Sports

Babatunde Pledges Unity, Coaches Education for Grassroots Football in AMAC

Published

7 months ago

March 15, 2026

Newly inaugurated leader of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Football Coaches Council, Coach Oluwole Babatunde, has pledged to prioritise unity, coaches’ education and stronger collaboration with the state body to advance grassroots football development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Babatunde spoke on Saturday in Abuja after the inauguration of the new AMAC Football Coaches Council leadership at the Old Parade Ground football pitch in Area 10.

“Today’s inauguration is a moment of great joy for me. I am happy the election was conducted peacefully,” he said.

He acknowledged that some stakeholders initially doubted the process but said the election was successfully conducted with the support of the state body, the Independent Monitoring Committee (IMC) and leaders of the association.

“Many people thought the process would not go smoothly, but with the support of the state, the IMC and our leaders, everything went well,” Babatunde said.

He noted that one of his administration’s key priorities is to strengthen the relationship between the council and its parent body, the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), FCT Chapter.

“In the past there was a gap between the state body and AMAC. That should not be the case because the state is our parent body,” he said.

Babatunde also emphasised plans to prioritise coaches’ education and professional development.

According to him, the council is already exploring partnerships with international organisations, including Roxburgh in Switzerland, to expose members to new coaching perspectives.

“We plan to invite experts from outside the country to help change the mindset of our members,” he said.

He also revealed plans to invite international scouts to the latter stages of the FCT Football Coaches Unity Cup to provide players with opportunities to showcase their talents globally.

On infrastructure challenges, Babatunde lamented the shortage of football facilities in the FCT.

“The Area 10 football pitch is not in very good condition, and most activities now take place at the Area 3 football pitch. We are managing the situation as best as we can,” he said.

In his remarks, outgoing AMAC Football Coaches Council leader Ambimbola Samuel urged the new executives to promote unity and inclusiveness.

“Now that they are leaders, they must see themselves as leaders of everyone, not just those who voted for them,” he said.

He explained that football coaching activities in the FCT operate through six area councils — AMAC, Kuje, Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari — which coordinate grassroots football development.

Also speaking, chairman of the **Nigeria Football Coaches Association FCT Chapter, David Bartholomew, described the inauguration as long overdue and expressed confidence in the new leadership.

“We are happy with the new executives and there are signs they will perform well,” he said.

Bartholomew urged them to continue the work of the previous administration, particularly in grassroots development, competitions and workshops for coaches.

He also decried the shortage of football facilities in the FCT, noting that about 30 clubs currently train at the Area 3 football pitch.

“If you visit the Area 3 pitch, you will see that about 30 clubs train there regularly. The facility is limited to just the playing field without adequate supporting infrastructure,” he said.

According to him, some coaches have already taken legal action to compel authorities to address the shortage of sports facilities in the territory.

The newly inaugurated executives will serve a four-year tenure from 2026 to 2030.

Other members of the executive include Coach Ifeanyi Ubah (Vice Leader), Coach Mike Attah (General Secretary), Coach Temidayo Faleyimu (Treasurer), Coach Emeka Anyimba (Training Officer), Coach Okocha Anagha (Financial Secretary), Coach Peace Ihu (Provost) and Coach Sunday Nku (Assistant Training Officer).

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

21 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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