President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, said on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria has the capacity to host global tournaments.
Nimrod told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) has confirmed Nigeria as the host of the 2025 CAVB Under 18 Boys and Girls Beach Volleyball Championship.
The president said over 20 countries have shown interest in participating in the upcoming continental tournament.
Nimrod, who is also the President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, said preparations are already underway to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.
“All is set for Nigeria to host the 2025 CAVB Under 18 Beach Volleyball Championship in Abuja. We have set up machinery to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly,” he said.
“I believe Nigeria is capable of hosting a Pro Tour sanctioned by the FIVB in the future.
“Nigeria has previously hosted Olympic qualifiers twice and a senior championship, but this is the first time the country will host an under-18 continental tournament,” he said.
The president commended the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, for its support.
“I want to applaud the Federal Government of Nigeria for creating an enabling environment for sports to thrive. This opportunity will give young players a platform to showcase their talents,” he said.
NAN reports that the 2025 CAVB Under 18 Boys and Girls Beach Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place in Abuja from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Zainab Sani, a continental referee, says the large number of participating athletes, officials, and countries at the 2025 African Karate Championship, taking place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, shows how developed Karate has become in Africa.
Sani, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said that the championship started on Monday with courses and examinations for referees.
“All athletes from different countries have been having their training sessions since Monday in preparation for the competition.
“The athletes are determined to give their best in their games, the competition will end on Sunday with presentation of award and medals,” she said.
Sani, who is also a board member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), said the federation has been working seriously to ensure a successful championship.
She congratulated the President of KFN, Silas Agara, on winning the fourth Vice President position of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
“This will bring new development to sports in the country and on the continent.
“Our president is dedicated to improving the standard of karate in Nigeria; he has everything it takes to deliver,” she said
Sani, who is also a world karate judge, is part of the organisers of the championship, working to ensure everything is in order.
NAN reports that four categories will feature in the competition: Cadet (aged 14-15 years), Junior (aged 16-17 years), Senior category (aged 18 years and above).
Nigeria is fielding 60 athletes, many of whom are African champions and Commonwealth Games medalists.
A total of 31 countries are participating in the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship, which started on Monday and is expected to end on Sunday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A contingent of 60 student-athletes has departed Nigeria for Annaba, Algeria, to compete in the inaugural African School Sports Championship.
Kola Daniel, Special Assistant, Media, Office of the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), made this known in a news release on Thursday.
According to him, the competition will take place from July 26 to Aug. 5.
He said that Nigeria would feature in 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, football, taekwondo and beach canoe.
Daniel said that Nigeria would also feature in Badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cycling and table tennis.
He quoted the Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, as describing the event as a milestone in Nigeria’s grassroots sports journey.
“This championship means a lot to us because it is about planting seeds.
“These student-athletes are ambassadors of our future.
“We are deliberate in creating pathways from the classroom to the global stage,” Daniel quoted Olopade as saying.
He said that the team was earlier camped at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for training.
According to him, the competition organised by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa aims to instil Olympic values in African youths and provide a structured platform for talent identification, integration and development at the grassroots.
In line with guidelines, all participating athletes submitted valid school certificates, while the NSC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Olympic Committee, secured paternal authorisations for all underage athletes in coordination with their families, he said.
Daniel said that Nigeria’s participation in the tournament reflected Federal Government’s broader commitment to grassroots development. (NAN)
Silas Agara, the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), has been elected as the 4th Vice President of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK).
Agara was elected on Wednesday night at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of UFAK, as part of the events of the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship taking place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agara, who is also the Vice-President of Region 2 (West Africa), secured 20 votes to defeat his closest rival, Freddy Kombo, from Congo DRC, who secured 14 votes.
NAN also reports that Souleymane Gaye of Senegal emerged as the new President of UFAK after securing 23 votes to defeat Mohammed Mouktabil of Morocco who garnered 11 votes.
Bechir Cherif of Tunisia was elected unopposed as the 1st Vice-President, while Sonny Pillar of South Africa who also contested unopposed, emerged as the 3rd Vice-President.
Bertin Dongmo from Cameroon contested and was elected unopposed as the General Secretary, at the AGM witnessed by the World President of the Karate Federation, Antonio Espinos.
Thirty-one countries, alongside host Nigeria, are participating in the ongoing African Karate Championship which started on July 21.
The championship is expected to end on July 28. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The South- West region of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of FAAN regional football competition held in Abuja.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the tournament that commenced on June 16.
