Sports

NOC President Habu Gumel Felicitates Nigerians On 66th Independence Anniversary

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed patriotism, unity and collective commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

In his Independence Day message, Engr. Gumel said Nigeria’s 66-year journey has been defined by resilience, diversity and the determination of its people to overcome challenges and excel.

He noted that sport remains a powerful instrument for national unity, youth development and international image-building, urging Nigerians to continue supporting the country’s athletes and the development of sports.

“As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, I extend my warmest felicitations to all Nigerians at home and abroad. This is a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements and renew our commitment to the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The NOC President said the outstanding performance of Team Nigeria at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provides fresh reasons for optimism about the future of Nigerian sports.

Team Nigeria finished seventh overall and as Africa’s highest-ranked nation, winning 24 medals — 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze.

Gumel commended the Tinubu-led administration for its unprecedented commitment to sports development, highlighting the substantial financial investment channelled through the National Sports Commission to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Gumel also commended athletes, coaches, federations, technical officials, government and other stakeholders for their contributions to the remarkable outing.

“The Glasgow performance demonstrated once again that Nigeria possesses the talent, determination and competitive spirit to stand among the best. Finishing as Africa’s number one nation is a remarkable achievement, and I commend every athlete and official who contributed to this success.”

He, however, stressed that the Commonwealth success should serve as a springboard for greater achievements, particularly at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The NOC President expressed confidence that with early preparation, proper athlete development, adequate technical support and stronger collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria can produce a favourable Olympic outing.

“Our eyes are now firmly set on Los Angeles 2028. We are optimistic about Nigeria’s prospects and believe that the right preparation, discipline and support can translate our enormous talent into outstanding Olympic performances.”»

“The journey to Los Angeles must begin now. We must identify our athletes early, prepare them properly and provide the technical and competitive environment required for them to compete with confidence at the highest level.”

The NOC has already welcomed Nigeria’s qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in women’s volleyball, ending a 16-year absence from the Olympic tournament.

Gumel described the qualification as an encouraging signal and called for more Nigerian athletes and teams to secure Olympic berths.

“The qualification of our women’s volleyball team is a significant milestone. It shows what is possible when determination, preparation and opportunity come together. We want to see more Nigerian athletes earn their places in Los Angeles, and we are committed to supporting that ambition.”

Looking beyond the Olympics, the NOC President highlighted Nigeria’s hosting of the 2027 African School Games in Abuja as another important milestone for the country’s sports development.

Preparations for the Games, scheduled for August 2–11, 2027, are already underway, with Gumel recently assuring that Nigeria’s preparations are on course.

“The African School Games will be an important platform for discovering the next generation of African sporting stars. Nigeria will use this opportunity not only to showcase its organisational capacity but also to identify and nurture young talents who can become future Commonwealth and Olympic champions.”

Gumel said the NOC would continue to work closely with the National Sports Commission, National Federations, government and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting structures and create sustainable pathways for young athletes.

He urged corporate organisations and private-sector partners to increase their investment in sports, noting that sustainable sports development requires a strong partnership between government and the private sector.

“The future of Nigerian sports belongs to all of us. Government cannot do it alone. We need corporate Nigeria, sponsors, federations, coaches, parents and the entire sporting community to come together and invest in our athletes and young people.”

The NOC President also called on Nigerians to use the Independence Anniversary as an opportunity to promote peace, unity and national pride.

“Nigeria is greater than our differences. Our diversity is a strength, and sport has repeatedly shown us that when Nigerians come together under one flag, we can achieve extraordinary things.”

Gumel expressed optimism that the coming years would usher in greater achievements for Nigeria on the international sporting stage.

“As we celebrate our 66th Independence Anniversary, let us look to the future with hope and confidence. From Glasgow to Los Angeles and to the major competitions ahead, the Nigeria Olympic Committee remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that our athletes have every opportunity to make the nation proud.”

“I congratulate all Nigerians once again and wish our great nation continued peace, unity, progress and sporting excellence. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.”

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

7 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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