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Tokyo 2020: Oborududu Honoured In Yenagoa

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Stakeholders in conjunction with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) at the weekend hosted the country’s Tokyo 2020 wrestlers and coaches to a reception at the Dynamite Recreation centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Blessing Oborududu, who became Nigeria’s first-ever wrestling medallist at the Olympics, after claiming a silver medal in the 68kg in Tokyo a few weeks ago, alongside Commonwealth champions Oduanyo Adekuoroye and Aminat Adeniyi (both unavoidably absent), Adijat Idris, Ekerekeme Agiomor, as well as coaches Purity Akuh and Victor Kodei were presented with plaques and cash prizes for their historic outing at the quadriennial games.
Tidesports source reports that NWF boss, Daniel Igali,was also handed a plaque for his outstanding leadership, which has totally transformed wrestling in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, who also chaired the occasion, Hon. Kia Nigeria, on behalf of his Council, donated N1million to Oborududu, who hails from Southern Ijaw, adding that he is willing to support any indigene of the area who excels in sports.
“I equally appreciate the Nigeria Wrestling Federation because we have thought it wise that we are going to also host her (Oborududu) as our daughter,” he said. 
“But because the Honourable Commissioner for Sports (Daniel Igali) is my friend and he informed me of this ceremony, so, I have to key into it. And that’s the reason why I’m here to come and celebrate her.
“You heard what I offered on behalf of the Council in celebrating her, encouraging her, encouraging every other person that is into this business of wrestling and any other sports.
“Southern Ijaw Local Government is strong enough to support any athlete that would come from any of the sporting fields.”
On her part, Olympic silver medallist Oborududu, who was full of joy, thanked Hon. Kia Nigeria for his kind gesture, while attributing her success to the impact of the NWF boss Daniel Igali on her career.
“I feel so honoured, and I want to say a big thank you to the President (Daniel Igali),” the 10-time African champion said. “Wrestling is No.1 in Nigeria because of him. We are celebrating Olympic silver medal because of him. So, I want to say a big thank you to him, and also to the chairman of the occasion Hon. Kia (Nigeria).
“For being part of this occasion, I want to say a big thank you to everyone that contributed to the success of this occasion. Thank you everyone and God Bless you.”

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WAFCON Qualifiers: Falcons to face Benin in Togo

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The Benin Football Federation has confirmed that the Cheetahs will host Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Lomé, Togo, in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier later this month.

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

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Nigerian para-lifters win gold, silver, bronze at World Champs

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Nigerian para-lifters Rita Ferdinand, Esther Nworgu and Rukayat Opeyemi Ajiboye won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively at the ongoing 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, Tidesports source reports.

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.

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SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS  others

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The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body.

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.

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