Sports

NSC Chairman Dikko Supports Nigeria’s Scrabble Team with a Personal donation of N2 Million After African Championship Victory

Published

2 years ago

November 10, 2024

Joel Ajayi

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko welcomed Nigeria’s victorious scrabble team on Friday, celebrating their impressive achievement of clinching the African Scrabble Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

Recognizing their dedication and hard work, Dikko appreciated the team with a personal donation of N2 million.

24-year-old Oluwatimilehin Doko emerged as the winner of the 15th African Scrabble Championship. He now joins 12 other Nigerians who have been crowned champions in the 14 instances when Nigerian players have claimed the title.

During the event, Dikko reiterated his vision for a culture of long-term planning in Nigerian sports, aiming to establish a foundation for sustained success.

He stated thus, “your success validates what we are preaching about focusing on domestic development before aiming for trophies. Hard work brings rewards, and if you do the right thing, you will get results.”

Dikko also praised the scrabble team’s consistent competitive schedule, noting that regular participation in national tournaments keeps athletes sharp and prepared.

To build on this success, Dikko highlighted the importance of structured planning and encouraged sports federations to present their yearly programs to the NSC very early into the start of the next calendar year.

“This will help us to plan well and provide the necessary support for tournaments, as well as monitor progress,” he explained.

With this support and a commitment to strategic planning, Dikko envisions a stronger path forward for Nigerian sports on both the domestic and international stage.

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Sports

NHF President, Board Celebrate Prof. Ediga Agbo’s Sultan Azlan Shah Award

Published

10 mins ago

October 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, and members of the federation’s board have congratulated Professor Ediga Agbo on his recognition with the Sultan Azlan Shah Award for his contributions to hockey development in Nigeria.

The recognition comes as the 50th International Hockey Federation (FIH) Congress gets underway in Doha, Qatar, with 112 National Associations in attendance. The congress provides a platform for hockey stakeholders from across the world to discuss the development, growth and future of the game.

Nigeria’s participation, led by Nkom and members of the NHF board, reflects the federation’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration, building strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities to improve the standard of hockey in the country.

Speaking on Professor Agbo’s recognition, Nkom commended his dedication to hockey development, particularly his efforts in mentoring young umpires and building capacity in officiating. He also expressed appreciation to the international hockey community for recognising Agbo’s contributions to the sport.

“Professor Ediga Agbo’s recognition is a proud moment for Nigerian hockey. His commitment to developing the game, particularly through mentoring young umpires, deserves commendation. We appreciate the hockey community for recognising his contributions, and we hope this honour will inspire more stakeholders to invest in the growth of hockey in Nigeria.”

Professor Agbo, in his response, expressed gratitude to the hockey community for the recognition, describing the award as encouragement to continue contributing to the development of the sport. He also acknowledged the support of the NHF, fellow officials and other stakeholders who have contributed to his journey in hockey.

“I am deeply grateful to the hockey community for this recognition. I see this award as an encouragement to continue contributing to hockey development in Nigeria, particularly through mentoring young umpires and sharing knowledge with the next generation of officials. I appreciate the Nigeria Hockey Federation, my colleagues and everyone who has supported the growth of the game.”

Professor Agbo’s recognition highlights the importance of mentorship, knowledge-sharing and sustained commitment to developing hockey officials.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s participation in the 50th FIH Congress offers an opportunity to deepen international relationships, exchange ideas and promote collaborations aimed at expanding the reach and improving the standard of hockey in the country.

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