Nigeria Sports Arena

  In a symbolic show of his love and commitment to sports in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari received 2013 U17 World Cup winner, Saviour Godwin, who presented his jersey to the president in Portugal. The President who is on an official visit to Portugal alongside Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare met with the Casa Pia rapid forward, in the european nation with chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa present. 27 year old Godwin was the saviour for his side helping them gain promotion to the Portuguese top flight league, as he ended as the highest goal scorer for the season. As President Muhammadu Buhari continues to show his support to sports, minister for Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare's unflinching passion for sports development has continued to reposition sports in the country. Nigeria is yet again signing an MoU on Sports with Portugal, after previously entering into  pacts previously with Spain, Turkey, and South Af

President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon.Sunday Dare will depart Nigeria tonight for Portugal to sign bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on sports . The MoU will be signed with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa appending their support. This MoU is coming on the heels of recent agreements signed with Spain which borders on Sports, Criminal Matters, Extradition and Transfer of Sentenced persons. However, this MoU with Portugal is slightly different because it bothers only on creating mutualism in sports; which will see exchange of technical-know-how, sporting equipment support for athletics and football development. This is seventh bilateral Agreement facilitated by Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare since assuming office in 2019. The Sports Ministry under Dare signed an MoU with South Africa on Youth Dialogue and development, an event that was also attended by Nigeria

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has charged the Nigerian senior national women football team, the Super Falcons to go for glory at the African Women Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Super Falcons are in Group C of the 12th African Women Cup of Nations in Morocco alongside South Africa, Botswana and Burundi. They begin the defence of their title against rivals South Africa on Monday, the 4th of July, 2022. Dare told the team to put their past record of successes in the tournament behind them and fight with temerity, discipline and purpose to pick their tenth title which will cement Nigeria's dominance in women's football on the continent. Also at stake in Morocco for the semi finalists are slots to the FIFA Women World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year. The Minister wished the team the best of luck, urging them to be worthy ambassadors of the country. Signed Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development

  In what represents another major achievement on sporting infrastructure in Nigeria, Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has expressed delight with the on-going at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Earlier in the week the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development acquired a new customized VIP team shelter (FIFA designed and approved) for the stadium.  Also, two practice pitches in the stadium have enjoyed revamping, now fully functional and are currently being used by the Super falcons of Nigeria as they prepare to conquer Africa in Morocco. As part of the plans for maintenance, new sprinklers have been installed on the pitches, while groundsmen would continually work on the surface. The new team shelter is the first of its kind in the country and it is an ergonomic seat in Nigeria’s green and white colour with a head rest, back rest and fully padded with fire-resistant Polyurethane foam with double density. It also has a Polyurethane armrest with integrate

  The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare will host the WAFU B U17 champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria to a grand reception in Abuja next week. The Minister organised a similar reception for the U20 team, the Flying Eagles when they won the WAFU B U20 tournament in Niamey, Niger Republic last month. Dare saluted the Golden Eaglets for a dominant performance all through the regional competition with the team producing the Man of the Match winner in every game. He also praised the coaches and thanked the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)for providing a conducive environment for the team handlers to work without interference. He urged the team to work and prepare harder for the U17 AFCON scheduled to hold in Algeria next year where tickets to the FIFA U17 World Cup will be at stake.

Team Nigeria's men's 4x100m relay team are through to the World Athletics Championships in Oregon next month after running an impressive 38.34 seconds, their Season's Best(SB) at the Nigerian Athletics Championships holding in Benin City, Edo State. The quartet of Favour Ashe, Godson Brume, Alaba Akintola and reigning World U20 champion, Udodi Onwuzurike have now moved one step up from 17th to 16th, the final qualifying position for the relays. Nigeria has, with the new timing, moved above South Africa who were occupying that position before the race in Benin with the 38.51 seconds her U20 team ran at the World U20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya in August last year. Nigeria will be hoping the team is not overtaken before the close of the qualification window on Sunday, June 26, 2022. Team Nigeria will also be hoping to return to the podium at the World Athletics Championships 25 years after the quartet of Osmond Ezinwa, Olapade Adeniken, Francis Obikwelu and Davi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Hon. Sunday Dare has expressed his optimism that Nigeria can discover more athletes in the shape and form of Mary Onyali, Faliliat Ogunkoya and Olopade Adenekan as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria begins its National Trials today, in Benin.  The Minister made this known in a message of support, as the country begins on journey to the World Athletics Championship in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, both in the month of July, 2022. The National Trials at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin would serve as a qualifying tourney for the athletes. Dare said "we do hope we can discover more Mary Onyalis, Falilat    Ogunkoya, Olopade Adenekan at the National Open Trials. This presents us an opportunity for athletes to prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and also get fine-tunes, so we get the best out of them. We must focus on making the country proud during Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the World Athletics

The Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation has extended its gratitude to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for rescinding the Federal Government’s decision, through the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sport, Chief Sunday Dare, to withdraw the national teams from international basketball. In its immediate reaction, following the press conference presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alh. Ismaila Abubakar, held on Thursday in Abuja to announce the decision, the NBBF board said it was heart-warming that the best interests of the players and stakeholders have prevailed. Speaking through its President, Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, the board said, “After the back and forth, I am quite glad to see that this decision is reached, and it is a major victory for basketball. This is what I truly will say, no victor and no vanquished”. “It gladdens our heart that the Federal Government has decided to return basketball to where it rightfully

For his contribution to sports development in Nigeria, Engineer Musa Nimrod will  be awarded 2021 Sports Administrator of the Year by Blueprint Newspaper. Engineer Musa Nimrod, a sports philanthropist is the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), Zone 3 and member of the Beach Volleyball Commission in Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB). In 2021, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod orgainsed President Beach Volleyball Cup, the Nigeria Volleyball Super Cup, the first phase of the National Division 1 Volleyball League and the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.  Nigeria senior teams (men and women) participated at the 2021 African Volleyball Championship in Rwanda where the women finished 4th while the men placed 7th position. Nigeria participated at its second consecutive FIVB U19 Boys Championship and finished 14th position, while the U18 National team attended training tour in Ghana.

  Nigeria's Youth and Sports Minister, Hon. Sunday Dare attended the 5th edition of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force meeting on Thursday, in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Rwandan Capital city of Kigali. The three-day Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) which started on Saturday brought together about 350 young persons from across the Commonwealth to discuss the adverse impacts of climate change, conflict and COVID-19, which disproportionately hit young people by cutting employment, training inter alia. The forum will address thematic areas such as governance and the rule of law, technology, skills, innovation, sustainability, health and trade. It will also include the launch of a historic collaboration between the Commonwealth and the world’s largest youth organisations to create the ‘Commonwealth Alliance for Quality Youth Leadership. Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari is also i

Bayo Adegboyega Illustrious Egba Sons and daughters, sport administrators, former and current political office holders, captains of industry and people from different walks of life will storm the ancient city of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Friday, June 24, 2022 as prominent Egba Son, and former commissioner for sports in Ogun State, Bukola Olopade, will be installed as the Osi Asoju Oba of Egbaland. His wife, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade will also be conferred with the title "Erelu Osi Asoju Oba of Egbaland", by the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (CFR), Okukenu the 4th. The installation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the historical palace of the Monarch, starting from 10am. Guests will be entertained at the event centre of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), starting from 1pm. Tolu Obey, son of music icon, Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi will thrill the teaming guests to a top notch celebration. Hon. Olopade was the sport

  The Founder/Chairman of Hon. Tony Nwora Foundation congratulated the Golden Eaglets for qualifying for the next year's U17 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) in Algeria next year. The Golden Eaglets beat the Young Elephants of Cote'd Ivoire 3-1 in the first Semi-finals of the CAF West B U17 Qualification Tournament in Cape Coast, Ghana. The Nigerians overcame a first minute deficit from the penalty spot to overpower the defending champions with three brilliant goals, two of them from expertly taken free kicks by the outstanding Emmanuel Michael. The victory, apart from securing Nigeria's place in the West B U17 final, also confirms the Golden Eaglets' place in Algeria next year at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nation. Speaking to newsmen from his Abuja home Tuesday evening, the US based young philanthropist urged the boys to remain focus and avoid any form of distractions as the tasks ahead are way far bigger than what they have overcome. He advised them to emulate the Flying E

