Sports
NASTOCE 2026 Gets New Date as Stakeholders Seek More Preparation Time
Joel Ajayi
The National Organising Committee of the National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition (NASTOCE) 2026 has announced the postponement and rescheduling of the event, which will now take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The conference is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, with the venue remaining unchanged. The Award Dinner and Gala Night will also hold on the same day at 7:00 p.m., effectively making the conference and exhibition a one-day event.
Speaking at the NASTOCE 2026 Secretariat in Abuja, Convener and Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders.
He noted that delays in responses from participating ministries and agencies made it difficult for many to complete necessary processes and submissions ahead of the earlier date. According to him, the new date is expected to provide sufficient time for all stakeholders to adequately prepare and participate.
Sule emphasised that all previously scheduled programmes will remain unchanged, including the theme, sub-themes, plenary sessions, and presentation timelines for agency heads, as well as keynote addresses by ministers.
He expressed regret over any inconvenience the postponement may cause to participants, guests, exhibitors, and visitors, assuring that the adjustment was made in the overall interest of a successful and inclusive event.
The conference, he added, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing sports tourism as a driver of socio-economic development.
With the theme, “Leveraging the Intersection of Multi-Sectoral MDAs to Promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria,” NASTOCE 2026 aims to explore the synergy between sports, tourism, and other government sectors. The event will highlight the economic opportunities within this intersection and promote collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
As a strategic dialogue platform, the conference will feature a range of sub-themes designed to foster partnerships and strengthen coordination among stakeholders. Experts, professional speakers, and chief executives of relevant MDAs are expected to deliver presentations on their roles in driving the growth of sports tourism in Nigeria.
Organisers remain optimistic that the rescheduled event will attract broader participation and deliver impactful outcomes for the development of the sector.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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