NSC inaugurates boards of NBBF, Fencing, 2 others

A new milestone was recorded Thursday with the formal inauguration of the newly elected  Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation{NBBF} by the chieftains of the National Sports Commission {NSC).

Three other board were also inaugurated by the NSC though they were appointed and not elected, they are Arms-Wrestling, Fencing and Paddle  with the NSC director general claiming that the commission has the statutory right to appoint and dissolved any ‘stubborn’ federation.

NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko inaugurated the boards after the NSC legal officers administer oath of office on them.

Dikko charged the newly inaugurated boards to aligned themselves with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reposition their board for optimal performance at major international meets.

Meanwhile, President-elect of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Mustapha Abdullahi, has promised a sweeping transformation of Nigerian basketball, pledging grassroots development, stronger domestic leagues, improved players’ welfare and far-reaching administrative reforms.

Abdullahi, who declared that Nigerian basketball was on the threshold of a new renaissance, said his administration would break with the past by building a sustainable basketball system capable of discovering talents, creating opportunities and restoring confidence in the game.

In his acceptance speech, the new NBBF president said the federation could no longer afford to operate with the same structures and practices while expecting different results, insisting that Nigerian basketball needed strategic leadership, institutional reforms and measurable achievements.

He identified grassroots development, improved facilities, investment in coaches and referees, women’s basketball and the welfare of athletes as major priorities of his administration.

“My presidency will mark a decisive departure from business as usual. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result,” Abdullahi declared.

The NBBF president-elect said his vision extended beyond improving the performances of the national teams to establishing a basketball ecosystem that would provide opportunities for young Nigerians, irrespective of their backgrounds or geographical locations.

U17 Women’s World Cup 2026: Flamingos target maximum points against Poland

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will begin their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign against Poland at Pitch 4 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Saturday, October 17.

Akeem Busari’s side will be eager to improve on their performance at the previous edition, where they exited in the Round of 16 after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Italy.

The Flamingos secured their place at the tournament after navigating a challenging qualifying campaign, overcoming Guinea and the Benin Republic.

They also demonstrated their attacking quality with a series of impressive scoring performances on their way to qualification.

Poland, meanwhile, return to the competition after missing the 2025 edition. Their last appearance came in 2024 in the Dominican Republic, where they advanced to the quarter-finals before falling to eventual champions Korea DPR.

Saturday’s encounter will be the first meeting between Nigeria and Poland at the U-17 women’s level, adding another layer of intrigue to the opening fixture.

The Flamingos are drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR, making a positive start particularly important as they seek to progress to the knockout stages.

Akwa Ibom Sports Commissioner thanks partners for festival success

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, has expressed gratitude to institutions, groups and individuals whose support contributed to the success of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

In an official appreciation note released on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Bassey acknowledged the goodwill of partners including the University of Uyo, Ibom Golf/Country Club, Uyo Club, local government authorities, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI).

The commissioner highlighted their various contributions, noting the release of hostel facilities by the University of Uyo and Ibom Golf Club’s maiden involvement, with plans to train and raise golf stars across the 31 local government areas of the state.

He also praised local government chairmen who participated, including the state ALGON chairman, as well as the NUJ, Uyo Club and NCI for releasing their facilities to ensure a smooth festival.

Bassey stressed that the statewide competition was held to bolster Governor Umo Eno’s policy on youth development through the ARISE Agenda, pledging sustained cooperation to build talents and better the fortunes of youths in the state through sports.

“Thank you for having partnered with the Ministry to make the recently held Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival a huge success. The Ministry appreciates this mutually profound cooperation which was focused on the development of our youth talents,” the release read in part.

NVBF mourns ex-national captain, Lady Chinyere Nwanegbu

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has mourned the passing of Lady Chinyere Nwanegbu, née Onuoha, fondly known as “Mbeke,” a former captain of Nigeria’s women’s national volleyball team and national team coach.

Lady Nwanegbu, who hailed from Mbeke in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, was described as a distinguished figure whose life was dedicated to the development of volleyball.

According to the Federation, her transition from the court as a player and captain to the technical bench as a coach reflected her enduring commitment to nurturing talents and inspiring the next generation of female players.

NVBF President, Engr. Musa Nimrod, on behalf of the Board, management, players and officials, expressed heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, colleagues, former teammates and the government and people of Imo State.

“Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family and community but also to the entire Nigerian volleyball family. Though she has departed, her memory will endure in the hearts of those she coached and those who played alongside her,” the Federation stated.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, Godspower Avwerosuoghene Odedede, the Federation prayed for eternal rest for her soul and fortitude for her family to bear the loss.

2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier: Kaduna government backs Sand Eagles to fly over Ghana 

The Kaduna state government has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Beach Soccer National Team, the Sand Eagles, ahead of their return leg qualifier for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Director of Sports Development in the State Ministry of Sports Development, Hassan Buba, gave the assurance on behalf of the Commissioner, Hon. Ben Kure, during a visit by the team before their departure from Kaduna on Thursday morning.

Buba conveyed the Commissioner’s goodwill message, explaining that he was unavoidably absent due to another engagement outside the state, but wished the team success.

“I extend to you the good wishes of the Honourable Commissioner, who would have loved to see you personally as you depart from Kaduna. He wishes you all the very best as you go to Accra for the return leg match, and he is confident that you will earn the ticket to qualify,” Buba said.

He urged the players to maintain discipline in Ghana and reaffirmed the state’s support. “We are solidly behind you in spirit, even though we cannot be physically present in Ghana. We are praying for you. Insha Allah, you will return victorious,” he added.

The Sand Eagles travel to Accra seeking qualification after playing a 3-3 draw in the first leg against Ghana’s Black Sharks.