Sports
NSC Backs Federation, as Team Nigeria Departs for Mauritius on Monday for African Weightlifting Championship
Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent will depart for Moka, Mauritius, on Monday to participate in the 2025 African Weightlifting Championship, scheduled to hold from April 20 to 28.
The delegation includes six elite athletes and two coaches, all poised to defend the country’s continental title.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, National Sports Commission’s (NSC) leadership emphasized the deliberate investment in the weightlifting as part of its broader strategy to support sports where the nation holds a competitive edge.
“Weightlifting is a sport where Nigeria has consistently excelled—whether at the African level, the Commonwealth Games, the Olympic Games, or the Paralympics,” NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade said. “Our athletes have not only won medals but also set world records, and we’re confident they will make the nation proud once again.”
Nigeria enters the competition on the back of a dominant showing at the 2024 edition in Egypt.
In the last edition, Nigeria amassed an impressive haul of six gold and five silver medals. The team’s performance solidified Nigeria’s reputation as a weightlifting powerhouse on the continent.
The championships in Mauritius will serve as a critical benchmark for Nigeria’s ongoing preparations toward global competitions ranked by the International Weightlifting Federation.
Sports
Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports
Cyril Ogar
Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.
“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.
A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.
Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.
Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.
“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”
He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.
> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.
The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.
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