Sports
Olopade Assures Top Support for Athletes, Says Nigeria Will Shine at Commonwealth Games
Joel Ajayi
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, pledging that Nigerian athletes will receive the best possible support from the current administration.
Speaking on Tuesday during the official reception and presentation of the King’s Baton Relay in Abuja, Olopade reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals of the Commonwealth and its determination to ensure top-class preparation for its athletes.
“Nigerian athletes deserve the very best, and this government is determined to provide exactly that,” he said. “The baton relay is not new to us—it’s a cultural tradition that symbolizes unity and readiness, and we are more than prepared to uphold that spirit.”
Olopade declared that the era of last-minute preparations is over, citing a new approach that includes structured funding and long-term planning. He referenced the “Athlete Grant” initiative, designed to support athletes ahead of key competitions such as the Islamic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.
“We are building something massive—something that goes beyond the field of play. It’s about mental health, physical conditioning, and financial stability. We want to ensure our athletes are fully supported, not just during their careers but even in life after sports,” he emphasized.
He further disclosed that new empowerment packages will soon be unveiled, focusing on business development, financial support, and career transition opportunities for athletes.
“Our athletes need to know that the country is behind them. When they feel supported, they will give their best. Sports is not just entertainment—it fuels national pride, drives economic growth, and inspires future generations. Everyone in the ecosystem benefits, from athletes to coaches, administrators, and the media,” Olopade said.
He also hinted at Nigeria’s plan to bid for the 2030 Centenary Edition of the Commonwealth Games, subject to presidential approval.
“Nigeria is more than capable of hosting the Games. We have the infrastructure, the talent, and the organizational capacity. What we need now is the political green light. We are working on that, and we’re optimistic,” he said.
Concluding, Olopade urged Nigerians to believe in their country’s sporting potential:“We must stop underestimating ourselves. Nigeria is blessed with some of the most talented and intelligent people in the world. It’s time to start marketing our sports sector and showcasing our true value on the global stage. I have no doubt—Nigeria will shine in Glasgow.”
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
