Sports
AFFAN pledges to collaborate with National Sports Commission
… Appeals to NSC to sponsor ageing female athletes for coaching courses*
The Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) has pledged to collaborate with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to further advance female sports in Nigeria.
The Chairman of AFFAN, Dr Toyin Aluko made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, at his office on Thursday.
Aluko shared that the defunct Ministry of Sports Development had officially recognised AFFAN and approved the inclusion of its members on the boards of National Sports Federations, with the next election scheduled after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The former athlete expressed the association’s goal of becoming more visible to inspire young girls and their parents, showing them that success in both sports and academics is attainable.
She stated, “I want to assure the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, that AFFAN is fully committed to the success of sports in Nigeria. The association is made up of retired female athletes who have brought glory to Nigeria during their active careers.
“Thanks to our reputation, the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, led by Senator John Enoch, approved our inclusion in the boards of National Sports Federations in the upcoming elections.
“We seek a platform from the National Sports Commission to increase our visibility in sports camps and competitions (both locally and internationally) to help protect female athletes and prevent any form of abuse.
“AFFAN also appeals to the NSC to sponsor ageing or former elite female athletes from various sports federations to attend reputable coaching courses, both locally and internationally. This will empower them to train and certify female coaches and referees who excel in their profession.
“There is a significant shortage of female coaches and referees in Nigeria. We urge the NSC to take a special interest in female coaches by supporting and facilitating the training of former female athletes.”
In his response, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assured that AFFAN’s inclusion on the boards of National Sports Federations would be activated and revisited.
“It is encouraging to see competent retired female athletes come together to form AFFAN and give back to society. The Commission will collaborate with AFFAN, as these women have participated in the very sports we seek to develop,” Mallam Dikko said.
“I also encourage AFFAN to re-engage with us ahead of the National Sports Federations elections, as guidelines for the elections are currently being formulated by a section of the National Sports Commission.”
Dikko acknowledged the consistent contribution of female athletes in securing Olympic medals for Nigeria and assured AFFAN of the Commission’s full support in its initiatives.
Dikko added that the Zonal Offices will be reactivated in order for more athletes to be discovered from every part of the country.
Sports
Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30
Cyril Ogar
Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.
The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.
Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.
The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.
A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.
The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.
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