  The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has congratulated Nigeria's U17 men's team, the Golden Eaglets for picking a ticket to next year's CAF U17 Nations Cup in Algeria. The Eaglets beat their opponents the young Elephants of Cote'd Ivoire 3-1 in the first semi finals of the WAFU B U17 tournament in Cape Coast, Ghana. The Nigerians overcame a first minute deficit from the penalty spot to overpower the defending champions with three brilliant goals, two of them from expertly taken free kicks by the outstanding Emmanuel Michael. The victory, apart from securing Nigeria's place in the WAFU B U17 final, also confirms the Golden Eaglets' place in Algeria next year at the CAF U17 Nations Cup. In his message to the team, the Sports Minister urged them to emulate their seniors, the Flying Eagles who won the U20 version of the competition in Niamey, Niger Republic last month. "I congratulate you for doing the most difficult part of the

In 2018, Aminu Kurfi who was then the Chairman of Katsina United football Club in the Nigeria Professional football league, singlehandedly fought against the marauders and rescued Nigeria football from an impending doom.  On the eve of the NFF Election in Katsina, the workaholic Dan Arewa was moving from pillar to posts, ensuring that everything needed to be done, was perfectly done.  As host, Kurfi wanted to make history as the brain behind one of football's best conducted elective congress ever. but on D-day, the enemies showed up from the blues, with a court order stopping the election.  Unknowingly to them, the congress was better equipped for such eventualities and managed to conduct one of the best NFF Elections ever in the history of Nigeria football.  An election that got the blessings of the emir of Daura and had the endorsement of the people and government of Katsina state.  That day, will remain indelible in the hearts of true stakeholders of the beautiful game.  Balele

Sports Minister Sunday Dare says Tobi Amusan's record breaking run in the 100m hurdles at the Diamond League meeting in Paris last week is a further testament of Nigeria's rising profile in sports.                                      The 25 year old ran 12.41 seconds to break the nine month old African record she set last year at the Diamond League final in Zurich.                        "Congratulations to Tobi on her new African record. This is a further testament of the rising profile of sports in Nigeria," said the Minister. Dare says Amusan's feat and the recent encouraging performances by Nigerian athletes across the globe are a sign of growth which the Sports Ministry is determined to sustain. Nigerian track and field athletes, especially those from the World U20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi last year have achieved world class standards in their respective events with some breaking national records as old as they are while an under strength Team Nige

  Nigerian striker, Promise David has signed a two year deal with Siren FC in the Maltese Premier League, to open a new chapter with the Blue and Whites. David joins the Maltese North-western club after becoming the toast of the Maltese Premier League with Valletta, propelling his side into the F.A Trophy Final. The Canada-born Nigerian finisher was snapped up by Sirens after a long transfer tussle involving top clubs in Malta. David will aim to help the Blue and Whites to a successful season, just as he did at Valletta and Tulsa, where he formerly played. Speaking on the move, the 20 year old attacker said "I feel incredibly honoured to be pulling this shirt. This is a massive club and I am glad to be here. I'm here to help the team win and I would do everything I can for that."  Sirens have been on a meteoric rise, winning the Maltese First Division in 2019 and will be hoping for more good fortunes.

  Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom on Thursday received Super Eagles and Nantes winger, Moses Simon as well as Media Aide to the Sports Minister Kola Daniel at his palatial residence in Abuja. This came on the heels of the two top football guns visiting the First Lady of Benue State Dr Eunice Ortom. Simon's kind gesture and philanthropism to the youth of the state prompted another invitation from the Executive Governor, who was away during Moses Simon's visit to Makurdi. The Governor and his guests had very fruitful discussions, as they deliberated on means to get the youth out of the streets, with Moses Simon unveiling his plans of establishing a football academy in the state in the near future. The Media Aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Kola Daniel in his remark thanked Samuel Ortom for warmly receiving a son of the soil and employed that emphasis must be given to sports, as a means of constructively engaging the youth of the state. Simon h

