Sports

NOC Boss Charges Coaches to Upgrade Skills, Develop World-Class Athletes

Published

2 months ago

September 4, 2026

Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Ahmed Gumel, has urged coaches to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills to enable Nigeria produce world-class athletes.

Gumel made the call at the opening of the Badminton Technical Coaching Course Level 2, on Friday in Abuja where he commended the organisers, technical experts, coaches and participants for their contributions to the success of the programme.

He stressed that sporting success goes beyond the talent and determination of athletes, noting that the quality and commitment of coaches are equally crucial to developing athletes capable of competing at the highest level.

“The success of any sporting system depends not only on the talent and determination of athletes, but also on the quality, knowledge and commitment of the coaches who guide and develop them,” Gumel said.

According to him, coaches play a central role in talent identification, skill development, character building and preparing athletes for elite competition.

He emphasised that continuous education and capacity development were essential to the growth and sustainability of Nigerian sports.

Gumel reaffirmed the NOC’s commitment to collaborating with national sports federations and other stakeholders to promote coach education, athlete development, Olympic values and sporting excellence.

He also appreciated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for their collaboration and support towards the successful organisation of the course.

Addressing the participants, the NOC president urged them to maximise the opportunity provided by the training and apply the knowledge acquired towards developing badminton in Nigeria.

“You have a responsibility not only to develop champions, but also to develop responsible, disciplined and productive citizens,” he added.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

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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