Nigeria Sports Arena

The Sporting city of Abeokuta will come alive in a few days time when the highly anticipated BetKing 3x3 wheelchair Basketball tournament begins from April 3 to 7, 2025. The entire Ijeja neighborhood in Abeokuta is already anticipating the dunking off of the tournament and also gearing up to welcome top sports dignitaries and athletes from across the Country. Among the top administrators expected at the tournament include the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade and the President of the Nigeria Para-Olympic Committee, Sunday Oyebode. The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Elite Athletes and Podium Board, Yusuf Ali , is also expected to grace the Championship. President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson,  emphasized the core essence of the tournament which he says it's primarily to discover new talent and select players for the National team. " As a b...

The highly anticipated BetKing Wheelchair Basketball 3×3 National Open Championship is set to take place at the Lake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta, Ogun State, from April 3 to 4, 2025.  The championship, backed by BetKing's sponsorship, marks a major boost for wheelchair basketball, which is rapidly growing into one of Nigeria's premier para-sports.   Speaking ahead of the event, the President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation (NWBF) expressed profound gratitude to BetKing for their unwavering support.   "On behalf of Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball, the entire board, and every stakeholder in the sport, I want to personally appreciate BetKing for all they are doing. When we approached them, it felt as though they were already expecting us. Their immediate willingness to support us shows they truly understand Nigeria’s sports history and the vital role Special Sports have played in the country’s international successes over the years," he...

SGFC Athletics overcame the challenge posed by 36 Lion to secure the Jagaban Cup title at Legacy Pitch on Thursday morning. The four-day football tournament featured eight teams, with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Ikorodu City narrowly losing 1-0 to Ijebu United in the earlier third-place match. As anticipated, the final between fan favorites 36 Lion and SGFC delivered an exciting spectacle, truly reflecting the spirit of this popular grassroots football championship. After a thrilling match that concluded with a score of 0-0, the Ilorin-based Nigeria Nationwide League One team SGFC emerged victorious, winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout to claim the coveted trophy. In a post-match interview, the Chief Convener of the championship, Hajji Gafar Liameed, expressed his pleasure with the quality of play and the discipline exhibited by all teams throughout the tournament. Liameed, who also serves as the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, shared his v...

Top International Athletes have continued to show interest to be part of the Enugu City Marathon billed to hold on the 3rd of May 2025 in the Coal city State. The Maiden edition of the Enugu City Marathon has continued to generate widespread attention and buzz both within and outside the Country from interested runners. Nigeria is undoubtedly becoming a hub for Road Races not only in Africa but in the World, especially due to the huge success of road races like the Gold labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and the Ogun Women Run. And Organisers of the Enugu City marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Company and the Government of the state have started working on modalities to ensure it sets new standards for the race. The race is expected to showcase the beautiful landscape and tourist potentials of Enugu state to the entire World and will further prove the tireless hard work of Governor Peter Mbah in transforming the state to becoming one of Nigeria's fast growing modern states....

On Tuesday 11th March 2025, the Lagos High Court rejected an appeal from Fouad Oki, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), who sought to be reinstated to finish his term after 10 months in office.  In March 2024, the Lagos State Football Association’s Congress passed a vote of no confidence against Oki, with 13 out of 14 congress members voting for his removal. Oki was also accused of unilaterally altering the LSFA's existing statutes, which negatively impacted the sport in the state. The Lagos State Football Association held its Extra Ordinary General Assembly that was attended by notable figures such as Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mallam Sani Ali, Chairman of Associations, former international player and ex-Lagos FA Chairman Waidi Akanni, and Hon Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development. In delivering the rul...

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday. Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey's Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain. In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal. NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage. “These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigeria...

After securing gold at the Spanish Badminton International in Vitoria, Spain, Paralympic medallist and badminton star, Eniola Bolaji is determined to add another title to her collection as she competes in the second phase of the tournament in Toledo, Spain. With her focus set on achieving back-to-back victories, she added, "My goal is to stand on the podium again. I won it last year, and I want to win it this year."   Bolaji remains committed to excellence, stating, "I am working towards winning medals every time I compete. Right now, I am living my dream. My ultimate aim is to secure gold here in Toledo, qualify for the World Championships, and ultimately win the world title."   Expressing her gratitude, Bolaji said, "Thanks to God for making this possible. I also appreciate the Badminton Federation and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their unwavering support."   Bolaji also took a moment to acknowledge those who have played a key rol...

The Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has joined the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to decorate the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the 2025 African Women's Volleyball Championship.  The event which took place at the Presidential Villa, celebrated the First Lady’s relentless support for women’s sports development and her commitment to advancing significant causes in Nigeria and across the continent. Accepting the honour, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized that women have a rightful place in all spheres of the nation and can occupy that space through hard work and dedication. The First Lady highlighted Nigeria’s esteemed position in the global sports community, crediting the tireless efforts of female athletes. She encouraged them to mentor and inspire young Nigerian girls with their stories of perseverance and success. Addressing the female officers ...

In recent years, Lagos has emerged as a prominent center for football talent across the continent, largely due to the establishment of well-funded academies, often supported by private investors. These academies offer a robust talent development program, allowing players to thrive in a dynamic football environment within a city teeming with potential Super Eagles. Grassroots football serves as the foundation for professional football globally, and the journey of many top stars begins at this level. The narrative in Lagos is no different. The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) plays a crucial role in fostering grassroots football through various initiatives, including the State League, creating a supportive environment for young athletes. It is fair to assert that grassroots football in Lagos stands out as the best in Nigeria, characterized by consistency and tangible outcomes. The effectiveness of this system is evident in its achievements. Lagos grassroots football ha...

Nigerian goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo has signed with Wolwalo Adigrat University, a club in the Ethiopian Premier League. In a strategic move to bolster their defense, Wolwalo has acquired the seasoned goalkeeper, who aims to help the team improve its performance after conceding 24 goals this season. Coach Tsegaye Kidanemariam believes that Ojo's experience will be crucial in their battle for survival in the league. Having recently concluded his time with Sudanese club El-Merreikh, Ojo has committed to a five-month contract with Wolwalo. "I have high aspirations with Wolwalo," Ojo expressed in a media interview. "While I received offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, I chose to join Wolwalo due to its professional management." "I am genuinely excited to be here; it is a privilege to wear the yellow jersey and represent Wolwalo. I am dedicated to giving my utmost for the club and its fans." ...

The organizers have announced the roster of meticulously chosen, ambitious, and business-focused clubs from Nigeria for the third edition of the Jagaban Cup, scheduled to take place from March 24 to March 27, 2025. Among the participating teams are last year's finalists, 36 Lion, along with FC Bethel and Broad City. Notably, the unexpected standout from the Nigeria Premier League, Ikorodu City, is also included. Additional teams set to compete are Imperial FC, Ijebu United, and SGFC Athletics. Dino SC, recognized as a significant source of talent for European clubs, will also be traveling to Lagos for the tournament. The Jagaban Cup is supported by partners including 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM, and Lagos Enigma Group. The tournament will take place at Legacy Pitch in Lagos, welcoming European scouts for a duration of four days. Previous editions of the tournament attracted scouts from more than six countries, resulting in numerous player...