As you may recall, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare recently inaugurated an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversea the developerment of youth basketball and the domestic league following the country’s withdrawal from International Competitions. The Committeee was among others, charged to commence a youth basketball league and domestic league to help in nurturing home based players so as to provide a reservoir of players that will represent the country in international events after the period of withdrawal. In realisation of this objective, the Interim Management Committee has adjusted the date for the U18 Basketball Championships initially slated to commence June 15, 2022 to July 27 through 30th, while the finals will come up in August 8-14, 2023. The shifting of the Championships became imperative to afford the Committee (IMC) ample opportunity to study, rethink and restructure the logistics and organizational arrangements for the successf

Known for not just his footballing abilities but also his large-hearted philanthropism, Moses Simon has extended his charity to his home state of Benue, as the Super Eagles winger was hosted by Dr Eunice Ortom, the First Lady of the Executive Governor of Benue State in Makurdi. Fresh from captaining the Super Eagles to a historic win, Simon donated 3 sets of jerseys and 40 balls to the four semi finalists of the Eunice Spring Life Foundation U-18 championship and also to the Local Government he hails from. Speaking at a welcoming ceremony, the First Lady of Benue State, Dr Eunice Ortom thanked Simon for being a worthy ambassador of the middle belt, using sports and his philanthropic acts to unite Nigerians. She stated that the Nantes man has grown into a role model for youth in the state. Reacting, Moses Simon appreciated the First Family of the state for receiving him warmly and stated his commitment to always represent the state in good light. Charging the youth of the state, Moses S

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has praised the performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded African Senior Athletics Championships in Mauritius. Team Nigeria won five gold, three silver and three bronze medals to finish third on the medals table behind Kenya and South Africa. Despite missing some of her top rated athletes, Nigeria still put up a credible outing at the competition, showing her strength in depth in both track and field events. Sports Minister Dare says the performance of the athletes underlines the positive attitude of Nigerian sports men and women as well as the fighting spirit that makes them succeed against all odds and thrive in the most difficult and unconducive situation. "Even in the absence of some of our top rated athletes who could not make it to Mauritius, Team Nigeria still fought gallantly and defended our colours brilliantly. We are so proud of them," the Minister said.

Government High School (GHS), Adeta will face Apata Ajele Secondary School, ASA in the finals of the  through to Kwara State Inter Secondary School Volleyball Competition on Friday. The finals will be played at the indoor sports hall of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin by 3pm. Government High School (GHS) beat University of Ilorin Secondary School 2-0 (25-20, 25-7) in the first semifinals match while  Apata Ajele Secondary School, ASA defeated Erinile Secondary School 2-0 (25-20, 25-21) in the second semifinals match on Thursday. An elated coach of Government High School, Abdul-Lateef Saheed told newsmen that the players played according to his instructions throughout the competition. Saheed said he is an Ex student of GHS, Adeta adding that since he left, he decided to assemble children to play the game of volleyball "I thank God for the opportunity to enter into the finals because no can do it except from God. The boys do train regularly and it is what I taught them they are displayi

It would be a festival of lights, sparks and fireworks when Nigeria's Super Eagles wing wizard Moses Simon alongside other Nigerian foreign based players take on BYT Academicals in an exhibition game at Eagles Club, Surulere. The game will feature Nantes and Super Eagles star Moses Simon, Karo Etebo, Isaac Success, Peter Olayinka, Rabiu Ibrahim etc. The Managing Partner of B.Y.T Academical and co-organizer, Omobolanle Osoba said preparations are now in finishing gears, as they are set to host a magnificent game of friendly tussle. He said "this exhibition game will feature some of the top players and we are really excited to establish this platform for everyone"  The game will be played on Wednesday, 15th June 2022, 4pm at Eagles'Club,  Lagos.

