Sports
National Assembly Pledges Full Support For NUGA, University Sports Development
Joel Ajayi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) of the National Assembly’s full support in completing sports infrastructure across universities, particularly at the University of Jos, host of the 2025 NUGA Games.
The Speaker made the commitment through the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, alongside the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Jajere, received the NUGA delegation on Thursday in Abuja.
Hon. Amadu, speaking on behalf of the Speaker, pledged legislative backing and collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure university sports facilities meet international standards.
“I can assure you that the National Assembly will support your projects. All you need to do is make the formal request, and I will personally follow up,” he stated. “It is part of our Committee’s plan to ensure that by 2026, every Nigerian university has a functional sports complex or mini-stadium capable of hosting international competitions.”
He added that developing such facilities would not only enhance the university environment but also create opportunities for young athletes to build careers in sports.
NUGA Seeks Legislative Partnership
Leader of the NUGA delegation, Mr. Gushen Obey, expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the Speaker and members of the Sports Committee. He explained that the visit aimed to strengthen ties between the association and the legislature ahead of the 27th edition of the NUGA Games, scheduled to be held at the University of Jos from November 6 to 16, 2025.
According to him, this year’s Games will feature a record 91 participating universities and a combination of sporting and cultural events.
“We invited the National Assembly to be part of the closing ceremony to help promote unity and change the narrative about Jos as a city of peace,” he said.
Obey noted that several sports facilities at the University of Jos such as hockey, cricket, and indoor sports halls have been newly completed, while others remain under construction.
“Our goal is to keep students engaged through sports because sports unify everyone in Nigeria,” he added. “We are seeking the National Assembly’s assistance in completing ongoing projects estimated at ₦13 billion to ensure the university can host international competitions. We also want to start exporting Nigerian sports talent to the world and raise the hopes of our youth.”
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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