Sports

NPFL Club Owners Pay Courtesy Visit to NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko

Published

4 months ago

November 8, 2024

…Says Elite league can drive Nigeria’s sports economy – Says Dikko

The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko has has stated that the Nigeria’s elite football league has the potential to play pivotal role in Nigeria’s sporting economy.

Dikko made the statement while addressing the NPFL Club Owners delegation that paid him a courtesy visit, on Thursday in Abuja.

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” Dikko stated, emphasizing that football has the potential to be a powerful driver in realizing this vision.

Dikko, who led the Nigerian Professional Football League as the chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), warmly welcomed the delegation, describing them as “a family” and members of his primary constituency.

Expressing his joy over the visit, Dikko emphasized the importance of unity and shared responsibility for the development of Nigerian sports, particularly the football league.

“Now that we’re in the driver’s seat, we have no excuse anymore not to bring growth,” he stated. “All the plans we’ve discussed over the years on paper —this is the time to take action and make them a reality. We all need to be on deck for the growth of sports in Nigeria.”

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” he added.

Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, chairman of the Forum congratulated Shehu Dikko on his well-deserved appointment and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fitting a square peg in a square hole. He adviced that the NSC should prioritize sports infrastructure and grassroots development programs.

Ex commissioner of Sports, Gombe State, Mallam Farouk Yarma expressed appreciation to the NPFL Club Owners, emphasizing that all hands must be on deck for all-encompassing growth in the sports industry.

The club owners’ contingent included prominent figures such as Dr. Okechukwu Kpalakwu (chairman, Rivers United), who serves as the Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Forum, along with Secretary, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku (chairman, Enugu Rangers).

Other members of the NPFL delegation include:

•   Mr. Habila Hosea Mutla (Vice Chairman, North)
•   Hon. Olaniyan Babatunde (Board Member, South West)
•   Mr. Solomon Babanjah (Chairman, Nasarawa United)
•   Mr. Kumbi Titiloye (Board Member, NPFL)
•   Mr. Bashir Badawir (General Manager, Kwara United)
•   Mr. Dominic Iorfa (Board of Trustee Member)

The visit underscored a renewed commitment to advancing Nigerian sports through strategic initiatives, enhanced governance, and stakeholder collaboration under the NSC’s guidance.

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Sports

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

48 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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