Propersportsnewsupdate1

Hon. Gbenga Adewusi, popularly known as “Arole”, has emerged as the Southwest Zonal Representative for the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) after defeating his opponent, Mr. Adeyemi George  from Ogun State, with a vote margin of 5–1. The by-election, which was initially interrupted and disrupted on 27th September 2025 at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, by the support of his opponent, and it was postponed and rescheduled to take place in Abuja on 25th October 2025. The election was duly conducted at the National Sports Commission Indoor Hall, Abuja, where Hon. Adewusi secured a convincing victory, reaffirming his strong presence and influence in Southwest sports administration. Following his victory, Hon. Gbenga Adewusi expressed deep gratitude in his post-election remarks. He dedicated his success to God Almighty and to the immediate past President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, for his leadership and support. He also extended his appreciation to His Exc...

  If the  Super Eagles of Nigeria  🇳🇬 successfully navigate the  CAF Play-Off Tournament  in November, they will advance to the  FIFA Inter-Confederation Playoffs , scheduled for  March 2026  — the final gateway to the  2026 FIFA World Cup . 🏆 The Teams Involved The inter-confederation playoffs will feature  six nations  from  five confederations : CAF (Africa):  1 team (possibly Nigeria 🇳🇬) AFC (Asia):  1 team — either  Iraq 🇮🇶  or the  United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 CONMEBOL (South America):   Bolivia 🇧🇴 OFC (Oceania):   New Caledonia 🇳🇨 CONCACAF (North & Central America, Caribbean):  2 teams — to be determined in November ⚙️ Tournament Format The six-team playoff will be structured to favour the  two highest-ranked teams  in the  FIFA World Rankings , who will automatically advance to the  two separate finals . Here’s how it works: The two top-ranked teams...

Super Eagles captain,  William Troost-Ekong , has assured Nigerians that the national team will give their all in next month’s  CAF Play-Off Tournament  for the  2026 FIFA World Cup , scheduled to take place in  Morocco . Speaking on Wednesday morning, the experienced defender expressed optimism following Nigeria’s emphatic  4–0 victory over Benin Republic  in Uyo on Tuesday — a result that confirmed the team’s place in the CAF play-offs, the final stage before the intercontinental qualifiers in Mexico next March. “We are quite happy to have this opportunity. It’s been a long road, but it’s a path we must take,” Troost-Ekong said. “We would have loved to secure the automatic ticket, but that didn’t happen. Still, we’ll stay strong, remain focused, and give our best to overcome every challenge on our way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” Reflecting on the team’s dominant performance, the Super Eagles skipper praised his teammates’ commitment and unity. “It w...

As the final round of matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers approaches, Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot hang in the balance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all possible outcomes: 1. Automatic Qualification Scenarios A. If South Africa draw or lose vs Rwanda, and Nigeria defeat Benin by any margin with a clean sheet, Nigeria will qualify automatically for the World Cup. B. If South Africa win, Nigeria will miss out on automatic qualification, regardless of their result against Benin. C. If South Africa drop points (draw/lose) and Benin draw or beat Nigeria, then Benin will qualify automatically. 2. Best Second-Place / Playoff Route — The Eritrea Withdrawal Factor Due to Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, some teams in their group will have points deducted, affecting the ranking of the best second-placed teams. Here’s how the adjusted table looks for potential playoff contenders after deductions 👇🏽 Team Current Points Deduction Adjusted Points Matche...

‎ ‎The management of Bendel Insurance Football Club has approved the appointment of Coach Kennedy Boboye as the Technical Manager of the club. ‎ ‎The appointment follows a mutual agreement between the management of the Benin Arsenals and Coach Boboye for him to assume full responsibility for the club’s technical department with immediate effect. ‎ ‎After a thorough evaluation, the management found Coach Boboye suitable for the role and has offered him a substantive two-year contract. The decision is based on his proven track record, impressive credentials, and extensive experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). ‎ ‎Arrangements have been concluded for the official unveiling of the Delta-born tactician in Benin City on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. ‎ ‎The management of Bendel Insurance FC is optimistic that Coach Boboye’s appointment will usher in a new phase of improved performance and renewed confidence in the ongoing season. ‎ ‎Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Edo...

The Lagos State Sports Commission invites applications from qualified and committed coaches with a strong record of excellence and proven experience in athlete development, technical training, and performance management. This call seeks skilled coaches across various sporting disciplines who can lead Team Lagos athletes to achieve podium finishes at national and international competitions. Applicants must demonstrate a consistent record in athlete mentorship, tactical planning, and competition readiness, supported by recognised coaching certifications and verifiable achievements within the last five years. *Applications open on Monday, 13 October 2025, and close on Monday, 27 October 2025.* Interested coaches should complete the Team Lagos Coaches Application Form via https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/2025-lagos-coaches-enlistment/ The Commission will assess and shortlist coaches based on their competence, experience, and potential contribution to Team Lagos’ performance goals. Thank you. Signed...

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially requested the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Match Officials Appointment Committee to review the performances of five referees who officiated during  Matchday 8 (MD8) fixtures of the  2025/26 NPFL season . The matches in question include the  Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars  encounter and the  Nasarawa United vs Rangers International  fixture. In a formal letter to the NFF, the NPFL management specifically called for a review and possible  stepping down  of the following officials from future league matches: Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars (3SC) Centre Referee:  Mohammed B. Tuta (Adamawa State Referees Council) Assistant Referee 1:  Bem Japhet (Benue State) Assistant Referee 2:  Shehu Isah (Adamawa State) Nasarawa United vs Rangers International Centre Referee:  Ikechukwu Taiwo (Rivers State Referees Council) Assistant Referee:  Usman Opeyemi Edward (Osun State) Th...

