Sports
Ex Sports Minister Dare, Lauds CGC for Investing in Young Volleyball Players
By Joel Ajayi
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Sunday Dare, has applauded the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for investing in the development of young Nigerian volleyball players.
Dare gave the commendation on Monday in Abuja when Adeniyi hosted Nigeria’s beach volleyball players following their historic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The qualification was secured by Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa at the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, where their impressive performance earned Nigeria its first-ever Olympic ticket in beach volleyball.
Dare praised Adeniyi for going beyond financial support, describing his passion, personal involvement and commitment to the welfare of Nigerian athletes as exceptional.
“When I was minister, if I had B.A. Adeniyi fully in my corner, I would have moved mountains, whether in football, volleyball or any other sport,” Dare said.
He noted that the Customs boss had demonstrated uncommon commitment to sports development by travelling to support Nigerian athletes and personally cheering them on at competitions.
According to Dare, such passion and direct involvement could make a significant difference in Nigeria’s quest for improved performances at international competitions.
He urged more Nigerians to emulate Adeniyi by investing in sports across various disciplines, stressing that the country’s sporting ambitions should not revolve solely around football.
Dare said other sports, particularly volleyball, could provide Nigeria with opportunities to win medals at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
He commended the emergence of young volleyball players, describing their progress as evidence of what could be achieved when talented athletes are identified, nurtured and adequately supported.
“Volleyball is a great game. To see these young ones rising and doing great is encouraging,” he said.
The former minister recalled a principle he frequently emphasised during his tenure, saying, “The gold is in the child,” and stressing the need to identify and invest in sporting talents from an early age.
He warned that without adequate support, promising young athletes might never realise their full potential or reach the podium at major international competitions.
“If no one invests in you at this point when you are young, brilliant and strong, you will never make it to the podium,” Dare said.
He congratulated Mbah and Bawa for making history and commended Adeniyi for believing in the young athletes and providing the support that contributed to their success.
Dare expressed confidence that continued investment in young volleyball players would produce even greater results for Nigeria at future international competitions.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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