Sports
Iyiola Challenges FCT Athletes to Raise the Bar, Win More Medals
Joel Ajayi
The Deputy Director of Sports, FCT Administration, Mr Iyiola Ogundele, has charged athletes representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain focused and strive for more medals in upcoming competitions.
Ogundele state this on Monday in Abuja when the FCT Traditional Sports Association presented medals won by the territory’s athletes at the recently concluded National Open Championship in Dambe, Kokuwa, Ayo, Abula and Langa to the sports management.
The championship, organised by the respective federation in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), was held in Abuja from August 14 to 18, with FCT athletes winning two gold and two silver medals.
Ogundele commended the athletes, coaches and officials for their performances, assuring them that their hard work and commitment would be recognised and rewarded.
He said the FCT Administration remained committed to promoting grassroots sports development through the identification, nurturing and training of young talents capable of representing the territory and Nigeria at national and international competitions.
The Deputy Director, however, identified the movement of athletes to other states as one of the major challenges facing the FCT sports sector, noting that athletes developed through its grassroots programmes were often approached with better incentives and opportunities.
He said that the FCT was exploring partnerships with security agencies and other organisations to create employment opportunities for outstanding athletes and encourage them to remain with the territory.
According to him, discussions had been held with the Nigeria Police Force on possible absorption of qualified athletes into its sports department, while similar engagements were being considered with the Nigeria Customs Service. He added that the Federal Road Safety Corps had previously provided opportunities for some FCT-developed athletes.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the FCT Traditional Sports Association, which is awaiting inauguration by the FCT Minister, Malam Iliyasu Abdu said the association’s priority was to catch young talents early and build a strong grassroots development structure.
He said the association would participate fully in competitions, including upcoming events in Lagos, adding that traditional sports had enormous potential for private-sector investment if properly developed and promoted.
He urged stakeholders not to relent in nurturing grassroots athletes, expressing optimism that the FCT would continue to produce champions capable of excelling at national and international levels.
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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