Ex-Niger Tornadoes wonderkid, Collins Atule, made his first appearance in the Nigeria’s top league during matchday 32 fixture of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between Lobi Stars and MFM FC. The 18-year-old striker was introduced in the 65th minute of the game, to fortify his team attack and made meaningful impact with his ferocious runs and dribbles, and was a torn in the flesh for the Lagos-based team defenders. Speaking during a telephone conversation, the teenage striker, expressed his delight about his debut and stated that the coaching crew, the players assisted him in settling down quickly into the team. “Talking about the way I feel. I’m honored to feature in such an important match because it’s a relegation battle between our team and MFM FC. “Both teams are currently in a critical condition although we have upper hand, going into game because of the points and goals difference so it was indeed a great pleasure for me. “I’m also impressed by the way th

By Akin Bolarinwa  Former basketball star and the owner of the Samuel Oguche basketball foundation  has felicitated with the boss of Ejison International group of companies on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. Samuel Oguche said Nigeria owed Chief Joseph Ukeji a huge debt of gratitude for his immense contributions to sports development. “On behalf of my foundation, I felicitate with you on the occasion of your birthday anniversary". “Over the years, you have always readily given of yourself to the cause of peace and growth of basketball in our country". Oguche wished the Ejison boss a very happy birthday and prayed that God Almighty would continue to guide and bless him.

Organisers of the Kwara Inter-Secondary Schools Volleyball Championship has revealed the list of the  participating schools for the programme. The organiser in a statement on Wednesday also set 2pm as the official kickoff time for the maiden grassroots volleyball championship. Amongst the schools who will be participating in the championship includes, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Adeta, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Ogidi,  Ansarul Islam College, Ogidi, Government High School Adeta, Apata Ajele Secondary School, Asa, Erinle Secondary School, Mandate Secondary School,  Unilorin Secondary School. Speaking  on the eve of the competition, the Initiator, Dare Kuti acknowledged all the individuals who partnered for the success of the competition, stating that without their support, the program would not have see the light of the day. "I want to appreciate all those who has made this programm possible because without this partnership I do not think the Kwara State inte

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC) Engineer Habu Gumel over his recent award from the Emperor of Japan. Gumel was conferred with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Emperor of Japan through the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Hayashi Yoshimasa. The Minister said the award for Gumel, who is also a honourable member of the International Olympic Committee(IOC) is a confirmation of his relentless service to sports and commitment to its development both home and abroad. According to Dare, "Engineer Gumel has served and is still serving Nigeria meritoriously and his impact in sports is global. We are proud of him and believe that he still has a lot more up his sleeves." Gumel is also on the executive council of the International Volleyball Federation(FIVB).

It has been confirmed that the Federation of International Basketball Association(FIBA) refused the overtures of the Federal Government three times to resolve the crises rocking the sport in Nigeria. In separate letters dated 26, October, 12 November and 17 November, 2021, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare extended invitations to FIBA to visit the country and mediate the crises. On October 26, 2021 in a letter addressed to the Secretary General of FIBA-Africa, Mr Andreas Zagklis, the Sports Minister noted that, "Nigeria as a country will be happy to receive and welcome a delegation from FIBA to look into the crisis in the NBBF, or recommend a possible solution and advice in resolving the crisis in the Federation." This was followed up with another letter on 21 November, 2021 addressed to Mr Hamane Niang, President of FIBA in which Sunday Dare, the Sports Minister highlighted the following: "I want to encourage FIBA to continue its correspondences with the Secretary General

Nigeria and Benin Republic beach volleyball teams have qualified for the 2022 African Youth Games on Sunday. Nigeria beat Niger Republic 2-0 (21-13, 22-20) in the boy's match to complete their unbeaten run at the just concluded 2022 Zone III African Youth Games Qualification Beach Volleyball held at Mobee Palace, Badagry, Lagos state. In the girl's category, Nigeria beat Benin Republic twice 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) and 2-0 (21-8, 21-8) to garner 8 points and make it to the African Youth Games. Nigeria boy's team finished top with 12 points followed by Benin Republic in second with 9 points. Niger Republic placed third with 6 points while Ivory Coast occupied fourth position with 3 points. The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone III, Engineer Musa Nimrod commended the participating teams for making qualification a success. He hailed the Mobee of Badagry for providing the beach volleyball facilities and crowd support during the qualifiers. Nimrod w