Sports

Hosting African U18/U20 Athletics Championship a Big Win for Nigeria – NSC DG Bukola Olopade

Published

5 months ago

June 25, 2025

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has described Nigeria’s hosting of the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship as a “win-win” for the nation’s sporting development and economy.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Olopade—who also chairs the Local Organizing Committee—highlighted the significance of Nigeria stepping in to host the championship after Algeria withdrew.

The event is scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from July 16 to 20, 2025.

According to him, the Federal Government’s decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Nigeria into a hub for international sports events.

“We’re shifting from just sending athletes abroad to hosting major competitions here at home. This helps in building local capacity, creating opportunities for small businesses, and improving sports infrastructure across the country,” Olopade said.

He credited NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko for securing hosting rights during a visit to Algeria, where the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) sought a new host.

Olopade assured that preparations are in full swing, covering accommodation, transportation, feeding, technical support, and media logistics. “We are on course to deliver a world-class event that reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as Africa’s sports powerhouse,” he added.

He also expressed hope that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will use the event to unearth fresh talent ahead of major competitions like the Islamic Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Los Angeles Olympics.

So far, 583 athletes from 30 countries have confirmed participation, with the number expected to rise to 900 as more entries come in.

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Sports

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

6 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

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