Sports
NOC Urges Ex-Female Athletes, Women in Sports to Boost Participation in Sports
Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has intensified efforts to promote gender inclusion in sports governance with the inauguration of a Sports Administration Course (SAC) targeted at former female athletes and women serving on National Sports Federation boards.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel, described the initiative as a strategic move to strengthen women’s roles in leadership and decision-making within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, ethics, and organisational development.
Gumel noted that the course aligns with the global educational framework of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with content drawn from the IOC Sports Administration Course manual to ensure international standards and best practices.
“This course represents a significant step in our collective commitment to strengthening the role of women in sports leadership and governance in Nigeria,” he said, urging participants to actively engage, share experiences, and build networks that will enhance their impact in sports administration.
He further commended the facilitators, including IOC-certified course directors, as well as the organising team, for their dedication to delivering a high-quality programme that fosters professional growth and collaboration among women in sports.
In her remarks, President of the Former Female Athletes Association of Nigeria and President of the Netball Federation, Dr. Toyin Aluko, described the initiative as a major step toward closing the gender gap in sports leadership.
According to her, the course was conceived in response to the historically low participation of women in previous training programmes, stressing the need for a more inclusive and targeted approach.
“This initiative will empower women with the knowledge and confidence to take up leadership roles in coaching, administration, and decision-making within sports federations,” she said.
Dr. Aluko highlighted the importance of increasing the number of female coaches and administrators, noting that it would inspire more female athletes to transition into leadership roles after their active careers.
She also pointed to global progress in gender balance, particularly at the Olympic level, while urging sustained efforts locally to achieve at least 45 percent female representation in sports governance.
She commended ongoing reforms by the National Sports Commission aimed at improving female inclusion but stressed that more deliberate actions are needed to ensure balanced representation.
Emphasising the importance of education, Dr. Aluko encouraged female athletes to pursue academic qualifications to prepare for life beyond competition, noting that such empowerment opens doors to careers in coaching, administration, and public service.
She reaffirmed the NOC’s commitment to promoting gender-inclusive policies and programmes, calling on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring women play a central role in shaping the future of sports in Nigeria.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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