Sports

NIS, Lagos FA Coaches training begins in September

Published

10 months ago

August 15, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association Hajji Gafar Liameed has reiterated his commitment towards the implementation of the agreement between the Lagos State FA and the National Institute for Sports, Lagos for the training of Coaches in Lagos.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Director-General of NIS Professor Olawale Moronkola in Lagos on Thursday, Hajji Gafar said “NIS Coaching licensing is now compulsory for all coaches in Lagos State.We are happy for this great opportunity to Collaborate with the National Institute for sports to upscale our coaches”

While thanking the Chairman for his pragmatism and spirit of sportsmanship, Professor Moronkola said the NIS was ready to implement the terms of the MOU to the letter.

Hajji Gafar assured him that the FA was ready to continue with the signed MOU since it was done in the best interest of football developmentim Lagos State.

Hajji Gafar disclosed that 52 coaches have been licensed in line with Statutory FA licensing rules which stipulates that only coaches certified by NIS will be recognized by the FA.

He said coaches who are not too lettered will be trained in batches of 50 for 3 months which take place on Saturdays starting from September 14th, running to October and November for the first batch. Interpreters will be engaged for the training so that coaches can be properly trained in their most Prefered language. ” Our dream is to ensure that at least 2,000 coaches are certified withing 2 years .

Hopefully, the training will commence on September 14th, 2024 and it will be done in batches”

The DG assured that the training will get underway in early September after a brief opening ceremony at the National Institute for Sports Lagos.

The training is part of the vision of the Director-General Professor Moronkola at ensuring that coaches are upgraded in modern Football coaching philosophy and technique.

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Sports

NSC Applauds Enugu State Govt,, as LOC for 23rd NSF is Inaugurated

Published

7 hours ago

June 19, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Preparations for the highly anticipated 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games Enugu 2026” have taken a significant leap forward as the Enugu State Government officially inaugurated the Festival’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) on Wednesday in Enugu.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah for his swift action and commitment to hosting a successful festival.

“With the inauguration of this high-powered Local Organizing Committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games Enugu 2026 will raise the bar in excellence, inclusion, and legacy. The caliber of individuals on this committee reflects the seriousness with which Enugu is approaching this national assignment. The National Sports Commission is fully aligned and will provide all necessary support to ensure a seamless festival that inspires hope, talent discovery, and national unity,” Hon. Olopade stated.

The newly inaugurated LOC, chaired by the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr, is composed of seasoned professionals with vast experience in sports administration, event management, and youth development. Their mandate is to deliver a world-class festival that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in tapping into a growing sports economy as a vehicle for national growth and unity.

The members of the committee include:
• Bamiduro Olumide – Sports management expert and former national badminton champion (Secretary General)
• Mary Onyali – Olympian and former international sprint queen
• Aku Akazu – Sports lawyer and 2nd Vice president AFN
• Victor Okorie – Elite athlete and member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria
• Blessing Chisalam Ekwe – COO of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, FIFA-licensed agent
• Davidson Owumi – COO of the Nigeria Professional Football League, former GM, Enugu Rangers
• Tony Ugwu – Chairman, Enugu State Football Association
• Henry Chinedu Okorie – Nigeria Olympic Committee Executive Member, Chair of the Athletics Athletes Commission
• Jonathan Nnaji – President, Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation; VP, Africa Modern Pentathlon Confederation
• Boniface Onovo – Director of Organizing, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Ephraim Ochonma – Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Obiora Obasi – Technical Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner

Furthermore, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah outlined the State’s bold and transformative plan to ensure the success and lasting impact of the festival.

The plan includes the construction of a new Games Village to accommodate athletes and officials, remodeling of the existing stadiums into state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting international competitions, as well as the development of additional sporting facilities across the state that meet global standards and support year-round sports development.

Governor Mbah also stated the plan to promote local content through prioritizing local contractors, vendors, and creatives before and during the festival to stimulate the local economy and celebrate Enugu’s cultural heritage.

The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Olympics,” is the country’s premier sporting event. The 23rd edition is expected to attract thousands of athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, with Enugu poised to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable experience.

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