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Tag: Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC)

  • NOC’s Annual General Meeting  holds  Dec. 29 in Abuja

    NOC’s Annual General Meeting  holds  Dec. 29 in Abuja

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, December 29, 2025.

    This is in accordance with its constitution; the NOC hosts this annual gathering to review the year’s activities and strategise for the future.

    The meeting will take place at the Starview Palace Hotel, Plot 7, 4th Avenue (by Setraco Gate), Gwarimpa, Abuja, starting at 11:00 AM.

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    This assembly serves as a vital “stocktaking” session for stakeholders.

    The agenda includes a comprehensive review of the committee’s 2024 programmes, financial audits, and the President’s annual report.

    The Attendance, Representation and Participation is mandatory for all Olympic and recognised non-Olympic sports federations. Attendees will include: Executive Committee Members; National Federations (Olympic & Non-Olympic); International Federation Board Members and National Sports Commission (NSC) representatives .

  • NBBF election set for January 2026 as other sports federations await polls

    NBBF election set for January 2026 as other sports federations await polls

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has confirmed that the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is on course to conduct its elections in January 2026, at the end of the current board’s four-year tenure.

    In a correspondence addressed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and signed by its Secretary General, Hon. Tunde Popoola, the NOC clarified that all constitutional issues previously associated with the basketball body had been resolved, paving the way for a smooth transition of leadership when the current term expires.

    According to the NOC: “As far as the NOC is concerned, there is no pending petition or conflict regarding Nigeria Basketball Federation Constitution. All issues were resolved and the Federation should be free to conduct fresh elections in January 2026.”

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    Beyond basketball, the Olympic body also shed light on the status of other national sports federations ahead of their elections. It disclosed that 13 federations have met the requirement of securing approval for their constitutions from their respective congresses and international federations.

    The NOC further explained that while the Nigeria Cricket Federation had also fulfilled the requirement, it was not included in the final list of approved federations, as the Committee has resolved to focus strictly on Olympic sports. However, it advised the NSC to allow cricket to conduct its elections based on its already approved constitution.

    With these clarifications, attention now turns to the upcoming elections across the federations, particularly basketball, where stakeholders will be preparing for a leadership transition in early 2026.

  • NOC Women’s Commission Celebrates International Women’s Day

    NOC Women’s Commission Celebrates International Women’s Day

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) women’s commission will join counterparts worldwide on March 8, 2025, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

    International Women’s Day (IWD) originated in the early 20th century to promote women’s rights, especially suffrage.

    According to a statement released by Tony Nezianya, the NOC spokesman, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to honour women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.

    ”It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role.

    ”IWD is celebrated in many ways: rallies, lobbying, performances, festivals, parties, fun runs, and celebrations.’’

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    To mark this year’s Day, the Women’s Commission will organise all-gender football, handball, and volleyball matches in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri.

    In Lagos, it will take place at a Pitch in front of the NTA office at the National Stadium Surulere, and the Abuja event will be held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10 Abuja, while Owerri will take place at the Heartland Training Pitch 2 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

    Other attractions are free medical check-ups and health awareness campaigns.

    Mrs Kemi Obidahunsi of the NOC would coordinate the event

    The President of the NOC will officially declare the event open  in Abuja

  • AFN chief blasts NOC over ‘illegal meeting’

    A top member of the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) lacks the power to convene a meeting of the board of the Federation and revealed some members have threatened to boycott the meeting scheduled for Thursday inside the conference room of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development at Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

    The letter, dated June 3, 2019, and signed by NOC Secretary General, Olabanji Oladapo, made it mandatory for all board members of the AFN to attend the meeting without stating any agenda.

    ‘The NOC does not have the power to convene a meeting of the AFN neither does it also have the power to interfere in the internal affairs of the AFN’ said the AFN board member who pleaded not to be named.

    ‘What the NOC is doing is trying to assert an authority that does not exist because the body thinks Nigerians are naive and ignorant of the rules governing international sports.’

    ‘The AFN, for the avoidance of doubt, is only answerable to its parent body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) which has acknowledged the decision taken by the AFN board on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, asking the president, Honourable Ibrahim Shehu Gusau to step aside following allegations of gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds levelled against him.’

    ‘The IAAF in an email sent to the Federation of Friday, May 31, 2019, by Jee Isram, a senior manager in-charge of Governance, Member and International Relations and who is also head of protocol, acknowledged the fact that a panel has been set up to investigate the allegations against Hon Gusau’, revealed the top AFN member.

    The email reads inter-alia: Dear Secretary General, We acknowledge the receipt of your email regarding the suspension of the president of your federation. With regard to the contents of your email, we understand that a committee has been set up to investigate the allegations levelled against the president.

