Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission upholds Dissolution of Senior Team Lagos, Warns Impostors Parading as Lagos Athletes
“Those who assaulted our staff will be identified, and will face the full wrath of the law”, says DG, Lagos State Sports Commission
The Lagos State Sports Commission has reaffirmed its decision to dissolve Senior Team Lagos, a move aimed at injecting fresh energy, renewed discipline, and a stronger competitive spirit into the state’s sporting programs.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission expressed dismay over the recent actions of some purported members of the Senior Team Lagos, who staged a protest at Alausa Secretariat, demanding unmerited cash rewards of their subpar outing at the 2020 National Sports Festival and their uninspiring showing at the last National Sports Festival, Gateway 2024.
“This decision was not taken lightly. It was informed by the underwhelming outcomes of Senior Team Lagos at the National Sports Festival and the need to reposition Lagos sports for excellence,” the Director General stated.
“We are committed to building a system that celebrates merit, hard work, and dedication. The dissolution of the team paves the way for new, talented athletes who are ready to give their best and make the state proud on the national stage.”
The Commission clarified that the athletes’ claim for financial rewards for the 2020 and 2024 National Sports Festivals was unfounded. Rewards for outstanding performances, the Commission explained, are discretionary and not automatic entitlements. The government has consistently fulfilled its statutory obligations by paying athletes’ allowances, providing welfare support, funding training programs, and ensuring upkeep promptly during all competitions.
“It is disheartening that some individuals, including impostors parading themselves as spokespersons of the dissolved team, are attempting to mislead the public. The generosity of Mr. Governor towards Lagos athletes must never be taken for granted or abused. This administration has consistently fulfilled its promises to athletes and often gone beyond what was promised, ensuring prompt payment of allowances and monthly grants,” the Director General emphasized.
The Commission further revealed that intelligence reports indicated the protest was deliberately orchestrated following the announcement by Mr. Governor to host the victorious Under-15 Team Lagos athletes, who recently triumphed in Asaba, claiming the championship trophy for the first time in the state’s history.
Reiterating the state’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, violence, or intimidation, the Director General assured the public that those behind the assault on the Commission’s staff member during the misguided protest will be identified and made to face the full weight of the law.
The DG emphasized that while the state government values its athletes and remains committed to supporting their growth and welfare, no grievance justifies resorting to lawlessness.
He warned that future acts of assault, harassment, or attempts to disrupt the operations of the Commission would attract immediate legal action, including arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
According to him, discipline and respect for due process are essential for the development of sports in Lagos State, and the Commission will not hesitate to enforce them.
The Lagos State Sports Commission remains resolute in its mission to raise a new generation of disciplined, competitive, and passionate athletes who will make Lagos proud and continue the state’s tradition of sporting excellence.
Sports
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish
Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
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