Sports

Sunday Dare Joins President Tinubu to Flag Off Torch of Unity Movement for NSF

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare (CON, FNIS), joined President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja to flag off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF).

Themed “Gateway Games,” the festival will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30.
President Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth. He urged both the public and private sectors to contribute actively to sports development in Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing, and event sponsorship.

He emphasized that collaboration is key to advancing Nigeria’s sporting potential and maintaining its dominance on the global stage.

The president highlighted the Torch of Unity as a symbol of peace, strength, and solidarity. As part of the festival’s tradition, the torch will travel through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory before the games commence.

“Since its inception in 1973, the National Sports Festival has served as a vital platform for interaction and integration among our young sportsmen and women,” President Tinubu stated.“This festival is more than a showcase of athletic prowess; it is a celebration of unity, strength, and resilience, reaffirming our collective commitment to nation-building through sports.”

The president also honored Nigerian sporting legends, recognizing Olympic medalist Falilat Ogunkoya as the National Torch Bearer. He praised her dedication to sports excellence and national unity.

Additionally, President Tinubu extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles ahead of their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe Warriors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, expressing confidence in their success.

Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host a world-class event, welcoming over 10,000 athletes and setting new records. He announced that elite Nigerian athletes such as Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan would grace the occasion, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a global sporting powerhouse.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Governor Abiodun emphasize.

“Sports can change the world. They can inspire and unite people in a way that little else can.”

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Sports

Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.

The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.

Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.

The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.

A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.

The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.

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