Sports

Capt Ayoade Showcases 4-Year Gains of Shooting Federation, Eyes Nigeria’s Rise

Published

1 month ago

September 28, 2025

Joel Ajayi

South West Representative of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) and Presidential Aspirant, Capt (NN) OB Ayoade, has unveiled a comprehensive account of the federation’s progress under his leadership from 2021 to 2025. In a personally signed statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Capt. Ayoade outlined the achievements as a “Track Record of Service, Sacrifice, and Structure,” while pledging to raise the bar even higher if entrusted with the mandate to lead the federation as President.

According to the statement, Distinguished Senior Officers, Esteemed Board Members, and Honourable Secretary,I respectfully present this stewardship report with deep gratitude for the trust bestowed upon me to serve the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF). Over the past four years, we have transitioned from dormancy to direction — setting a clear course toward global competitiveness.

Key Achievements: Building the Foundation for Olympic Qualification. Pioneering Participation & Talent Discovery

NYG Ilorin 2021: Self-funded and successfully executed. Converted a university lecture hall into a functional shooting range. Discovered two promising female athletes from Kano.

ASSF AGM in Cairo: Personally covered costs to attend and intervened to prevent Nigeria’s suspension over unpaid affiliation dues. Cleared 3 years of arrears and deposited $3,000 to secure ongoing participation and Egyptian cooperation.

ISSF Representation: Funded NSSF athlete participation in: ISSF World Cups (Egypt 2021 & 2022, Baku 2023) African Championships (Egypt 2023)

High-Impact Development Initiatives, Personally funded: Recruitment of two foreign coaches. Domestic and international athlete camps (20+ in Abuja, 8 in Egypt). ISSF affiliation fees for 2023–2024. €20,000 worth of equipment secured (Nov 2024).

National shooting clinic with Col. Ahmed (2022) and Training and enlightenment programs in Plateau State. Athlete Performance Trends: Rifle athletes achieving scores above 595, approaching Olympic MQS level. Pistol talents climbing, with top national score at 540+. Foundation laid — the next mission: conversion to MQS and Olympic quotas.

2025–2028 Vision: Qualify Nigeria for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Roadmap: Preparation – MQS -Quota – Olympics; A. Yearly High-Performance Camps

24 weeks of training annually (12-week blocks or continuous). Integrated team: head coaches (rifle/pistol), strength & conditioning, physio, psychologist, nutritionist, certified armourer.

Weekly match simulations and transparent performance tracking.

Coaching & Talent Pathways

Retain international coaches and upskill Nigerian coaches via ISSF certification. Selection purely score-based with clear benchmarks and an independent appeals process.

Competition Strategy: Consistent starts at ISSF World Cups, Grand Prix, African Championships. Pre-event warm-up competitions 6–8 weeks ahead. Launch Nigeria Grand Prix on Electronic Target Systems (ETS) to simulate elite match conditions.

Infrastructure & Equipment: Expand ETS to Delta State and other regional hubs. Centralized firearms/ammunition management with trained armourers.

Funding & Transparent Governance: Blend of NSC/NOC, ISSF grants, CSR partnerships, and state/institutional support. Transparent budgeting with quarterly reporting and protected travel funds for athletes.

First 180 Days (Post Re-Election): Launch full 2025–2028 calendar and publish MQS benchmarks. Appoint LA28 MQS squad and alternates. Start Camp Block 1; finalize international coaching contracts.Commission two new ETS hubs and certify two more armourers. Host Nigeria Grand Prix #1 and secure at least 2 international starts for core athletes andImplement athlete dashboards and publish quarterly KPIs.

Target Metrics by 2028: 6+ athletes at MQS level by end of 2026; 10+ by 2027, 3 ETS ranges by mid-2026, 5+ by 2028, 8+ international starts per core athlete per year,20+ ISSF-certified Nigerian coaches by 2027

Why Re-Elect Capt Ayoade? Continuity That Converts. Over the last four years, I have personally invested in athletes, coaches, international dues, equipment, and camps — not just to maintain the Federation, but to move it forward. The experience, networks, and systems built are now ready to be scaled for Olympic qualification.

Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines. With your continued support, we will take our shot on the world stage.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Published

2 days ago

October 29, 2025

The Gleamer

Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

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