Sports

NSC Pledges Support For All stars international invitational veteran Tournament On 5th Edition

Published

2 months ago

April 8, 2025

….As Tournament set to create business for sports
Joel Ajayi

The Chairman of National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has pledged to give needed support to the 5th All stars international invitational veteran Tournamentas well as the aspiration of all Stars toward the overall success of 2025.

He gave this assurance on Monday in Abuja where Abuja All Stars Veteran led by its president Nasril Jubril.

According to him, this tournament is a celebration of our former gladiators in football. It is good to see our ex-internationals still doing it today as they did back in the days. Such a tournament that brings together stars of yesteryears should be encouraged. Our current players will learn a lot watching these older ones play.

“At the Commission we are interested in seeing our retired players live healthy and still contribute immensely to development of the game. Our doors are open for such initiatives and collaborations as it aligns with our vision. This Veterans Tournament is what I have been involved with over the years, so I am always open to such an initiative. I am a member of this All Stars family so it is good to see that even my own family is aligning with what we are doing here at NSC. With this tournament, you are only trying to help us to push the vision further out there to the public.”
In his early remark, the President of All stars Veteran Nasir Jibril, thanked NSC Chairman for his innovation and transformation of Sports sector.

Speaking earlier, the President of Abuja All Stars International Football Club Nasiru Jibril applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for appointing Mallam Dikko as the NSC Chairman.
“Let us join our voice to the rest of the sporting fraternity and say this appointment was spot on. We may be sounding like a broken record as everybody is saying the same thing but that is the truth. This is the first time we are seeing a sound sports technocrat being put in charge of sports. We thank the President for giving us this gift in Mallam Dikko”, he opined.

The Chairman of the Marketing sub-committee of the LOC Chief John Umoren pointed out that the club would want to collaborate with the NSC in actualizing the sports economy.

He said, “We are looking at about 600 players from the 20 registered clubs featuring through the three months duration of the tournament. This is massive business. Imagine the amount of buying and selling that will go on during this period.

Giving the hint about the Tournament, committee Chairman of All Stars Veteran Marketing Chief John Umoren explained that, international invitational veteran Tournament remai a three months tourney, with 20 teams for the players of 40 years and above where 30 players will represent a team with oerall 600 players.

The delegation comprised Nasir Jibril, Chief John Umoren, Chief Nduka Ajuibe, Arc. Richmeir Ogbogu, Dr. Unity Oseghe, Musa Garba, Patrick Bassey, Dr. Charles Agadu, Obinna Ideh, Akadi Godswill, Platini Giwa, Anselm Eze, Rubby Ogbonna and Bishop Okosun.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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