Sports
NSC To Create Pathway For Young Talents Through National Intermediate Games
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has stated the need for the establishment of the National Intermediate Games, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between grassroots development and elite/professional sports level.
The Intermediate Games will focus on athletes aged 16 to 18, providing them with a competitive platform that complements existing national events.
While the National Youth Games currently cater to athletes under the age of 15, and the National Sports Festival serves elite athletes without age restrictions, there has long been a vacuum for budding talents who fall between these categories. The Intermediate Games is poised to fill this critical gap, ensuring a seamless transition for young athletes on their journey to professional and international success.
Nigeria’s grassroots system has consistently produced world-class athletes. From the Golden Eaglets’ record five FIFA U-17 World Cup triumphs since their first victory in China in 1985, to the Nigerian female junior basketball team’s strong showing at the FIBA World Championship in the Czech Republic, the nation’s youth have consistently demonstrated extraordinary potential.
The Intermediate Games will harness this potential further, preparing athletes for international competitions such as U-18 and U-20 tournaments, while nurturing future elite and professional stars.
Notable sports icons including Gabriel Okon, Deji Aliu, Olusoji Fasuba, Nduka Ugbade, John Obi Mikel, Rashidat Ajibade, and Victor Osimhen are shining examples of talents who emerged from the grassroots to become global champions. The National Intermediate Games will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of such heroes, ensuring Nigeria’s dominance on the global sporting stage.
With this initiative, the NSC stated it is deliberate about its commitment to talent development, sports excellence, and the vision of nurturing athletes who will continue to bring glory to the nation.
Sports
Team Nigeria Records Best-Ever Performance at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh
…Finishes 8th on overall standings, secures Africa’s second best placement
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria finished eighth on the medals table with a total of 30 medals, marking its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, while Turkey emerged at the top of the standings.
This year has been a remarkable success for the National Sports Commission, which has supported more than 40 sports federations in attending international competitions, many of whom have delivered outstanding performances and secured medals – the count includes taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, among others.
Nigeria’s haul, comprised 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, a result that reinforces the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic direction of sending only athletes with strong podium prospects to major international events.
Competing in seven sports, Taekwondo, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Athletics, the team delivered an unprecedented outcome, winning medals in every sports they competed in .
Weightlifting led Nigeria’s medal haul with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, followed by Athletics, which secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Wrestling added 2 gold and 2 silver, Para-Powerlifting contributed 1 gold, while Boxing and Para-Athletics each earned 1 silver. Taekwondo completed the tally with 1 bronze medal.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s exceptional outing, stating:
“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development. After meeting with our team at the Commission and the Elite and Podium Board led by Yusuf Ali, we made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh and today, that decision has paid off.”
He added that the performance in Riyadh sets the standard for future international engagements:
“From Boxing to Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Track and Field and Powerlifting, Nigeria secured medals in every sport we entered. This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics.”
Officials stated that Team Nigeria’s record-breaking finish in Riyadh marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting evolution and strengthens its position as a rising force in global multi-sport competitions.
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