Sports
IJF Backs Nigeria’s Judo Reforms Amid Push for Federation Stability
Joel Ajayi
The International Judo Federation (IJF) has welcomed the steps being taken by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to address governance issues within the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), expressing support for a transparent, fair and inclusive electoral process.
In a letter dated October 9, 2026, and addressed to the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the IJF acknowledged the Commission’s communication on the administrative status of the federation and noted the dissolution of the NJF Board, the establishment of a Caretaker Committee and the transitional arrangements put in place to facilitate fresh elections.
The letter, signed by IJF Secretary General, Dr. Lisa Allan, acknowledged the Caretaker Committee’s mandate to amend the NJF Constitution and convene an electoral General Assembly. It also noted that members of the committee had undertaken not to contest in the forthcoming election.
The international body welcomed the NSC’s efforts to resolve the federation’s governance challenges, while expressing confidence that the electoral process would comply with applicable regulations and requirements.
“We welcome the steps being taken to address the governance matters within the NJF and support the efforts to ensure a transparent, fair and inclusive electoral process,” the letter stated.
The development represents an important step in the Commission’s efforts to restore administrative stability, strengthen governance and create a credible pathway towards an elected board for Nigerian judo.
The NSC had approved the constitution of a Caretaker Committee following the dissolution of the federation’s board.
The committee is charged with overseeing the federation’s day-to-day administration, reviewing its constitution to reflect requirements of the IJF, convening an Annual General Meeting for approval of the amended constitution, and organising elections to usher in a duly elected board.
The committee is chaired by Sheriff Hammad, with Ekuta Catherine Ewa, Sule Musa, Bashir Musa Bassey and Oladipupo Idowu as members. Amayo Ngozi serves as secretary.
The transitional arrangement is expected to ensure continuity in the federation’s administration while laying the groundwork for a more accountable and inclusive governance structure.
The Commission’s action underscores its commitment to strengthening the administration of national sports federations and ensuring that their leadership structures operate in line with applicable regulations and the broader objectives of sports development in Nigeria.
Sports
Drogba, Amuneke, Eguavoen Lead African Legends’ Arrival in Lagos
Joel Ajayi
With just one day to the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has arrived in Lagos, joining an impressive assembly of former African internationals already in the city ahead of Sunday’s star-studded encounter.
Drogba’s arrival further heightens anticipation for the game, which will bring together some of the continent’s most celebrated football figures at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Also in Lagos are Nigerian football greats Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other members of the legendary Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996.
The African contingent also features distinguished names including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, among other former international stars.
The excitement will extend beyond the legends’ reunion, with popular Nigerian entertainers and celebrities preparing for a special Celebrity Match as part of the event. Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha are among the personalities set to feature in the celebrity fixture, scheduled to begin at 1:30pm.
The Celebrity Match will form part of a wider programme of activities designed to give fans a full day of football, entertainment and celebration before the main legends’ fixture, which kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 1:30pm.
Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the game will feature 15 Nigerian legends taking on 13 African icons in a celebration of the players whose achievements helped shape the history of football on the continent.
Beyond the match, the programme includes a football clinic involving 500 young players, entertainment and special recognition for the heroes of African football.
The Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable gathering of football royalty, bringing together generations of fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the continent’s finest players.
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