Nigeria set to battle South Africa in WBSC Africa Qualifiers

Published

6 years ago

November 26, 2019

The Gleamer

Team Nigeria is set slug it out against South Africa in the World

Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa Qualifiers on Nov. 30.

Nigeria, who will be participating in softball for men since the

introduction of the game in 1989, will host a 28-man South African

Softball delegation consisting of players and officials.

The game whose winner would be decided by the best of three will be

held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Annex Baseball Park, while the winner will hoist Africa’s flag at the WBSC World Cup 2020 in New Zealand.

Meanwhile a total of 24 players selected from South West, North

Central, South South and South East Zones are currently in camp since

Nov. 20 in preparations ahead of the clash against one of the

continents’ big names, South Africa.

Mr Kehinde Laniyan, Secretary General of the Federation noted that they are determined in promoting the sport at the grassroot.

“Nigerian Baseball and Softball Association is a good example of a

federation struggling to grow sports at the grass roots level using

local volunteers and teams.

“It has resilience, determination and strong philosophy of using

communities and schools to grow sports, a philosophy passed down the line by the founding fathers of the game in Nigeria’’.

List of players in camp

South South/South East team list.

1.Michael Davies 2.Kingsley Itoro edet.

3.lucky Friday. 4.uwana camilius eyu.

5.Joseph custom. 6.ukobong ikon ikon.

7.Atama. 8.ifoniso Gabriel etim

North Central.

1.Dare Opemipo

Olamide (double T)

2. Olakunle Festus (DT)

3. Adewale Olushola (DT)

4. Saka Muktar (sliders).

5.Ajaba lucky (Yanyan hitters )

6.Ochele Darlington (YH)

7.Samuel Okara (YH)

8.Audu Solomon (YH)

1. Wilson Ikechukwu Peter(BRBSC)

2. Obodo Victor (LED WARRIORS)

3. Joseph Padoo(BRCSC)

4. IDOWU Ademola Faith (EKITI)

5. Adeoye Ebenezer (EKITI)

6. Korede Okunloye

7. Okaku Cletus Agbor

8. Stephen Oyedeji (VISIONARY BASEBALL)

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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