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NSC DG, Charges D’Tigers to Roar Ahead of Afrobasket Qualifiers in Libya

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…Reiterates Commission’s commitment to all Sports Federations

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has charged Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team, D’Tigers, to put up a strong and committed performance at the final window of the Afrobasket Qualifiers in Libya.

Through the support of the NSC, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) successfully facilitated the team’s arrival in Tripoli for the crucial qualifiers.

“I am sure the NBBF and the coaching crew have selected a very strong and technically balanced squad for the country, blending both foreign-based and home-based players,” Hon. Olopade said.

“Basketball is one of our traditional sports as a country, and we have had tremendous success over the years. It is, therefore, essential to continue giving it the attention it deserves from the Commission.”

He also emphasized the NSC’s broader commitment to developing all sports, under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.

“At the Commission, I want to reiterate that the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and I are fully committed to the growth of all sports, and we will continue to exemplify this through proper preparations for all our national teams at international competitions.”

“There has been a paradigm shift since the rebirth of the Sports Commission, with detailed attention given to every sport. We demonstrated this with cricket when our U-19 girls played at the World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year and, more recently, with badminton at the All Africa Championship in Cameroon, among others.”

The DG also called on Nigerians to rally behind D’Tigers, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to embody the competitive spirit that defines Nigerian sports.

Nigeria’s final 12-man squad for the qualifiers in Tripoli will be led by two Olympians—Caleb Agada and team captain Ike Nwamu—as they battle for a place in the Afrobasket tournament.

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No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

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Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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