Sports
LASG Promises Standard Sports Infrastructure
The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Kweku Tandoh has promised that the state would continue to provide more international standard sports infrastructure across the state.
Tandoh gave the assurance in an interview with Newsmen in Lagos while commenting on the spate of sports infrastructure development.
He also said that the Onikan Stadium currently undergoing refurbishment would be turned to a world class sports facility on completion.
“All the facilities in Lagos State will all go through upgrade to conform to the international standards with no exception. We want to create a legacy of providing the best.
“We want to have something that we can build on, something classy that everybody will enjoy and not just a facility and this is the reason we are presently upgrading all our facilities.
“The whole idea is to have all our facilities up to international standards with no exception and also make sure that these sports facilities are evenly distributed across the state.
“When all these are put in place our sports-loving people will use the facilities and be proud of them, we want places where world super stars are modelled,” he said.
Tandoh said that the ongoing work at the Onikan Stadium would be completed as scheduled,
“The point is that Lagos State Government wants to create enabling environment for all sports to thrive and not football only. We will have world class tennis courts, swimming pools and others.
“By the time Onikan Stadium is ready, it is coming out as a world class sports facility that everybody will be envious of; it will be completed as scheduled.
“All the nooks and crannies of the state will not be left out of this gesture so that people will not only take sports as a business but as recreational activity for wellness.
“People can go to the stadium close to them to play tennis, swim and engage in other sports which is beyond competition but to gain good health,” he said.
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
-
News4 days ago
RAAMP: Rivers Rated High In Implementation
-
Nation4 days ago
Rivers Chief Judge Pardon 14 Inmates From Prison To End 2024/2025 Legal Year
-
Nation4 days ago
Cancer Care: Expert Seeks Hospice In UPTH
-
News4 days agoUse Service Year To Build Capacity, Fubara Urges Corp Members
-
Featured4 days agoWorkers’ Audits Not Meant For Downsizing – Walson Jack
-
Nation4 days ago
Union Petitions EFCC, ICPC Over Tax Fraud Allegations Against Daewoo, Saipem
-
Politics4 days agoSenate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman
-
Nation4 days agoHYPREP Remains Steadfast In Adhering To International Standards—Zabbey …As Regulators, Asset Owners Hail Project