Sports
NSC pledges support for power sector workers’ Games
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has pledged full government backing for the maiden Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry Games, describing the initiative as a strategic platform to deepen cohesion within the power sector and stimulate the sports economy.
Dikko made the pledge in a statement issued on Sunday following a courtesy visit by the management of the NESI Platform, organisers of the NESI Week 2026, which will feature sporting activities for workers and stakeholders across the electricity value chain.
According to the statement, the Commission is ready to provide technical and institutional backing for the games scheduled for November 15 to 20, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together generation companies, distribution companies, transmission operators, regulators, government agencies and other stakeholders under one platform.
He said the sector more commonly associated with megawatts, tariffs and grid collapses, Nigeria’s electricity industry is now turning to sports as a tool for unity, productivity and economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting, Dikko said the initiative aligned with the government’s agenda to expand the sports economy while promoting collaboration and productivity in critical sectors.
He said, “Our mandate here is to work for every sport, for every organisation, and to provide the enabling environment for every sport to prosper, whether it is grassroots sports, community sports, or organisational sports like the one you are trying to do.
“If we talk about harnessing the potential of the sports economy, it is not just about elite athletes. It is across all facets of the economy, top to bottom. What you are about to do, from the zonal qualifiers to the state levels and then the finals, will have a measurable economic impact.
”Drawing parallels with the long-running oil and gas industry games, Dikko noted that while the Oil and Gas Games are now in their 48th year, the electricity sector was only just beginning its own tradition.
“The one we concluded last weekend was the Oil and Gas Games, and they have been doing it for decades. You are starting something new. Small steps will lead to something big. This maiden edition will require technical support, experience and coordination, and we are here to give you that support,” he said.
Beyond recreation, Dikko argued that sports could foster peer review and collaboration within an industry often criticised for inefficiencies.
“This addition of sports will bring your people together. You will compare what other operators are doing in the industry and see how you can support yourselves to do your core business better, which is getting electricity across the country,” he said.
The NSC chairman urged electricity companies to embed community sports infrastructure into their operations, particularly in areas hosting substations, power plants and transmission facilities.
“You should not just do the games and stop there. Think about legacy. Within the areas where you operate, look at supporting grassroots sports. If there is an open space, build a small basketball court, a football pitch, or a tennis court,” he said.
“If you do that, you are not just creating future stars. You are enhancing security. The young people around those facilities will channel their energy into positive engagement instead of negative activities.”
According to him, investing in grassroots sports within host communities could help protect critical national infrastructure by strengthening community relations and youth engagement.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NESI Platform and head of the steering committee for NESI Week 2026, Obiora Anthony, described the games as a landmark initiative for the power sector.
“NESI Games 2026 is the first nationally structured sporting event for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. This industry comprises generation companies, distribution companies, the transmission operator, regulators, energy agencies, investors and even consumers. It is a large value chain,” he said.
He explained that the games would promote workforce wellness, leadership development and cross-sector collaboration, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on growing the sports economy.
“This event will give an opportunity for workforce wellness, leadership development and national sports development. It is structured in phases, regional qualifiers, quarter-finals in October, and the national finals in November 2026 here in Abuja. We hope tow the finals at the National Stadium,” Anthony said.
He added that the sporting fiesta would be embedded within NESI Week 2026, a broader convening platform that brings together policymakers, regulators, operators and private sector leaders in the energy ecosystem.
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.
-
Maritime4 days agoCustoms Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling
-
Sports4 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports4 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports4 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports4 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports4 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports4 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports4 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
