Sports
Weightlifting Federation President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Applauds NSC’s Leadership in Championing Sports Development in Nigeria
Joel Bisi
President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has credited Nigeria’s triumphs so far at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship to the deliberate and strategic approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in revitalizing the nation’s sports sector by appointing technocrats to head the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Dr. Abdul made this statement on Thursday morning, in an interview in Moka, Mauritius, where Nigeria is currently competing in the African Senior Weightlifting Championship. As of Thursday evening, Nigeria sits on top of the medal standings with 10 Gold, 4 silver and one bronze.
Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele’s impressive showing on Thursday evening helped to increase Nigeria’s medal haul after winning three Gold medals to underline her dominance in her weight category.
“President Tinubu knew exactly what he wanted and was intentional in his selection of leaders for the National Sports Commission,” Dr. Abdul said. “By appointing proven technocrats like Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, he laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity for Nigerian sports.”
Mallam Shehu Dikko, a former Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), first appointed on December 26, 2014a, has also served in various capacities at FIFA and CAF. He has been at the forefront of key reforms within African and global sports governance, bringing his wealth of experience to the Commission.
Dr. Abdul also highlighted the immense impact of the NSC’s Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade—a two-time Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State—who has overseen numerous thriving sports projects across the country and internationally.
Speaking on Team Nigeria’s success so far in Mauritius, he said “this is no coincidence. The NSC gave us all the support we needed to succeed,” Abdul emphasized.
“When the DG announced thousands of dollars in financial incentives, sat with the athletes, shared meals, and took pictures with them—it wasn’t just symbolic. It was a powerful morale boost for all of them.”
According to him, “Our athletes felt truly seen, valued, and supported. Today, they competed like warriors—ready to give their all for the nation. That is the spirit this administration has ignited in Nigerian sports.”
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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