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Sports

NSC pledges to prioritise athletes’ welfare

165 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The National Sports Commission (NSC) says it will continue to implement policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerian athletes.

NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance in Abuja when a delegation from the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) paid him a courtesy visit.

Dikko outlined the Commission’s plans, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate, to improve the welfare of athletes.

“What I say to one, I say to all. You are here as representatives of Nigerian footballers, but I will address the needs of every Nigerian athlete across all sports.

“The welfare of athletes will not be compromised under this administration. We are already implementing strategies aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of athletes, both past and present, and leverage sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic development,” he said.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity within the players’ union.

He stressed that factional interests must not overshadow the shared goal of advocating for the welfare of Nigerian football players and athletes in general.

“As far back as 2003, Tijani Babangida here can confirm, I had worked towards introducing a pension scheme for professional footballers and athletes in Nigeria.

“This vision remains critical under the current NSC agenda.

“There must be collaboration and solidarity among all stakeholders because a united sports sector is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success,” Dikko added.

The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fostering partnerships, implementing policies, and driving initiatives that will enhance the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian athletes.

Earlier, the President of PFAN and ex-International, Tijani Babangida, praised Dikko’s appointment and commended President Tinubu for entrusting the leadership of Nigerian sports to a seasoned technocrat.

Babangida urged the Chairman to address pressing issues, particularly the challenge of factionalism within the players’ union.

He assured him of their unwavering support as he implements transformational reforms in Nigerian sports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PFAN delegation included the Secretary-General, Edema Fuludu, as well as Clement Temile, Magaji Alhassan, and Rotimi Michaels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Sports

Dikko splashes N10m on Super Eagles B for CHAN qualification

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has fulfilled a personal promise of N10 million donation to the Super Eagles B team for qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The home-based Eagles defeated Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-1 on Saturday in Uyo to secure qualification for the CHAN slated for Feb. 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, had initially expressed the intention to personally reward the team for a win.

However, in a remarkable display of leadership, Dikko interceded, insisting on taking up the gesture himself.

“Before the game, I made a personal pledge to reward the team if they emerged victorious.

“When I shared this with the NSC chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, he immediately applauded the idea but insisted that he would make the donation himself as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for the players’ efforts,” Olopade said.

NAN reports  that the CHAN Eagles delivered a stellar performance in front of an electrified crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Sodiq Ismaila opened scoring in the 18th minute, followed swiftly by goals from Nduka Junior and Saviour Isaac in the 21st and 25th minutes, respectively.

Ghana got their consolation goal through Stephen Amenkona in the 71st minute of the game.

The last time the Super Eagles qualified for the CHAN was in 2018.

The 2025 CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in Africa, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, 2025. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Mark Longyen

Sports

My priority is to develop viable sports economy—-Dikko

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko says his priority is to develop a viable and lucrative Sports economy for the nation.

Dikko stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when the former Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh formally handed over to him at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium office, Abuja.

The chairman  said  that his mission was not to engage in quick fix or just winning medals for the country, but a holistic sports development in line with international best practices.

”The objective of Mr President is to harness the full potentials of the Sports Economy in Nigeria.

”So we have to first change our mindset from the fixation of just competitions and winning medals and come back and fix our domestic sports development”.

”When we set the foundation right the results and the winning of medals will naturally come in a sustainable manner and that should be the new mindset,” he said.

Dikko said part of his mission was to ensure that sports becomes a money-spinner and contributes at least three per cent to the nation’s GDP in the next four years.

”The thinking of Mr President is that after  having some of these structures in place, we should be able to measure the country’s sports by its contribution to the nation’s GDP by at least three per cent.

“We should also be able to measure the number of jobs sports and its value chain are providing in the country in the next  four to five years and indeed our competitiveness across all competitions and tournaments,” he said.

The former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) second vice president, said he would focus on three pillars of proper legal framework, world class infrastructure and using sports to drive the economy.

“Our administration will be focused  on three pillars including running sports as a national asset, that is entitled to special privileges, regulations and concessions to drive growth and development.

”We have to also work on legislations and regulations so as to set the framework to enable the industry to grow effectively like what happened in the communications industry some years back”.

”The other Pillar is investing in purposeful world class infrastructure that will provide an enabling environment for growth,” he said.

Dikko called on all stakeholders to support the  new NSC in its drive to reposition and transform sports development in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 23 appointed Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

This was after the president scraped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the Commission in order to revitalise the nation’s sports economy and improve performance in international competitions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Sports

New NSC boss pledges to transform sports sector

559 total views today
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Newly appointed National Sports Commission Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko has pledged to establish a robust framework for the transformation of sports in Nigeria.
Dikko disclosed this after a closed door meeting  with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the immediate past Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, on Friday in Abuja.
Dikko said that the meeting was part of early consultations and groundwork aimed at transforming the sports sector in line with international best practices.
“The meeting is part of early groundwork to establish a robust framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape into a sustainable sports economy, ”  Dikko said.
He stressed the need for all stakeholders to rally behind the NSC so as to to achieve the Commission’s mandate and elevate Nigerian sports.
“This new direction is expected to boost professionalism, create economic opportunities, and enhance sports infrastructure and development across the country.
“The united front of all stakeholders is essential in achieving the ambitious goals of the NSC and take Nigerian sports to unprecedented heights,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appointed Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission.
This was after the president scraped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited Joseph Edeh
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