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
NLO Integrity Under Fire After Match-Fixing Allegations in Bauchi Clash
..As Wikki Tourists Feeders vs Adamu Jumba FC Draws Concern Over League Credibility
A cloud of controversy now hangs over NLO One following disturbing reports from Bauchi that could undermine the progress and credibility of the Nigerian Nationwide League One under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Shola Ogunowo.
The league body has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, emphasizing that the integrity and fairness of the competition must be protected at all costs. However, Wednesday’s fixture between Wikki Tourists Feeders and Adamu Jumba FC in Bauchi has raised serious concerns after multiple eyewitnesses came forward with allegations of match-fixing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the match was allegedly fixed to favor Wikki Tourists Feeders, with the aim of helping them leapfrog current table-toppers Warinje FC in the standings. The claims, if proven true, strike at the heart of the league’s reputation as a credible pathway for emerging Nigerian talent.
The most troubling account involves the match officials. Eyewitnesses say the center referee and his assistant refused to return for the second half after noticing what they believed to be irregular conduct during the first half. It reportedly took 30 minutes of intervention and persuasion by the Bauchi State Football Association before the officials agreed to resume the game.
Further allegations point to on-field actions that appeared deliberate. Former Niger Tornadoes player Musa Wakili is said to have intentionally missed a penalty in a manner that raised suspicion among those present. In protest, Adamu Jumba’s head coach is reported to have walked out of the technical area, stating publicly that he would not be associated with anything that could tarnish his professional image.
While these remain allegations and have not been independently verified, the gravity of the claims demands immediate attention. The NLO must launch a thorough investigation to ascertain what transpired during the match and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against anyone found culpable. Allowing such conduct to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in the league.
Shola Ogunowo has earned respect for his commitment to transparency and professionalism since assuming office as COO. Stakeholders and fans alike now look to the NLO leadership to demonstrate that same resolve by addressing the matter decisively and transparently.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it could define how seriously the NLO is prepared to defend the integrity of Nigerian grassroots football.
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