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LMC Shutdown Has No Connection With NFF Elections -Dare

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The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has explained that the decision to shut down the League Management Company (LMC) was not connected to the forthcoming Nigerian Football League elections slated for 28th September, 2022.
This is even as he disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has received in excess of N16 billion.
Speaking at the 51st session of the State House Ministerial Briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team, at the Aso Rock Villa, Dare, explained that shutdown of the Abuja head office of the League Management Company on last Thursday was the government’s last resort to salvage the country’s football.
Recall that the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had stormed the office of the League Management Company in the capital city of Abuja to seal it up.
The Federal Government had dissolved the LMC as the recognised operator of the Nigeria Professional Football League last Friday.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ismaila Abubakar, had announced that the government no longer recognised the LMC as the sole agency licensed to organise and regulate the Nigeria Professional Football League.
He premised the decision on the alleged maladministration of the League.
But fielding questions on the issue, the Sports Minister said the dissolution of the LMC was delayed for four months to allow for a workable solution.
Dare said “As at May 25, 2022. Mr. President approved the dissolution of the LMC and directed that the NFF should set up an Interim Management Company because of clear evidence that our league was in dire straits. Between May and August, we did not issue a directive because we wanted the Premier League to complete its season without any disruption. But also, during that period, the Ministry made efforts to speak with those in charge. We never got any response.
“As we sit here, our league is on its deathbed. We know the nature of our domestic league. And just yesterday (last week) I got a letter from the club owners. I met with them two weeks ago. I also met with the female football leaders. There’s a letter that came on September 1, I only got it yesterday stating clearly that they have numerous problems with the LMC running the league. Unpaid emoluments, referees are not paid, staff are not paid.
“So, in May 2022, there was a presidential directive and as a ministry, we applied reasonable judgment and delayed that communication. But at a point when the league ended, and we saw the continuous decline of our football, we thought it was the right time to take the necessary action. And that was what we did. There’s no connection between that decision with the NFF election, it stands alone.”
The Minister who was at the State House with some of the country’s ace athletes including world record holder, Tobi Amusan and gold medalist, Ese Brume, thanked the President for being “supportive” to the sector, prompting Nigeria’s recent exploits in the athletics world stage.
“Mr. President has been extremely supportive. And I know what I’m talking about. When you run a budget of N2.1 billion for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. And then you have two or three major international championships, your budget is an envelope, you can’t go beyond it.”

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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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