games Enugu 2026” have taken a significant leap forward as the Enugu State Government officially inaugurated the Festival’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah for his swift action and commitment to hosting a successful festival.
“With the inauguration of this high-powered Local Organizing Committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games Enugu 2026 will raise the bar in excellence, inclusion, and legacy. The caliber of individuals on this committee reflects the seriousness with which Enugu is approaching this national assignment. The National Sports Commission is fully aligned and will provide all necessary support to ensure a seamless festival that inspires hope, talent discovery, and national unity,” Hon. Olopade stated.
The newly inaugurated LOC, chaired by the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr, is composed of seasoned professionals with vast experience in sports administration, event management, and youth development. Their mandate is to deliver a world-class festival that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in tapping into a growing sports economy as a vehicle for national growth and unity.
The members of the committee include:
• Bamiduro Olumide – Sports management expert and former national badminton champion (Secretary General)
• Mary Onyali – Olympian and former international sprint queen
• Aku Akazu – Sports lawyer and 2nd Vice president AFN
• Victor Okorie – Elite athlete and member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria
• Blessing Chisalam Ekwe – COO of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, FIFA-licensed agent
• Davidson Owumi – COO of the Nigeria Professional Football League, former GM, Enugu Rangers
• Tony Ugwu – Chairman, Enugu State Football Association
• Henry Chinedu Okorie – Nigeria Olympic Committee Executive Member, Chair of the Athletics Athletes Commission
• Jonathan Nnaji – President, Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation; VP, Africa Modern Pentathlon Confederation
• Boniface Onovo – Director of Organizing, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Ephraim Ochonma – Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Obiora Obasi – Technical Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner
Furthermore, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah outlined the State’s bold and transformative plan to ensure the success and lasting impact of the festival.
The plan includes the construction of a new Games Village to accommodate athletes and officials, remodeling of the existing stadiums into state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting international competitions, as well as the development of additional sporting facilities across the state that meet global standards and support year-round sports development.
Governor Mbah also stated the plan to promote local content through prioritizing local contractors, vendors, and creatives before and during the festival to stimulate the local economy and celebrate Enugu’s cultural heritage.
The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Olympics,” is the country’s premier sporting event. The 23rd edition is expected to attract thousands of athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, with Enugu poised to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable experience.
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