Sports
NFL champion Reveal plans to unveil sports academy
The Nigerian-born American football player, Morotoluwa Ojomo, who recently won the 2025 National Football League Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, has revealed plans to establish an academy in Nigeria aimed at empowering young athletes.
Ojomo, who arrived in Lagos on Wednesday with his parents and sister, spoke about his vision to create opportunities for the youth and to nurture the next generation of athletes in Nigeria.
Ojomo, at a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Saturday in Abuja, shared his belief that the future of Nigeria lies in investing in its youths.
In addition to his plans for the academy, Ojomo also discussed his commitment to working with local organisations to promote flag football in Nigeria, with the hope of qualifying teams for the 2028 Olympics.
In the meeting yesterday, we proposed a plan to ultimately build an academy that not only promotes Nigerian-born athletes overseas or Nigerian descendants who come back and visit but also points to the youths and gives them abilities to grow in strength and grow into skill. That is what is in the pipeline.
“The goal is to see Nigerians doing well in American football. I believe the sport is not popular in Nigeria because people do not understand it.
“There is a lot of work being done with the flag football team. Some tryouts are happening in Lagos right now. I think they want to get them ready for the Olympics in 2028,” the footballer explained.
He emphasised the importance of providing young people with the resources and platforms to grow in both strength and skill, with the ultimate goal of making Nigeria the greatest country in the world.
“The youth is where change is made, and investing in them is of the utmost importance,” he said.
Ojomo, who was born in Lagos and moved to California at the age of seven, reflected on his own journey to success and how his Nigerian roots played a vital role in shaping his determination and perseverance.
He credited his upbringing for the values that helped him achieve his Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, a feat that has now placed him alongside other Nigerian-born NFL champions.
“I would not be here without Nigeria. I think that there is a saying that the grass is not greener where you go, it’s greener when you water it. We have the opportunity to water it,” he said.
He expressed his belief that Nigeria is a country full of potential, and through collaboration and investment in the youth, Nigeria can become a global leader in sports.
“What we are working on now is just to provide more opportunities for the youths and ultimately make Nigeria the greatest country in the world. So that’s the goal,” Ojomo remarked during the meeting.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her remarks, congratulated Ojomo on his Super Bowl victory and his contributions to promoting Nigeria’s name on the global stage.
She acknowledged the national honor that will be conferred on him by the Nigerian government, noting that his success serves as an inspiration for younger Nigerians.
She expressed her appreciation for Ojomo’s dedication to his roots and his vision for creating lasting change in the country.
“We thank you for making us so proud and I know that you are passionate about your country. You are passionate about the younger Nigerians, and you want to make a difference in their lives.
“Home will always be home, no matter how much you excel abroad,” she said, inviting him to participate in the upcoming Diaspora Day on July 25 to share his story and inspire others.
Ojomo, who was born in Lagos in 2001 and moved to California at age seven, played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win, securing their second-ever championship title.
His victory places him alongside other Nigerian-born NFL champions, including C.J. Uzomah, Chukwuebuka Godrick, Chris Oladokun, and Charles Omenihu.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
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,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
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.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
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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