Sports
”President Bola Tinubu’s Commitment and Leadership Will Transform Nigerian Sports Sector” – Sunday Dare
Joel Ajayi
The opening ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, was marked by a rousing address from Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots sports development and the future of Nigerian sports industry .
In his speech, Chief Dare praised President Tinubu for his bold leadership and visionary approach to sports administration.
“I want to also thank President Tinubu for putting sports administration in the hands of two very capable people, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko and DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade. These two people come with vast experience. These men will work with others, including women, to develop our sports,” he stated.
Chief Dare underscored the Presidency’s passion for sports, noting that recent gestures of recognition and reward for Nigeria’s female teams underscore a new era of government support.
“Nothing demonstrates the Presidency’s unprecedented love and support for sports like the way President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, supported and rewarded the Super Falcons and D’Tigress. They will continue to support sports development at the grassroots. They will support all sports,” he declared.
Highlighting the significance of the National Youth Games as a pipeline for talent discovery, Dare stressed the need for structured investment in young athletes.
“The National Youth Games is the source of the talents the nation needs to achieve sporting glory. These young talents are identified, nurtured, and fed to our sporting federations to be trained to represent Nigeria in global sporting events. Like it’s often said ‘the gold is in the child.’ From the young ages of 15 years and downwards, we must find and develop them,” he said.
The 9th edition of the National Youth Games, holding from August 26 to September 6, 2025, features 37 sporting events with participants from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Chief Dare’s remarks reinforced the message that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is determined to transform grassroots sports into a powerhouse for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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