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    ‘However, for our files, can you please forward to us the convening notice of the AFN board meeting held on 28 May as well as the minutes of that meeting.’

    The AFN chief revealed the federation has sent the necessary documents (notice of meeting and minutes) to the IAAF regarding the decision of the AFN board on May 28.

    ‘The IAAF is on top of happenings in the Federation.I think the suspended president of the federation is trying to use the NOC to perform an illegality on Thursday by going against the constitution of the federation and international best practice, to reinstate Gusau who is yet to clear himself of the allegations levelled against him.

    ‘As far as we are concerned, the IAAF have spoken and until something to the contrary comes from Monaco, Gusau remains suspended.’

  • Football enthusiasts express confidence in Super Eagles ahead of World Cup draw

    Football enthusiasts express confidence in Super Eagles ahead of World Cup draw

    Some football enthusiasts, on Wednesday expressed confidence ahead of the World Cup draw, that the Super Eagles would be capable to face any team drawn with it in the same group on Friday.

    The fans and pundits expressed optimism while speaking  in Abuja, that Nigeria would also get a favourable draw.

    Tunde Popoola, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee ( NOC ),  said that the present crop of players in the Super Eagles were good enough to take on any team in the world.

    “I’m not one to really think about trying to avoid teams. I believe if you want to win a big tournament such as the World Cup, you’re going to have to play the best teams sooner or later.

    “Having said that, I am confident that the Super Eagles will be prepared to take on any country or group they are drawn into when the World Cup proper begins.

    “I have no doubt in my mind in the ability of the crop of young talents we have in the squad right now to cause an upset and go ahead to shock the world in Russia,” he said.

    Godwin Bamigboye, Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, FCT Chapter, advised the team to focus more on their abilities, rather than on the strength of the teams they would be drawn against.

    “The draw is essential and a key moment for any country, the team and the coaching crew as it will lay out our path to the World Cup finals.

    “It is one of those moments in which the whole world of football holds its breath.

    “However, my advice to the team and the coaching crew is not to focus on the strength or weakness of their opponents but rather on their own strength and abilities.

    “We can only hope for the best draw possible, but even if we are drawn against the ‘almighty Brazil’, so be it.

    “The truth is, names don’t play football these days, but people do. It’s all about the team spirit and in a World Cup as little things can decide matches.

    “What we need in a tournament such as this is to be mentally strong and physically robust.

    “I believe we are more than capable to beat any team in the world with a very good preparation and hard work,” he said.

    Jonathan Akpoborie, an ex-international said: “Let’s forget about the permutations. We’re positive, but we must also not get too ahead of ourselves.

    “We know we’ve still got a lot of work to do and we’ve got to play more quality friendly games between now and the finals to fine tune the team.

    “Having said that, it will be a great feeling to know who the Super Eagles will be facing at the group stage of the World Cup and I really can’t wait to know our opponents.

    “For now, it’s just about focusing on the games ahead and looking forward to the finals,” he said.

    Excitement will be high when coaches of the 32 qualified nations gather at the State Kremlin Palace in Russia for the Dec. 1 draw.

    The gala event will be televised live around the world.

    Teams have been seeded in four pots based on the October edition of the world rankings issued by ruling body FIFA.

    Russia, being the tournament host, was exempted from the seeding, but was placed in pot 1 and atop group A.

    No more than two European teams can be in one group, and teams from other regions cannot be pitted against sides from the same confederations.

    The teams’ fates are now down to the luck or ill fortune of the draw, with the seeding throwing up some intriguing permutations.

    World champions Germany will avoid South American giants Brazil and Argentina, and highly-fancied France.

    Germany could come up against 2010 champions Spain (pot 2) or strong African and Asian teams such as Senegal (3) or South Korea (4) .

    Another difficult constellation for Joachim Loew’s squad could be a South American opponent such as Uruguay or Colombia from pot 2, along with on-form neighbours Denmark (3) and much-improved African qualifiers Nigeria (4).

    An easier draw on paper would be a group with Peru, Iran and Panama.

    Russia will be hoping to avoid the fate of 2010 hosts South Africa, who failed to reach the knock-out stage, as they bank on home support to help them outperform their 65th ranking.

    From the top pot, Poland may be the most favoured opponents for the lower-seeded sides despite a strong qualifying phase, with Bayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski, scoring 16 goals to lead the scoring charts.

    Also, Germany bidding to become the first country to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, will be a team most outside pot 1 will be looking to avoid.

    Of some of the other big names, England, under Gareth Southgate, will be hoping to get out of the group stage, after exiting early in 2014.

