Sports
NASTOCE Champions Return of Ringo Sports, Pushes Sports-Tourism Synergy for Economic Growth
Joel Ajayi
Ringo Sports in the 70s offers several benefits, particularly in promoting grassroots development, youth engagement, tourism, and economic growth through sports all of sudden it faded away.
Until recent time when National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition NASTOCE who know the important of these sports to mankind, society and country at large come together to champion the return of the game for good health and economic prosperity to the country.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the NASTOCE on Tuesday in Abuja, the convener of the event Mohammed Sule reveals the strong relationship between sports and tourism will no doubt bring more growth and development to the country.
The event with the Theme: leveraging on the Inter-section Between Muti-sectoral MDAs to promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria gathered stakeholders across the country to champions return and revival of Ringo Sports in Nigeria.
He described sports and tourism as “sister sectors” that naturally complement each other, noting that when both industries are properly harnessed, they can significantly boost the economy and improve socio-economic growth.
According to him, several countries have successfully maximised the opportunities in sports and tourism to strengthen their economies, adding that Nigeria should not be left behind.
He said the idea behind the National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition (NASTOC) was to create a platform where the synergy between both sectors could be explored for national progress.
On the revival of Ringo Sports, he explained that the game was once popular in Nigeria decades ago and can still attract interest if properly reintroduced.
He noted that the sport is played on a badminton or volleyball court and can be contested in one-a-side, two-a-side or three-a-side formats, depending on the available space.
Recalling his personal experience, he said he played the game as far back as 1978 during his secondary school days and believes it remains an exciting sport that promotes fitness, agility and healthy living.
He added that efforts are already underway to reposition the sport and bring it back into the mainstream sporting scene in Nigeria.
The convener, who also has a background in journalism, media practice, public relations and tourism, said his professional experience has inspired him to combine sports and tourism as tools for economic transformation.
He explained that institutions such as the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria all play important roles in supporting sports and tourism development.
According to him, customs facilitate the importation of sports equipment and infrastructure materials, immigration handles travel documentation for athletes and visitors, while airports serve as key gateways for tourists and sporting delegations.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration among all government agencies and private stakeholders to unlock the full economic value of sports tourism in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to recognise that regardless of sector or profession, there is always a connection to sports and tourism, insisting that partnership remains the key to sustainable growth.
The event ended with a charge to all stakeholders to work together in advancing Nigeria’s economy through the combined power of sports and tourism.
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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