Sports
Sunday Dare Hails Tinubu’s Sports Revolution, Says Early Talent Nurturing Vital for Nigeria’s Future
Joel Ajayi
The Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has said that early talent discovery and sustained investment are essential to securing the future of Nigerian sports.
Dare made the remarks during the appreciation tour organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to celebrate outstanding young athletes of 2025. The event took place on Wednesday at Nigerian Tulip International College in Abuja.
While commending the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu, Dare said the renewed attention being given to sports development reflects a broader commitment to building a strong and sustainable sporting ecosystem in the country.
According to him, the foundation of global sporting success lies in identifying and nurturing athletes at a young age, providing them with structured training, education, and the necessary support systems that can help them excel on the international stage.
He explained that many of the positive developments currently being witnessed in Nigerian sports are the result of deliberate policies initiated years ago to create a clear pathway for young talents through education, training, and scholarship opportunities.
Dare also emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, noting that sustainable sports development cannot be achieved by government efforts alone.
He praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission for maintaining and strengthening existing development programmes rather than abandoning them, particularly initiatives focused on grassroots talent discovery and youth athlete development.
“The global template is clear,” Dare said. “If you find them young, train them well and support them through education and scholarships, they will eventually bring home gold, silver and bronze medals for the country.”
The former minister expressed confidence in the current leadership of the commission, noting that although they recently assumed office, they have already begun taking practical steps to address key challenges within the sports sector.
He further revealed that private sector interest in sports investment is gradually increasing, stressing that such partnerships will be crucial if Nigeria is to fully harness the economic and social benefits of sports.
Dare concluded that with sustained funding, proper planning, and policy continuity, Nigeria has the capacity to produce more world-class athletes and achieve greater success in international competitions.
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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