Sports
NSC DG, Hon. Olopade Congratulates Samson Adamu on CAF Appointment, Hails Appointment as Landmark for Nigerian Sports
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Samson Adamu over his deserved emergence the substantive General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The DG also described the feat as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s presence in continental sports governance.
He said Adamu’s confirmation to the influential position represents a moment of national pride and a recognition of the growing depth of Nigerian expertise in football administration.
He noted that having a Nigerian occupy the position for the first time in CAF’s 70-year history was significant not only for the country but also for the next generation of sports administrators who aspire to leadership roles within international sporting organisations.
The DG said Adamu’s appointment was particularly gratifying because it followed years of professional service, experience and progressive responsibility within the continental football body.
“On behalf of all Nigerians, I congratulate Samson Adamu on this appointment. It is a proud moment for Nigeria. It is encouraging to see a Nigerian rise to such a strategic position in African football through years of hard work, competence and commitment.
“This is the kind of achievement that should inspire young Nigerians to understand that sports administration offers enormous opportunities for professional growth and international recognition.”
“His emergence also reinforces our belief that Nigeria has the human capacity to contribute meaningfully to the leadership and development of sports across Africa,” Hon. Olopade said.
He added that Adamu’s extensive experience in organizing and managing football competitions would be valuable in his new role, particularly as African football continues to expand its reach, commercial appeal and international influence.
Hon. Olopade said the appointment aligned with the NSC’s broader vision of strengthening Nigeria’s position in global sports administration, while building a sports sector capable of generating economic opportunities and international partnerships.
Adamu’s journey at CAF has seen him serve in various capacities, including Director of Competitions and Director of Tournaments and Events, before becoming Acting General Secretary on 29 March 2026 following the resignation of Veron Mosengo-Omba.
Hon. Olopade wished the new CAF General Secretary success in the discharge of his responsibilities and urged him to remain a worthy ambassador of Nigeria in his new position.
Sports
NSC Disburses Another ₦300m Training Grants to 31 Elite Athletes Ahead of 2028 Olympic Games
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disbursed approximately ₦300 million in quarterly training grants to more than 31 Nigerian elite athletes, providing early boost to the country’s preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The latest payment marks another milestone in the Commission’s efforts to strengthen athletes’ welfare and ensure sustained preparations for major international competitions under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The latest disbursement is the fifth since the introduction of the quarterly training grants policy in 2025 through the NSC’s Elite and Podium Board, and the third payment made in 2026.
With the latest payment, the Commission has now disbursed more than ₦1 billion in training grants to Nigerian elite athletes over the past two years.
The initiative provides quarterly grants of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 to athletes, depending on their performance and eligibility under the scientific performance indicators established by the Elite and Podium Board.
The policy has been widely welcomed by some of the country’s leading athletes, who have described it as a game changer that has significantly improved their preparations for international competitions by providing consistent financial support for their training needs.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the initiative reflected the Commission’s commitment to building a sustainable system for sporting success through deliberate investment in athletes.
“There are no accidental successes in sports. This is why the Commission has prioritised the welfare and wellbeing of our athletes as a critical part of our strategy for scientific podium success,” Hon, Olopade said.
He said the training grants were among the key mandates given to the Commission’s leadership by President Tinubu to ensure that Nigerian athletes receive the financial support needed to compete effectively at the highest level.
“I am particularly glad that we have been able to institute this athletes’ training grants policy because it is one of the core mandates Mr President gave to Mallam Shehu Dikko and me, to ensure that we put money in the pockets of Nigerian athletes and prepare them adequately for international competitions like the Olympics.”
“We can only get the best out of our athletes when we take care of them properly. By doing so, they will wear the Green and White of our country with pride and dignity. This is why Mr President has continued to support every policy we have introduced to revamp the sports sector,” he said.
Hon. Olopade added that sustained financial support would enable athletes to concentrate on their training without the distractions of financial uncertainty.
“Our athletes need this money to stay focused on their training so they are not distracted in their preparations for major competitions. And we must not forget that when we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country with medals,” he added.
The impact of the training grants has continued to reflect in Nigeria’s recent performances at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the country emerged as Africa’s leading nation.
The performances of athletes such as Samuel Ogazi and Nathaniel Ezekiel, who broke world records, further highlighted the benefits of sustained investment in elite sports development.
Team Nigeria’s impressive outing at the 2025 Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia also underscored the importance of consistent support for athletes as the country intensifies preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The NSC said the training grants remain a central component of its strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s elite sports system, improve international competitiveness and deliver sustained podium success at major global competitions.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
