Sports

NSF: 14,000 Athletes To Compete For Medals

Published

3 years ago

November 28, 2022

Joel Ajayi

As Delta 2022 finally commences, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has said that about 14000 Youth Athletes from the 36 States of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja will be competing in over 30 different sports, including football, basketball, wrestling among others.

Mr Dare who disclosed this on Monday in his office in Abuja expressed optimism that at the end of the competition, new sets of athletes will emerge that will compete favourably with their counterparts globally.

According to him, I am optimistic that at the end of the competition, budding talents will emerge and the country will witness more podium performances through them in subsequent global competitions.

The Minister commended the Delta State Government for its dogged determination towards ensuring the reality of Delta 2022 and also for providing our teeming Youth with the opportunity to showcase their sporting talents.

While stressing that the Games will also help in strengthening the unity of Nigerians, Dare called on participating States to go all out for medals.

He therefore called on all sports loving Nigerians to create time to grace the festival, saying that the National Sports Festival is the “Nigerian Olympics”.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar said that Delta 2022 provides an avenue for Uniting Nigerians.

He stated further that the Festival will also inspire the next generation towards developing their sporting potentials, in line with the theme, “Uniting Nigerians, inspiring the next Generations”.

Also speaking, the Secretary, MOC and Director, National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department of the Ministry, Mr Peter Nelson, assured that Athletes and Officials from the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT have commenced movement to Asaba, Venue of the Sports Festival.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

24 mins ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

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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