    Brazil will also be a team to avoid and so will third-seeded Iceland, who dumped the Three Lions out of Euro 2016.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 14 and lat till July 15

    NAN

  • No crisis in Basketball federation, says President

    No crisis in Basketball federation, says President

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, said on Thursday that there was no crisis in the federation.

    Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Kida said the crisis was merely a perception of the public.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on June 12, the National Sports Federations Elections for NBBF had two elections one in Kano and another in Abuja.

    The Kano election had Tijani Umar emerge as the president while Kida emerged as president in the Abuja election.

    The Minster of Sports, Solomon Dalung, however, annulled the Kano election on the grounds that it had no backing of the ministry or the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

    FIBA Africa in their letter to the NOC said specifically that it did not recognise any of the two groups, but would send correspondence to only the Musa Kida group.

    The body also gave the NOC and NBBF November as deadline to resolve their differences.

    The NBBF president said, however, that there had been no complaint against any individual in the basketball circle.

    “The perception that there is a crisis is in the minds of a few stakeholders. I don’t see what is happening as crisis,’’ he said.

    On the issue of the letter from FIBA Africa, Kida said that the letter recognised him as the president since they (FIBA) agreed to correspond with him.

    “If you look at the letter, it concluded everything by agreeing to send correspondence through my board and this I think is a proof of acceptance,’’ he said.

    No crisis in Basketball federation, says President

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, said on Thursday that there was no crisis in the federation.

    Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Kida said the crisis was merely a perception of the public.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on June 12, the National Sports Federations Elections for NBBF had two elections one in Kano and another in Abuja.

    The Kano election had Tijani Umar emerge as the president while Kida emerged as president in the Abuja election.

    The Minster of Sports, Solomon Dalung, however, annulled the Kano election on the grounds that it had no backing of the ministry or the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

    FIBA Africa in their letter to the NOC said specifically that it did not recognise any of the two groups, but would send correspondence to only the Musa Kida group.

    The body also gave the NOC and NBBF November as deadline to resolve their differences.

    The NBBF president said, however, that there had been no complaint against any individual in the basketball circle.

    “The perception that there is a crisis is in the minds of a few stakeholders. I don’t see what is happening as crisis,’’ he said.

    On the issue of the letter from FIBA Africa, Kida said that the letter recognised him as the president since they (FIBA) agreed to correspond with him.

    “If you look at the letter, it concluded everything by agreeing to send correspondence through my board and this I think is a proof of acceptance,’’ he said.

     

  • Ex-NAFF scribe counsels incoming sports federations’ boards on prudence

    As national sports federations elections draw near, a former Secretary of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), Pius Asaba, has urged the incoming members to be prudent with resources given to execute programmes.

    Asaba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos that it was the federations that could gain good support and sponsorships from corporate bodies and individuals.

    He said such was necessary to do away with poor sponsorship which has gone a long way to hinder the execution of important programmes proposed by the federations in the year.

    NAN reports that the Ministry of Youth and Sports development has announced that it had agreed with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) that elections into the boards of the National Sports Federations will hold on May 30.

    Hearing of Petitions and Appeals Cases will hold from June 1 to June 10 June, while Bye-Elections arising from Petitions and Appeals for Zonal and National Elections come up on June 13.

    Inauguration of the National Sports Federation Boards holds on June 27 June.

    “I need to emphasise that federations must raise their games in organising programmes and most importantly be accountable for resources made available to them.

    “The federations must make sure that programmes for which money is meant and provided for are channelled to the project, while doing away with frivolousness.

    “They must seek to impress and gain the confidence of sponsors that have gone the extra mile to invest their resources in promoting the sport and sustaining athletes in competitions,” he said.

    The former amputee football federation scribe, added that such measures would also attract potential sponsors that were needed by the federations to organise activities on regular basis.

    According to him, the federations are fully aware of the directive by the authorities to source for funds to enable them to organise their annual programmes.

    “The only way for any federation to gain government support is to present achievements recorded so far because the government is saddled with responsibilities from various corners.

    “It’s a race before them, so each federation must aspire to take the lead to gain the attention of government for funding to major international events,” he added.

    He advised the incoming board members of the various federations to increase awareness of their sports and come up with programmes that could attract the interest of sponsors.

     

  • Oboh gets wildcard to 2018 Youth Olympic Games

    Oboh gets wildcard to 2018 Youth Olympic Games

    The global rave of Nigerian teenage golf sensation – Georgia Oboh has fetched her wildcard to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) holding in Argentina.

    According to Youth Development Officer of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Emy Ekong, the wildcard was made possible following the concerted efforts by the federation and the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), adding that the federation would ensure that the country performs well at the event.

