Sports
FG Plans Repositioning Of NIS, Sports Dev
Supervising Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that government plans to re-position the National Institute for Sports (NIS) for Nigeria to enhance its sports development.
The minister who was speaking at the Ministerial Platform said the NIS had been established since 1972 but Nigeria has had no outstanding sports development profile to show for it.
“If we must be taken seriously as a sporting country, we must do something about the NIS. We must re-position it as the centre of excellence for the promotion and development of sports in Nigeria.
“Unless we do that, we will continue to do a patchwork of three months’ preparation ahead of international competitions, hoping that a miracle will happen,’’ he said.
Abdullahi said the situation was what led to his not being sure of the number of medals Nigeria would win at the 2012 Olympic Games.
“Though it is only a competition, but I cannot stand and say this is the number of medals we will win. But I can only speak about the efforts we have made and the efforts we are still making.
“I believe that these efforts should be good enough to ensure that we have a very good outing at the Olympics,’’ he said.
The minister also noted that the NSC was not happy that Nigeria was not featuring in football at the Olympics, but he said it had served as an opportunity to improve other sports.
“Everyone has lamented the fact that Nigerian football is not going to the Olympics in 2012. We at the commission are not happy, but it gives us ample opportunity to focus on other sports.
“Though we don’t need to diminish football to improve the fortunes of other sports, but it’s possible to carry them together and as a ministry we are not going to be jack of all trade.
“As a country we can’t just afford to take all the sports, we don’t have the resources or the capacity.
“We’re going to specialise and support the sports that have the best strategic initiatives,’’ Abdullahi who is also the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) said.
The minister also spoke about the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the last one year, reeling off a long list of successes.
He noted specifically the restoration of peace in the Nigerian football family, as well as according high premium to athletes’ welfare.
Abdullahi however listed inadequate funding and sponsorship and lack of suitable environment as some of the challenges faced.
He said the NSC was nonetheless looking forward to re-positioning the Nigerian Premier League, saying “Nigerian football will continue to decline if we don’t do this.
“We must do the hard work. We must go back to the drawing board and pursue a systematic development of talents,’’ the minister said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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