Sports
NSC Advances Vision of Nigeria as a Global Sporting Hub, as International Gymnastics Course Holds in Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) continues to make significant strides in positioning Nigeria into a global sporting hub, as the ongoing 2025/2028 International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Judges Course takes center stage in Abuja.
Running from May 10th to 14th, 2025, the prestigious FIG MAG International Judges Course has drawn participants from across the continent — including Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa, and host nation Nigeria — under the expert guidance of Russia’s Dimitri Andreev, a respected FIG official.
The course aims to develop high-caliber gymnastics judges, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for the sport in Africa.
Under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the NSC has tasked national sports federations with raising the bar in local talent discovery and international relevance — a challenge they are meeting with renewed vigor.
Commending the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation for its exceptional hosting of the event, the NSC noted that such achievements are part of a broader national strategy to attract international sports events and foster capacity development.
“This course is yet another step in our mission to make Nigeria a preferred destination for international sporting activities,” said DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Nigeria’s credentials as a regional sports powerhouse continues to grow. Earlier in the year, Nigeria hosted the ECOWAS African Wrestling Championship with 11 countries participating in celebration of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary. Similarly, in late 2024, Nigeria hosted the 2nd African Military Games — “AMGA Abuja 2024” — further solidifying its leadership in African sports diplomacy.
A number of Nigerian sports Federation presidents are also gaining traction in global sports governance. Francis Orbih (badminton), Daniel Igali (wrestling) and Prince kelvin Erhunmwunse (gymnastics) have recently secured influential international appointments in their respective international sports federation bodies, while more are poised to follow in this footstep.
As the FIG course progresses in Abuja, the NSC remains steadfast in its mission — creating opportunities, building expertise, and placing Nigeria firmly on the map as a center for sporting excellence.
Sports
Air Warriors Grieve Kano Basketball Secretary, Athletes Lost in Fatal Accident
The management of Air Warriors Basketball Club has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Sports Commission following the tragic death of Bashir Yargaya, the State’s Basketball Secretary, who lost his life alongside 21 others in a devastating road accident. The incident occurred as the team was returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the club, Abdulmajid Solademi, the club expressed deep sorrow over the heartbreaking loss. He conveyed sincere sympathy to the family of the late Bashir Yargaya, as well as to the families of other athletes and officials who perished in the accident.
“This is a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian basketball community and the entire sports fraternity,” Solademi said. “Bashir Yargaya was a passionate and dedicated servant of the game who worked tirelessly to develop basketball in Kano State and beyond. His sudden passing, along with that of other athletes and officials, is a tremendous loss not only to their loved ones but also to the entire nation.”
The club chairman also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for their families and the entire Kano State sports community in this period of mourning.
Air Warriors Basketball Club joins the rest of the Nigerian sports community in honoring the memories of those who tragically lost their lives in service to sport and the nation.
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