Sports

NSSF President Charges Coaches, Referees to Drive Shooting Sports Development

Published

6 months ago

April 2, 2026

Joel Ajayi

As the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) intensifies efforts to promote inclusivity and development, with renewed focus on para-athlete participation and performance, its leadership has called for unity and collective responsibility among stakeholders.

The President of the federation, Mohammed Sagir Shettima, made the call on Wednesday night in Abuja while hosting board members, coaches, and officials to a special dinner following the conclusion of shooting events at the ongoing 3rd National Para Games.

He urged stakeholders to demonstrate total commitment and take ownership of the federation’s growth.

“Let all hands be on deck to rebuild this federation. Every one of us has something to offer. Together, we have what it takes to grow shooting sports in Nigeria,” he said.

The NSSF President emphasized the need to uphold the core values of unity, discipline, and accuracy, while calling for full cooperation as the federation embarks on key reforms.

“We are introducing some radical changes that will benefit everyone. We need your full support to achieve a stronger and more effective federation,” he added.

As part of ongoing reforms, Shettima disclosed plans to institutionalize regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enhance transparency and performance across the federation.

On athlete welfare, he revealed that new measures would be introduced to safeguard both the mental and physical well-being of shooters, including mandatory psychiatric evaluations to be conducted under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

Reiterating his vision, the President noted that past challenges—especially in athlete welfare—are being addressed, as the federation works towards building a more structured and supportive system.

He also highlighted the importance of informal engagement, explaining that the dinner was designed not only for official interactions but also to strengthen relationships and foster better understanding among stakeholders.

Shettima concluded by encouraging continuous dialogue and collaboration, expressing confidence that unity and shared commitment would drive the federation to greater heights.

Also speaking, the Second Vice President of the NSSF and Para-Sports Representative on the board, Abubakar Aliyu, described the just-concluded para shooting events at the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja as the most impressive in recent years.

“We have just concluded the third edition of the National Para Games here in Abuja, and the testimonies from participants have been very encouraging. For me, this is the best Para Games in shooting so far,” he said.

Aliyu attributed the success of the competition to the federation’s new leadership direction, noting that recent reforms have revitalized interest in shooting sports nationwide.

According to him, the renovation and upgrade of facilities—particularly the shooting range—have significantly enhanced both the quality of competition and the overall experience for athletes.

“The transformation we are seeing today is a result of the new leadership of the federation. The improved environment has made the sport more attractive to athletes across the country,” he added.

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Sports

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

Published

22 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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