Sports
NSSF President Charges Coaches, Referees to Drive Shooting Sports Development
Joel Ajayi
As the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) intensifies efforts to promote inclusivity and development, with renewed focus on para-athlete participation and performance, its leadership has called for unity and collective responsibility among stakeholders.
The President of the federation, Mohammed Sagir Shettima, made the call on Wednesday night in Abuja while hosting board members, coaches, and officials to a special dinner following the conclusion of shooting events at the ongoing 3rd National Para Games.
He urged stakeholders to demonstrate total commitment and take ownership of the federation’s growth.
“Let all hands be on deck to rebuild this federation. Every one of us has something to offer. Together, we have what it takes to grow shooting sports in Nigeria,” he said.
The NSSF President emphasized the need to uphold the core values of unity, discipline, and accuracy, while calling for full cooperation as the federation embarks on key reforms.
“We are introducing some radical changes that will benefit everyone. We need your full support to achieve a stronger and more effective federation,” he added.
As part of ongoing reforms, Shettima disclosed plans to institutionalize regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enhance transparency and performance across the federation.
On athlete welfare, he revealed that new measures would be introduced to safeguard both the mental and physical well-being of shooters, including mandatory psychiatric evaluations to be conducted under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.
Reiterating his vision, the President noted that past challenges—especially in athlete welfare—are being addressed, as the federation works towards building a more structured and supportive system.
He also highlighted the importance of informal engagement, explaining that the dinner was designed not only for official interactions but also to strengthen relationships and foster better understanding among stakeholders.
Shettima concluded by encouraging continuous dialogue and collaboration, expressing confidence that unity and shared commitment would drive the federation to greater heights.
Also speaking, the Second Vice President of the NSSF and Para-Sports Representative on the board, Abubakar Aliyu, described the just-concluded para shooting events at the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja as the most impressive in recent years.
“We have just concluded the third edition of the National Para Games here in Abuja, and the testimonies from participants have been very encouraging. For me, this is the best Para Games in shooting so far,” he said.
Aliyu attributed the success of the competition to the federation’s new leadership direction, noting that recent reforms have revitalized interest in shooting sports nationwide.
According to him, the renovation and upgrade of facilities—particularly the shooting range—have significantly enhanced both the quality of competition and the overall experience for athletes.
“The transformation we are seeing today is a result of the new leadership of the federation. The improved environment has made the sport more attractive to athletes across the country,” he added.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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