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Squash, Chess, Ayo Olopon Missing as NSC Cuts National Sports Festival Events to 20 for Enugu 2026 Traditional and emerging sports such as squash, chess, ayo olopon handball, volleyball and several others will not feature at the 23rd National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Enugu after the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed a drastic reduction in the number of events for the Games. The previous edition of the festival hosted in Ogun State featured 33 sports, but the upcoming Coal City Games will now accommodate only 20 sports following a decision by the NSC. The clarification was made in a statement signed by Kehinde Ajayi following a meeting between the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, and States’ Directors of Sports in Abuja. According to the Commission, the reduction was approved during the last National Council on Sports meeting held in Calabar, with economic realities cited as the major reason behind the decision. The NSC stressed that it has t...

National Sports commission confirms 20 Sporting events for Coal City Games  The National Sports Commission has clarified misconceptions relating to the Sports for the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu state, confirming that twenty(20) sports have been picked to feature at the Games. The NSC said the clarification has become very important to set the records straight following the meeting of the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade with States' Directors of Sports held in Abuja. The DG reiterated the Commission's exclusive rights to organise and coordinate the National Sports Festival and reaffirmed that the decision to reduce the number of sports to twenty(20) was taken at the last National council on sports meeting held in Calabar, in consideration of the prevailing economic realities in the country. The DG further explained that the Commission's decision to come up with a list of twenty (20) sports for the games is inline with the model being ...

Bahrain-Based Coach Oluyori Celebrates Aiyenugba, Lawani’s NNL Goalkeeping Awards Daniel and Clinton Nigerian coach, Solomon Oluyori, currently undergoing an advanced coaching course in Bahrain, has congratulated goalkeepers Daniel Aiyenugba and Clinton Lawani following their impressive individual achievements in the Nigeria National League (NNL). Coach Oluyori, who is participating in both theoretical and practical coaching classes alongside different clubs in Bahrain, expressed pride in the duo, noting that both goalkeepers were raised and developed under his guidance in Ilorin. Aiyenugba was recently named the Best Goalkeeper of the NNL season, while Lawani emerged as the Best Goalkeeper of the NNL Super 4 tournament after outstanding performances between the sticks. Coach Oluyori Reacting to the feat, Oluyori described the recognition as a reward for hard work, discipline and dedication, adding that their success gives him great joy as a coach. He stated tha...

Kwara FA Chairman Rallies Support For Kwara United’s Late-Season Push Kwara United’s improved form is being credited to the collective efforts of sports stakeholders across Kwara State, led by Kwara Football Association Chairman, Mallam Musa Idris Abdullahi Turaya The coordinated support from the FA Chairman and other key stakeholders has given the squad a clear sense of purpose, and it is showing on the pitch. This progress comes despite the Harmony Boys being forced to play their “home” games in Lagos due to a banishment order Despite being far from Ilorin, Kwara United produced one of their most convincing performances of the season on Sunday, defeating Enyimba FC 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The result lifts them to 11th on the NPFL table with one game to go The team’s final fixture is away to already-relegated Bayelsa United. Once that match is concluded, the long wait to return home will be over “I charge the team never to relent in their efforts,” ...

From Doubts To Heroics: Babatunde Bright Sparks Kwara United Survival Fight  Kwara United striker Babatunde Bright has emerged as one of the club’s most influential players after overcoming a difficult start to the Nigeria Premier Football League season. The forward came under intense criticism from supporters earlier in the campaign due to his inconsistent performances and lack of goals as Kwara United struggled in the lower half of the table. However, the attacker responded impressively in the second half of the season, rediscovering his confidence and becoming a key figure in the team’s fight against relegation. Babatunde has scored crucial goals at important moments to help the Harmony Boys move away from danger, while his recent form has further highlighted his resurgence.  The striker has netted three goals in his last two matches and now leads Kwara United’s attacking contributions in the #NPFL26 season with nine goal involvements, comprising six goals and t...

‘Go And Finish The Job In Bayelsa,’ Engr. Olaide Charges Kwara United After Enyimba Victory Renowned football enthusiast and administrator, Engr. Ahmed Olaide, has applauded the performance of Kwara United after their convincing 2-0 triumph over Enyimba FC at the Onikan Stadium. Olaide described the victory as a massive boost for the Harmony Boys in their fight to secure a respectable finish on the Nigeria Premier Football League table, noting that the players displayed determination, composure and quality throughout the encounter. He praised the team for rising to the occasion against one of the country’s biggest clubs and urged them not to relent despite the important result. The engineer further encouraged Kwara United to sustain the momentum heading into their final league fixture against already relegated Bayelsa United. “Go and finish the job in Bayelsa,” Olaide charged the team, stressing that ending the season with another victory would further reflect t...