Kuku, who was represented by Mr Rindap Domtur, the FAAN Acting Regional Manager of North Central, said experience and dedication of the South West regional staff to football were responsible for their outstanding performance.
She also commended North-West and South-East regions for taking second and third position respectively, while urging rest regions to put in more efforts in the following edition.
According to her, the authority will continue to improve staff fitness and teamwork through sporting activities.
“I am happy and fulfilled that there is no casualty in the game. That is the spirit of the game. We are not here for war, we are here to play.
“This is a maiden competition. The next edition is going to be better than this, especially in the area of kits availability and accommodations that we will improve upon.
“This sport festival has really unified us. We are planning for a female football competition, other sporting activities will equally be done soon apart from football, “ she added.
Also speaking, Mr Olatokunbo Arewa, Regional General Manager of South- West, FAAN, appreciated the management for organising the tournament to enhance teamwork among staff toward common purpose.
Arewa, who was represented by Mr Eidenagbon Austine, the International Terminal Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos attributed the motivation gained by South- West regional players before and during the competition led to their outstanding performance.
“Lagos airport is a pathfinder, what happens there must replicate itself in other airports across the country. Being a flash point area, we have been doing sporting activity there for a long there.
“Really, this sporting activity is about love, unity, friendliness, togetherness. We want to beg management for a continuation.
“It should be a continuous process so that FAAN resilient, dedicated and hardworking staff will be fit for their daily jobs, “ he added.
In her comment, Chairman, FAAN Staff Sport Committee, Mrs Gladys Omotosho, commended all staff who participated in the tournament across the country.
Omotosho, who is also the General Manager, FAAN Welfare Management Services, said the tournament would definitely enhance efficiency and effectiveness of FAAN staff.
“It has been very exciting. It has brought some people from different backgrounds and different airports together.
“Some of them are flying and meeting new people for the first time. It is going to create a formidable team that will drive a productivity that FAAN Managing Director is looking for in her staff.
”It is going to create an opportunity for people to give their best, knowing that they have a Managing Director that knows how best to take care of her staff,“ said.
She added that the efforts aimed at preparing them for bigger tournaments like the Federal Civil Service Game. (NAN)
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated the Super Falcons for their 2-1 semi final win over South Africa at the ongoing 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco.
The first lady in a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday in Abuja, described the win as one that has encouraged her and Nigerians to be hopeful that the team would bring the trophy home.
“I commend you, our incredible Super Falcons for your victory over South Africa in the semi-finals of the WAFCON Championship.
“You have once again shown the world the strength, courage, and brilliance of Nigerian women.
“Your passion, discipline, and unity on the field are a shining example to young girls everywhere that nothing good is beyond reach.
“This win is more than just a ticket to the finals of the Championship, but a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and stand together.
“I look forward to you lifting the Cup by the grace of God. May you finish strong,’ she said.
Nigeria will await the winner of the second semi final clash between hosts Morocco and Ghana. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Tuesday beat holders, South Africa 2-1 to seal a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco.
Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade got Justine Madugu’s side off to a flying start with the opener in the 45th minute.
She converted a penalty into the bottom corner touching Banyana Banyana goalie, Andile Dlamini after a foul by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane.
This came after incessant attacking pressure from the Super Falcons including saves from Dlamini.
The 2022 champions, however, came out strong in the second half hoping for an equalizer.
A foul by Osinachi Ohale inside the box led to another penalty which was converted by Linda Motlhalo in the hour mark to level things.
With the game heading towards extra time, a seeming cross by Michelle Alozie resulted into the winning goal in the additional minutes of the second half.
The win ensured that Nigeria will be playing in their 10th WAFCON final as they continue their quest to win their 10th title with mantra “Mission X”.
Ajibade was again named Woman of the Match as Nigeria will await the winner of the second semi final clash between hosts Morocco and Ghana. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
A non-profit initiative, Chess for Social Impact, has marked the International Chess Day with an Elite Chess Meetup in Abuja, blending competitive play with a fundraiser for Nigeria’s emerging chess prodigy, Tennyson Olisa.
The event, held at Café One, Sterling Bank Plaza, drew top players, enthusiasts, and philanthropists in support of using chess as a tool for unity, education, and youth empowerment.
This year’s theme, “Every Move Counts,” underscored the value of each decision, both on the chessboard and in the life of a young athlete.
