Sports
NSC Nullifies Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Elections, Sets October 18 for Fresh Polls
By Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially declared the elections recently conducted by the Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Federations as invalid, urging them to prepare for fresh elections scheduled for October 18, 2025 in Abuja.
According to the NSC, the earlier elections held by these federations were not aligned with the Ministry’s guidelines and failed to reflect the principle of inclusive representation as mandated by Nigeria’s sports governance framework.
A statement released on Wednesday by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, emphasized the importance of full representation from 14 key constituencies on the board of every sports federation. These constituencies are:
Six Zonal Representatives (one from each geopolitical zone) 1 Athlete Representative, 1 Technical Representative, 1 Military/Paramilitary Representative, 1 NAWIS Representative, 1 NAPHER-SD Representative,1 Sponsor Representative and 1 AFFAN Representative.
“The strength of our sports federations lies in representation. We want to make it categorically clear that none of the 14 constituencies will be excluded from the governance structure of any federation. Inclusiveness remains non-negotiable.”
The affected federations have been directed to comply with the October 18 deadline. Notably:
Gymnastics and Judo Federations are to conduct their zonal elections prior to the national polls.
The Shooting Federation, having already completed its zonal elections, will proceed directly to elect its President and Vice President on the said date.
The recent election held by the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) on September 6, 2025, saw Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse re-elected for a historic third term after polling all 33 votes cast. The Vice Presidency went to Alhaji Mohammed Abba Inuwa, who received 32 votes.
While the election was commended by observers from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and international gymnastics bodies, the NSC was notably absent and reportedly advised the federation to postpone the election—advice that went unheeded.
The NOC’s Secretary General, Tunde Popoola, expressed both admiration for the peaceful process and surprise at the absence of the NSC, stating:
“This election was constitutionally backed and well-organized. However, I had expected the Sports Commission DG to be present. We were only informed upon arrival that he had advised postponement.”
Popoola emphasized the importance of unity and respect for the federation’s constitution, noting that as long as the constitution remains unchallenged, it stands as the guiding framework.
“At the NOC, we strongly uphold the autonomy of federations and the rule of law,” he said. “We will continue to support this federation moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the Shooting Federation’s election on September 22 ended inconclusively after six rounds of voting failed to produce a clear winner between two candidates. This stalemate prompted the NSC’s intervention and the rescheduling of elections.
The Judo Federation, which also recently held its elections, has been instructed to redo both its zonal and national elections to comply with NSC’s inclusivity guidelines.
The NSC has called for all federations to conduct their elections in full compliance with its directives to ensure transparency, fairness, and adequate representation.
The fresh elections on October 18, 2025, will be held under the strict supervision of the NSC, with stakeholders and observers expected to ensure a credible process.
Sports
Nigeria Targets Grassroots Sports Revival as Tinubu’s Aide Adeboye Unveils National Sports Grassroots Summit
Joel Ajayi
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth empowerment, education and national development alongside medals and trophies.
Adeyinka stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference while announcing the 2026 National Grassroots Sports Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The summit, with the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, state and local government representatives, private-sector investors, development partners, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.
The presidential aide stressed that sports development must be measured not only by international achievements but also by the number of young Nigerians whose lives are positively transformed through participation in sports.
He noted that while sporting excellence could lead some athletes to Olympic medals and World Cup glory, sports also offered millions of young people opportunities for education, personal development, employment and social inclusion.
“Sometimes, when we discuss sports development, we speak about stadiums, trophies, medals and international competitions.
“But I want us to remember that at the heart of every sporting achievement is a human being,” Adeyinka said.
He explained that participation in sports could help young Nigerians secure university scholarships, develop discipline, build confidence, acquire life skills and stay away from negative influences.
According to him, sports should be recognised as an important instrument for building character, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for young people, irrespective of their backgrounds.
On talent identification, Adeyinka expressed concern that Nigeria continues to lose potential sporting talents because many children lack access to adequate facilities, qualified coaches, encouragement and organised talent-discovery programmes.
He emphasised the need for an inclusive grassroots sports system that would provide equal opportunities for children in rural communities, public schools, underserved areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds.
The presidential aide maintained that a child’s sporting prospects should not be determined by geographical location, family background or connections to influential individuals.
He warned that without a coordinated approach to identifying and nurturing young talents, the country could continue to miss opportunities to discover future champions.
Adeyinka said the forthcoming summit was designed to develop a sustainable national framework for identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talents across the 774 local government areas.
He added that the gathering would seek practical solutions to the challenges affecting grassroots sports administration rather than focus solely on speeches and ceremonial activities.
A major objective, he explained, was to move away from fragmented talent-discovery initiatives towards a coordinated national structure connecting school and community competitions with clubs, national competitions and international sporting opportunities.
The two-day summit will deliberate on five key areas: sports participation, talent development, infrastructure, the sports economy and international pathways.
Adeyinka expressed optimism that the recommendations from the summit would provide a roadmap for strengthening grassroots sports development, expanding youth participation and positioning sports as a viable contributor to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He called on relevant stakeholders to support the initiative and work collectively towards building a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of identifying and developing talents across the country.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
