Sports

NOC Boss Charges Coaches to Upgrade Skills, Develop World-Class Athletes

Published

4 weeks ago

September 4, 2026

Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Ahmed Gumel, has urged coaches to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills to enable Nigeria produce world-class athletes.

Gumel made the call at the opening of the Badminton Technical Coaching Course Level 2, on Friday in Abuja where he commended the organisers, technical experts, coaches and participants for their contributions to the success of the programme.

He stressed that sporting success goes beyond the talent and determination of athletes, noting that the quality and commitment of coaches are equally crucial to developing athletes capable of competing at the highest level.

“The success of any sporting system depends not only on the talent and determination of athletes, but also on the quality, knowledge and commitment of the coaches who guide and develop them,” Gumel said.

According to him, coaches play a central role in talent identification, skill development, character building and preparing athletes for elite competition.

He emphasised that continuous education and capacity development were essential to the growth and sustainability of Nigerian sports.

Gumel reaffirmed the NOC’s commitment to collaborating with national sports federations and other stakeholders to promote coach education, athlete development, Olympic values and sporting excellence.

He also appreciated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for their collaboration and support towards the successful organisation of the course.

Addressing the participants, the NOC president urged them to maximise the opportunity provided by the training and apply the knowledge acquired towards developing badminton in Nigeria.

“You have a responsibility not only to develop champions, but also to develop responsible, disciplined and productive citizens,” he added.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

15 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

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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