Sports
NTF President Hails NSC as Alegu Begins World Junior Taekwondo Medal Hunt
Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support in ensuring Nigeria’s rising star, Solomon Alegu, competes at the World Junior Taekwondo Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Speaking through the NTF media team, Popoola praised the Commission’s dynamic and resourceful leadership, noting that its proactive approach is helping to reposition sports in the country.
“There is a new drive in our sports, and it is a result of intelligent and proactive leadership that has taken Nigerian sports to the next level,” she said.
She highlighted that Alegu’s journey to the global stage was made possible through the Commission’s initiative, which earlier facilitated his participation at the Youth Games in Angola in December last year.
“It was through the National Sports Commission programme that took Solomon to the Youth Games in Angola, and today he has the opportunity to compete at the World Junior Championship,” she added.
Popoola further revealed that the federation received encouragement and strong backing from the Commission as Alegu and his coach prepared for the championship.
“We reached out to them as our athlete and coach prepared for this World Junior Taekwondo Championship, and we got their support.
This serves as great inspiration to us as a federation,” she stated.
Expressing confidence in the young athlete, Popoola recalled Alegu’s impressive performance at the African Junior Championships in Luanda, Angola, where he secured a bronze medal in the -59kg category.
“We believe in his capacity, which is why he was selected to compete and showcase the never-say-die spirit of Nigeria,” she said.
She also noted that it has been a while since Nigeria last competed at this level, but expressed optimism about Alegu’s chances.
“It’s been a long time since we participated at this level, but I can assure you that Solomon will make a strong impact from his very first fight,” she added.
Solomon Alegu’s quest for a podium finish in the -59kg category at the World Junior Taekwondo Championship in Uzbekistan begins tomorrow, as he faces Yeun Awenm of the Netherlands. The competition is scheduled to run through Friday, April 17, 2026.
Sports
NSC, NCC Enter Bold Alliance to Make Nigeria E-Sports Capital – From Stadium to Server
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is taking Nigerian sports beyond the track and pitch into the digital arena.
In a move that could redefine the future of sports development in the country, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Thursday led a high-powered delegation on a strategic working visit to the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Hon. Idris Olorunbe.
The meeting aimed at forging a groundbreaking partnership to accelerate sports digitalisation and position Nigerian e-sports on par with global standards.
During the meeting, Hon. Olopade made it clear that the NSC is ready to embrace technology as a core driver of growth.
“Our intention is to work closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission to improve sports science, especially e-sports, through viable sponsorship. We are counting on the NCC to help deepen connectivity and attract the kind of corporate backing that modern sports demand.”
He further emphasized the need for private sector involvement.
“Corporate Social Responsibility must play a stronger role in sports development. We cannot build a 21st-century sports ecosystem without the tech and telecommunications sectors at the table. With strong cohesion between the NSC and NCC, there will be measurable improvement in sports sponsorship and digital infrastructure.”
“The NCC has a critical role to play in making e-sports work in Nigeria. From internet speed to gaming infrastructure, their support is essential if we want our athletes to compete and win on the global stage,” the DG added.
NCC Chairman, Hon. Idris Olorunbe, responded with a strong statement that set the tone for what could become a landmark partnership:“Everything that can be done in traditional sports can also be done in e-sports. The question is not if we will do it, but how we are going to do it.”
He also highlighted the economic potential of the collaboration.
“There is huge economic value attached to this synergy. What we are trying to build goes beyond sports, it touches youth employment, digital innovation, and national branding. It is commendable that the DG has taken this step.”
Hon. Olorunbe further stressed the shared national objective driving both agencies.“The essence of this collaboration is to make our country better. For the sake of our e-sports athletes, we must build gaming hubs. We must create the environment, bandwidth, and policies that allow Nigerian talent to thrive.”
Both parties agreed to establish a joint technical working group to develop a roadmap for sports digitalisation, e-sports league structuring, and a national framework for attracting sponsors into the digital sports ecosystem.
The NSC–NCC alliance marks a significant step, potentially the first formal collaboration between Nigeria’s sports and communications regulators to build a sustainable digital sports economy.
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