    She explained that the world golf governing body allocated only two slots to Nigeria, saying that a good outing in Argentina would force the body to increase the slots.

    “I think the development is not unconnected with the latest performances of Georgia Oboh, Anita Uwadiae and Tokunbo Pedro, among others in recent competitions. Despite the efforts of these players, we got only two slots because we are still lowly rated in world rankings.

    “Unfortunately for us, Anita and Tokunbo cannot feature in the games because they are now above the stipulated age limit, but we have quality players that can hold their own against the best juniors in the world.”

    “It is certain that Georgia Oboh will take one of the slots, but Ekong said the NGF will organize “a series of events locally and attend international events to be able to pick the best out of the many budding stars available to us.”

    She added: “The NOC has been of tremendous help to us. In fact, Mr. Tunde Popoola was at the vanguard of the fight to ensure that we got the opportunity to play in Argentina following our exploits at the last African Youth Games.

    “The challenge now is to find the required funds to prepare adequately for the games because this is not something we can toy with. It will feature the best young stars from across the world and some of these players have been exposed to the best facilities in the world. So for our players to compete successfully against them, we must equip them very well.”

    Meanwhile, Oboh who recently finished in second round of the Azores Open in Portugal will arrive in Zurich today for the Nedbank Open in Switzerland.

  • President Buhari assures on Nigeria’s participation in 2018 Commonwealth Games

    President Buhari assures on Nigeria’s participation in 2018 Commonwealth Games

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the country would participate with an adequately prepared contingent in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

    Buhari gave the assurance as he received the Queens Baton Relay in Lagos on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, flagged off the Queen’s Baton Relay on March 13 in London which coincided with the Commonwealth Day.

    “It’s a great pleasure to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay in Nigeria. The Baton is expected to move round all the Commonwealth nations.

    “Next year’s edition, which is the 21st Commonwealth Games, will mark Nigeria’s fifth participation in the Queen’s Relay. The Queen’s Baton Relay is a challenge for us to prepare for the Games.

    “We plan to send a ready team of athletes to the Games with the hope of surpassing our past records in terms of medal haul,’’ said Buhari, represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.

    “We will not relent in our role of ensuring that athletes are equipped with adequate resources for training and participation in the competition.

    “Government must invest and transform training facilities and uplift the technical men. We will continue to pursue this as a noble policy that will take Nigeria forward.’’

    He said that Buhari couldn’t come to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay personally and asked him to do that on his behalf and that of the entire sport-loving Nigerians.

    Habu Gumel, the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay and the five delegates that accompanied it, said that Nigeria had been a strong force in the Commonwealth sports community.

    “Since our debut in the 1950 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, our nation’s profile at the quadrennial Games has been on the rise.

    “Nigerian athletes have never failed to prove their mettle in placing our nation on the scoreboard of this global sporting fiesta.

    “For our nation to sustain the winning momentum at the Commonwealth level, we will require all the support of both the public and private sector, especially in the area of funding.

    “ This will ensure adequate preparation for the participation of our contingent. We therefore, solicit the continuous support of everyone.

    “At our level, the Nigerian Commonwealth and the Olympic family through our collaborations with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has continually offered athletes and coaches opportunities for training and personal development through international scholarships and technical courses,’’ he said.

    The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Lehmann, said the Queen’s Baton Relay came with a message of peace and goodwill to all Nigerians.

    Lehmann said that Australia was proud to be hosting the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

    “It is my pleasure to celebrate the stories and successes of Nigerians athletes as the Baton makes its way through the beautiful city Lagos.

    “Australia and Nigeria are nations of sport lovers. I believe sports can support the ambitions of all people regardless of age, background, gender or ability.

    “The people to people link between Australia and Nigeria grow stronger each year and we look forward to welcoming Nigerian athletes to Australia in 2018,’’ he said.

    Lehmann said it’s believed that Australia is far but it’s the distance that makes us closer.

    “There are so many tourists sites that Nigerians can visit while in Australia. Our level of hospitality can’t be compared,’’ he said.

    He noted that for the first time, the physically challenged will be participating in the Communication Games.

    “The physically challenged and the able-bodied athletes will all have the same number if events to participate in,’’ he said.

    Among the dignitaries at the event are Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi, the Chairman Local Organising Committee for Queen’s Baton Relay, the Athletics federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Solomon Ogba and former NOC President, Sanni Ndanusa.

    NAN reports that Olympians and Paralympians were also present and among them were renowned former athletes Yusuf Alli, Falilat Ogunkoya, Chioma Ajunwa and Henry Amike.

    Students from the Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere, Atunda-Olu School for the Physically and Mentally challenged, Surulere, Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Surulere and Children Development Center, Surulere attended.