Sports
NSC Nullifies Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Elections, Sets October 18 for Fresh Polls
By Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially declared the elections recently conducted by the Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Federations as invalid, urging them to prepare for fresh elections scheduled for October 18, 2025 in Abuja.
According to the NSC, the earlier elections held by these federations were not aligned with the Ministry’s guidelines and failed to reflect the principle of inclusive representation as mandated by Nigeria’s sports governance framework.
A statement released on Wednesday by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, emphasized the importance of full representation from 14 key constituencies on the board of every sports federation. These constituencies are:
Six Zonal Representatives (one from each geopolitical zone) 1 Athlete Representative, 1 Technical Representative, 1 Military/Paramilitary Representative, 1 NAWIS Representative, 1 NAPHER-SD Representative,1 Sponsor Representative and 1 AFFAN Representative.
“The strength of our sports federations lies in representation. We want to make it categorically clear that none of the 14 constituencies will be excluded from the governance structure of any federation. Inclusiveness remains non-negotiable.”
The affected federations have been directed to comply with the October 18 deadline. Notably:
Gymnastics and Judo Federations are to conduct their zonal elections prior to the national polls.
The Shooting Federation, having already completed its zonal elections, will proceed directly to elect its President and Vice President on the said date.
The recent election held by the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) on September 6, 2025, saw Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse re-elected for a historic third term after polling all 33 votes cast. The Vice Presidency went to Alhaji Mohammed Abba Inuwa, who received 32 votes.
While the election was commended by observers from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and international gymnastics bodies, the NSC was notably absent and reportedly advised the federation to postpone the election—advice that went unheeded.
The NOC’s Secretary General, Tunde Popoola, expressed both admiration for the peaceful process and surprise at the absence of the NSC, stating:
“This election was constitutionally backed and well-organized. However, I had expected the Sports Commission DG to be present. We were only informed upon arrival that he had advised postponement.”
Popoola emphasized the importance of unity and respect for the federation’s constitution, noting that as long as the constitution remains unchallenged, it stands as the guiding framework.
“At the NOC, we strongly uphold the autonomy of federations and the rule of law,” he said. “We will continue to support this federation moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the Shooting Federation’s election on September 22 ended inconclusively after six rounds of voting failed to produce a clear winner between two candidates. This stalemate prompted the NSC’s intervention and the rescheduling of elections.
The Judo Federation, which also recently held its elections, has been instructed to redo both its zonal and national elections to comply with NSC’s inclusivity guidelines.
The NSC has called for all federations to conduct their elections in full compliance with its directives to ensure transparency, fairness, and adequate representation.
The fresh elections on October 18, 2025, will be held under the strict supervision of the NSC, with stakeholders and observers expected to ensure a credible process.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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