Sports
NSC Takes Steps To Check Doping
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has said that it would, henceforth, conduct regular doping tests on Nigerian athletes, as the country prepares for the Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympics.
Sports Minister, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a two-day anti-doping workshop for national coaches and technical directors of the various sports in the country.
The workshop was jointly organised by the NSC and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The minister, who was represented by Alhassan Yakmut, the Director of Grassroots Sports Development in the NSC, said workshops on anti-doping would regularly be organised, to serve as pivots to checking the menace of doping.
Abdullahi, who doubles as Chairman of the NSC, said this would also nip the criminal and anti-social habit in the bud.
He said time had gone when athletes were made to suffer the punishment for doping violations alone.
The NSC boss said that coaches, technical directors, medical crew, other officials and organisations would now share in the punishments outlined for doping violations.
“The NSC as a responsible sports regulation institution in Nigeria has consolidated on its endorsement of the International Anti-Doping Code by constituting the National Anti-Doping Committee.
“The committee is to conduct regular doping test and to provide a broad latitude of advocacy and education on the dangers of consuming performance enhancing drugs.
“It is of paramount importance to reiterate that the beauty of success in sports can only be holistically appreciated when the performance is natural and the preparation is orthodox and consistent with moral principles,’’ Abdullahi said.
The Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Mrs Anene Maidoh, said the collaboration was to provide a legal framework for collective action by Governments to address unethical behavior in sports.
She said the fight against doping should be strengthened through legislation, regulations and administrative practices.
Brig-Gen. Johnny Hamakin, Chairman of the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC), said the committee was working hard to ensure that the message of anti-doping got to the grassroots.
This, he said, would be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, which Nigeria is signatory to, since 2003.
Hamakin pointed out that NADC, with the core mandate to midwife the establishment of a statutory and independent anti-doping agency, would drive a virile national anti-doping programme for the country.
He, however, called for the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in sports, to ensure a “clean sports’’ for the country.
Mr Sani Ndanusa, President , the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), noted that the fight against doping was a fight for all.
“The science, investigation and level of doping is increasing every day and I must say, so far, Nigeria is doing quite well, apart from what happened to our athletes at the last Commonwealth Games.
“Most of the developing areas include weightlifting and since then, we have been having clean lifters and clean weightlifting projects.
“That is why we are stepping up our campaign up to the grassroots.
“We are now trying to enlighten the athletes, the coaches, the administrators and all the corporate bodies that support sports.
“Henceforth, provision must be made for anti-doping desks in sports competitions, be it at the local, state or national levels,’’ Ndanusa said.
The two-day workshop, was attended by about 70 participants last week.
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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