Oto-obong Mendie, Founder of Chess for Social Impactand Executive Director of the Mendlife Global Foundation, said the gathering aimed to inspire change through the game.
“We are here not just to play chess, but to drive transformation. Our focus this year is on supporting Tennyson Olisa, a young Nigerian making waves internationally,” she said.
Olisa, 22, from Delta, recently qualified for the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss in Uzbekistan and the World Cup in India.
His journey, however, requires an estimated N54 million to cover visa processing in Egypt, travel, training, coaching, media, and accommodation.
“Tennyson’s path reveals the financial hurdles many gifted Nigerian players face. He has the skill, the discipline, and the heart, what he needs now is backing,” Mendie added.
Oto-obong Mendie, the Founder, Chess for Social Impact, a flagship initiative of Mendlife Global Foundation, alongside the Nigeria Chess Federation’s Vice President, Adeyinka Adewole.
His elder brother and manager, Mr Anthony Olisa, said the event aimed to increase Tennyson’s visibility and attract sponsors for his upcoming global engagements.
“Tennyson started playing at 13, and we’ve supported him ever since. He’s one of Africa’s best today and ready to represent Nigeria proudly on the world stage,” he said.
The Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewole, affirmed the federation’s full support and called on stakeholders, including Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, corporate sponsors, and the wider public, to rally behind Olisa’s cause.
“This will be his first major international outing. It’s a dream come true, and we’re proud to stand with him,” Adewole said.
The Abuja event featured a blitz tournament, exhibition match, and a mentorship session where Olisa played against seven elite players simultaneously.
Nigeria’s rising chess star, Tennyson Olisa.
A silent auction of chess-themed art also helped raise funds.
Visibly moved, Olisa expressed gratitude to attendees.
“Representing Nigeria has always been my dream. I am committed to giving it my all,” he said.
Over N5 million was raised during the event, nearly halfway to the N54 million target.
Dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders, and former champions attended, pledging support to ensure the young star’s participation on the global stage.
The foundation announced plans to continue the fundraising drive through online campaigns and strategic partnerships in the weeks ahead.
Mendie urged Nigerians at home and abroad to support Olisa and other young talents.
“Every move counts on the board and in life. Let’s invest in our youth and help them reach greatness,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the top three winners of the tournament, alongside recognition awards to sponsors and patrons.
International Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20, was established by FIDE to promote the educational and cultural value of the game.
In Nigeria, the day continues to gain momentum, with more grassroots and youth chess initiatives emerging nationwide. (NAN)
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, on Monday said the federation needed to organise more competitions to keep the athletes fit ahead of international championships.
Orbih told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the federation needed to produce more players like Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji, to produce good records at international championships.
NAN reports that Bolaji won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France.
She also won gold at the Egypt Para Badminton international in January.
Bolaji again won gold medal in March at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton international in Vitoria.
The president said that the just-concluded 5th edition of the para-badminton open championship, which held last week in Umuahia, Abia, showcased many skilled athletes.
According to Orbih, the tournament brought attention not only to the growth of para-sports in Nigeria, but also to Abia’s rising profile as a hub for sports development.
“A total of 14 states participated in the championship, and they all did well in their competitions.
“During the competition, the federation was able to identify a good number of athletes that will be nurtured for future international competitions to make the country proud,” he said.
The president lauded Gov. Alex Otti of Abia for his support for young athletes in showcasing their talents.
“We are saying a big thank you to Otti for his financial support to host the event on behalf of the federation.
“We thank him for his words of encouragement to the athletes; we thank him for his physical and mental support,” he said.
NAN reports that the championship was held from July 14 to 17 in Umuahia, Abia.
NAN reports that Abia emerged the overall winner of the championship with a total of 17 medals comprising 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.
Plateau came second with eight medals, 4 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.
Ogun was placed third with a total of five medals, 3 gold and 2 bronze, while Kwara emerged fourth with 3 gold medals.
Imo completed the top five with a total of nine medals overall: 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.
Others were Rivers in sixth position, winning a total of three medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), followed by Kebbi State in seventh with 1 gold and 1 silver.
Delta won one gold to place 8th position, Akwa Ibom finished ninth with 2 silver medals, while Bayelsa went home with a total of five medals of 1 silver and 4 bronze to finish 10th.
NAN reports that the first Abia Para Badminton International Championship is scheduled to take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5.
The All Africa Para Badminton Championship will begin on Oct. 6 to 12 in Abia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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