Sports
NSF Reaffirms Olympic Ambition, Resolves Internal Disputes
By Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation (NSF), Navy Captain Bamidele Olatunji Ayoade, has reaffirmed the Federation’s renewed focus on ensuring Nigeria’s participation in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday shortly after a crucial board meeting, Ayoade described the gathering as the most productive since he assumed office. The meeting, he said, was instrumental in repositioning the Federation and resolving lingering internal issues.
“This has been the best meeting since I came on board,” he said. “We opened up, had honest conversations, and resolved to move forward with a unified vision—qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. That is now our primary goal.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s absence at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ayoade attributed the setback to funding challenges and logistical hurdles, particularly issues surrounding the transportation of firearms for competition.
“There were unfortunate incidents in Dubai that prevented our athletes from competing with their equipment,” he explained. “We’ve learned from these setbacks and are putting measures in place to ensure they do not happen again.”
The NSF President noted that the Federation has adopted new strategies and is receiving increasing support from the National Sports Commission. These efforts, he said, are aimed at preparing athletes through proper training, international exposure, and participation in ranking events.
Ayoade also called on the public to disregard negative narratives circulating on social media, emphasizing that the Federation is now more united than ever.
“All our differences have been resolved. We are one family, and our collective dream is to see the Nigerian flag flown in Los Angeles. That’s our goal, and we are determined to achieve it.”
Confirming his intention to seek a second term, Ayoade announced that the Federation’s election has been scheduled for September 22, 2025.
He noted that the decision is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the NSF’s leadership and maintain its current momentum.
Sports
Team Nigeria Records Best-Ever Performance at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh
…Finishes 8th on overall standings, secures Africa’s second best placement
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria finished eighth on the medals table with a total of 30 medals, marking its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, while Turkey emerged at the top of the standings.
This year has been a remarkable success for the National Sports Commission, which has supported more than 40 sports federations in attending international competitions, many of whom have delivered outstanding performances and secured medals – the count includes taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, among others.
Nigeria’s haul, comprised 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, a result that reinforces the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic direction of sending only athletes with strong podium prospects to major international events.
Competing in seven sports, Taekwondo, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Athletics, the team delivered an unprecedented outcome, winning medals in every sports they competed in .
Weightlifting led Nigeria’s medal haul with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, followed by Athletics, which secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Wrestling added 2 gold and 2 silver, Para-Powerlifting contributed 1 gold, while Boxing and Para-Athletics each earned 1 silver. Taekwondo completed the tally with 1 bronze medal.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s exceptional outing, stating:
“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development. After meeting with our team at the Commission and the Elite and Podium Board led by Yusuf Ali, we made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh and today, that decision has paid off.”
He added that the performance in Riyadh sets the standard for future international engagements:
“From Boxing to Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Track and Field and Powerlifting, Nigeria secured medals in every sport we entered. This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics.”
Officials stated that Team Nigeria’s record-breaking finish in Riyadh marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting evolution and strengthens its position as a rising force in global multi-sport competitions.
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