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a series of severe sanctions on Kano Pillars Football Club following violent incidents during their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars SC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Sunday, October 12, 2025. In a summary jurisdiction notice dated October 13, 2025, and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league found Kano Pillars guilty of multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules relating to crowd control, security, and misconduct. According to the NPFL, the club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to restricted areas and the field of play. The notice also cited the club for failing to control its supporters, who were accused of harassing players, throwing dangerous objects, and assaulting match officials and the visiting team. As a result, the NPFL imposed the following sanctions: ₦1 million fine for failure to provide adequ...

Nigeria’s medal streak in Egypt continued as Rita Ferdinand soared to victory, clinching gold in the women’s up to 79kg category at the ongoing World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt.  Ferdinand lifted an impressive 153kg to secure the world title and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport. Her remarkable feat adds to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship. Earlier in the day, Esther Nworgu won silver in the 50kg category, while Rukayat Opeyemi Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class — narrowly missing gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged out Nworgu for the top spot. The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9–18, 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 (NSC) has pledged full institutional support for Lagos Liga, an innovative private football league redefining grassroots and community football in Nigeria. This commitment was made by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, during a courtesy visit by Lagos Liga founder, Joshua J. Omojuwa, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting focused on the vision and seven-point agenda of Lagos Liga, a bold initiative designed to merge sports, youth empowerment, and the creative economy into a single thriving ecosystem. Hon. Olopade commended the Lagos Liga vision as being fully aligned with the mandate given to the Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “The mandate that Mr. President gave the NSC, is to create an environment and structure that puts money into the pockets of Nigerians,” Hon. Olopade said. “Grassroots initiatives like the Lagos Liga are at the heart of the President’s thinking when he appointed Mallam Shehu ...

                                    PRESS RELEASE                       OYO STATE SPORTS COUNCIL OYO STATE WEIGHTLIFTING ATHLETE, LAWAL RAFIATU FOLASHADE, WINS THREE SILVER MEDALS AT IWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN NORWAY Oyo State’s celebrated weightlifter, Lawal Rafiatu Folashade, has once again brought pride to the state and the nation by winning three silver medals for Nigeria at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championship held in Forde, Norway, on October 4, 2025. The 2022 Commonwealth Gold Medalist and fifth-place finisher at the Paris 2024 Olympics delivered another stellar performance on the global stage, competing in the 58kg women’s category. Folashade lifted 101kg in Snatch and 128kg in Clean and Jerk, achieving a total of 229kg, which earned her second place overall, finishing just behind Kim II Gyong of North...

Lagos State to host historic first National Sports Commission Intermediate Games in 2026 *  The National Sports Commission, NSC , has announced Lagos State as the Host for the first edition of the National Intermediate Games in 2026. The concept of the intermediary games is one of the RHINSE initiatives of the National Sports Commission to structurally earnest, monitor and develop the country's Sporting talents within the ages of 16-19 . Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko , said as a country, Nigeria must have a proper grassroots model for the discovery of budding talents which will show an organic pathway system to the Elite cadre . " We are determined to have a sustainable podium success at International competitions but it will only come with having the right structure that can aide elite success and the intermediary games will strengthen our goals". " The bedrock of every sustained Sports development is an effective grassroots...

Edo State Sports Commission Chairman Suspends Bendel Insurance Coach Greg Ikhenoba ... directs Coach Baldwin Bazuaye to step in The Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele  has approved the suspension of the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club Greg Ikhenoba. The suspension  takes effect from Monday, October 6,2025. The Edo State Sports Commission boss took  the decision following the poor performance of Bendel Insurance Football Club in the current season coupled with the 1-0 loss to Nasarawa United in the match day seven of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman has directed Coach Baldwin Bazuaye,MON to hold forth as the Head of the technical crew of the Premier league club till further notice.

*National Sports Festival: NSC to Inspect Facilities in Enugu Ahead of 2026 Coal City Games* The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that it will embark on an inspection of facilities in Enugu State from October 21–24, 2025, as part of ongoing preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games 2026.” The inspection of facilities is a crucial step in ensuring standards and that the Festival delivers on its promise of being a world-class sporting event that celebrates excellence, unity, and talent development across Nigeria. The inspection team will assess existing infrastructure, review progress on upgrades, and engage with local stakeholders to guarantee that Enugu is ready to host athletes and fans from all over the country. The Commission expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government for its commitment to delivering a successful festival, noting that their dedication reflects the true spirit of partnership needed to elevate Nigeria’s sportin...

Nigeria’s Lawal Rafiatu Folashade Wins Three Silver Medals at IWF World Championship in Norway Oyo State and Nigeria’s weightlifting sensation, Lawal Rafiatu Folashade, has once again made the nation proud by winning three silver medals at the IWF World Championship held in Forde, Norway, competing in the 58kg category. The Olympic gold medalist, who also represented Oyo State at the recent National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games Ogun 2024,” had earlier won three gold medals for the state at the festival. Continuing her impressive form, Folashade clinched three silver medals for Nigeria at the world stage — one each in Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and Total Lift categories. Speaking after her performance, Folashade expressed her gratitude to God and her coaches for their support, noting that her target was to win gold for Nigeria but she remains proud to have lifted the nation’s flag high. Her outstanding performance adds to Nigeria’s growing reputation in international weightlifting...