Sports
Sports Administration Course: Habu Gumel Urges Former Female Athletes to Drive Sports Development
Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Olympic Committee has reinforced its commitment to gender inclusion in sports governance with the successful completion of a Sports Administration Course (SAC) for former female athletes and women serving on National Sports Federation boards.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel, described the initiative as a deliberate strategy to empower women to take up leadership and decision-making roles within Nigeria’s sports sector.
He urged participants to leverage the knowledge gained to actively contribute to sports development across the country.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, focused on equipping participants with critical skills in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, ethics, and organisational development.
Gumel noted that the course aligns with the global educational standards of the International Olympic Committee, with its curriculum drawn from the IOC Sports Administration Course manual to ensure best practices in sports governance.
“This course represents a significant step in strengthening the role of women in sports leadership in Nigeria,” Gumel said. “I encourage you all to apply what you have learned, build strong networks, and play active roles in shaping the future of sports.”
He also commended the facilitators, including IOC-certified course directors, and the organising team for delivering a high-quality programme that promotes professional growth and collaboration.
In her remarks, Toyin Aluko, President of the Former Female Athletes Association of Nigeria and the Netball Federation, described the initiative as a bold step toward addressing gender imbalance in sports leadership.
According to her, the course was introduced to bridge the gap created by low female participation in previous training programmes, stressing the need for more inclusive opportunities.
Aluko highlighted the importance of increasing female representation, noting that more women in leadership would inspire upcoming athletes to transition into administrative roles after their careers. She also called for sustained efforts to achieve at least 45 percent female inclusion in sports governance.
She further encouraged female athletes to pursue education alongside sports, noting that academic qualifications are essential for career growth beyond active competition.
Both leaders reaffirmed the NOC’s commitment to promoting gender-inclusive policies and called on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring women play a central role in Nigeria’s sports development.
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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