Sports
Curling Federation Names Veteran Sports Journalist Phemmy Adetula Communications Director
The Nigeria Curling Federation (NCF) has appointed veteran sports communications expert and award-winning journalist, Phemmy Adetula, as its Communications Director and a member of the Federation’s Board.
The appointment, approved at the Federation’s board meeting held over the weekend, is part of efforts to strengthen its strategic communication, deepen stakeholder engagement and raise the profile of curling across Nigeria and beyond.
Welcoming Adetula to the Board, NCF President, Damola Daniel, described him as one of Nigeria’s accomplished sports communication professionals, whose wealth of experience would contribute significantly to the Federation’s development agenda.
Daniel said the Federation was entering a new phase of growth in which effective communication would be critical to achieving its objectives.
According to him, Adetula’s professional competence, credibility and extensive experience made him a natural fit for the position.
He noted that Adetula’s recognition by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) with the prestigious Veteran Sports Journalist Award during its Diamond Jubilee celebration last year reflected his significant contributions to the development of sports journalism and administration in Nigeria.
Daniel also highlighted Adetula’s experience in sports administration, particularly his previous service as a Board Member and Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), describing the experience as an added advantage to his new role.
“We are delighted to welcome him to our Board and are confident he will play a pivotal role in elevating Nigerian curling to greater national and international prominence,” Daniel said.
In his reaction, Adetula expressed appreciation to the leadership and Board of the Nigeria Curling Federation for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as another opportunity to contribute to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He said his previous experience serving the Judo and Fencing Federations had given him a strong understanding of the role strategic communication plays in building successful and sustainable sports institutions.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and sincerely appreciate the confidence of President Damola Daniel and the Board of the Nigeria Curling Federation,” Adetula said.
He pledged to use his experience to tell the story of Nigerian curling, promote its athletes, attract new stakeholders and strengthen the Federation’s visibility locally and internationally.
“This is more than an appointment; it is a responsibility to tell the compelling story of Nigerian curling, showcase our athletes, attract new stakeholders and position the Federation among the leading sporting institutions in Africa,” he added.
Adetula said he looked forward to working with the Board and other stakeholders to take Nigerian curling to greater heights.
The Nigeria Curling Federation is the governing body responsible for the development and administration of Ice Curling, Wheelchair Curling, Floor Curling, Table Curling and Street Curling in Nigeria.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
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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