Sports
Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation denies reports of its elevation as Compulsory Sports for Gateways Games
The President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, has debunked reports making around that the Ogun state Government has elevated wheelchair basketball as one of the games Compulsory Sports at the forthcoming 2024 National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games.
The Wheelchair Basketball boss said the report was never true and a wrong representation of what transpired at the Extra Ordinary National Council of State meeting that was successfully held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
” I want to use this medium to put the record straight that there was never a time that wheelchair basketball was listed by Ogun state as a compulsory Sports at the Gateway Games”.
” Nothing like that happened and the Communique issued after the extra ordinary council meeting was very clear about all the decisions that were decided at the council meeting regarding the Sports festival in Ogun state and subsequent festivals”.
” Once again I want to plead with our friends in the media to always verify their information before going to the public to avoid wrong dissemination of information and wrong casting of headlines”.
” It was a very fruitful deliberation of issues concerning the betterment of the Upcoming Sports festival in Ogun state and how future Games can be improved upon to align with the new vision of the current leadership of the National Sports Commission. And in the Nigeria wheelchair basketball family , we commend the new vision of Sports in the country and we fully align to the new focus”, he concluded.
He stressed that Wheelchair basketball is one of the optional Sports at the upcoming Festival and that has not changed.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Ogun state is expected to hold from the 16-30th of May 2025.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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