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Ogunsanwo, Obasami Win South West Badminton Championship

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The second edition of the annual South West badminton championship came to a successful end on Easter Sunday with a new champion emerging.

The three day championship held at the Indoor Sports of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos saw Emmanuel Ogunsanwo of Lagos State defeating the reigning Champion also from Lagos State, Daniel Christopher Ebonyi by two straight sets of 21-15, 21-19 to emerge winner in the male’s singles category just as Jumoke Obasami also of Lagos State defeated  Dorcas Adesokun of Ogun State by 2-0 of 21-16, 21- 9 to emerge champion in the women’s singles final.

In the same vein, David Edun of Ogun State beat Israel Gbajobi also of Ogun State by 2-1 to emerge winner of the U-15 boy’s category while Omotayo Oguntayo of Ogun State defeated her compatriot, Salimat Ogunsola to win the girl’s  category.

The men Doubles event was won by David Christopher Ebonyi and Abel Joseph who defeated Rowland Okunola and Amos Ohirame by 2-0 of 21-11 and 23-22.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Lagos State Badminton Association, John Duru Esq, while explaining that the championship was put together to further developed the racket game in the South West geopolitical zone of the country as well as for talent hunt,  expressed happiness with the level of the competition even as he 

 commended Ogun State team for dominating the junior category.

“We organised this tournament inorder to discover new talents, expose them  and develop the game of badminton in the  South West  and I’m happy with the performance of the players.

” To show you the importance of this championship, both the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the national coach are all here because this championship serves as  a breeding ground for future  national team players 

” As you can see, the defending champion was defeated in the finals by a fellow Lagos State  team player which shows the level of the competition and unlike in the maiden edition where Lagos State carted away almost all the medals,  Ogun State won all the junior categories in this year’s edition which serves as a wake up call to Lagos State.

Duru who stated that the successes recorded in the maiden edition made it possible for the continuation of the tournament, commended Lagos State Government, the State’s Sports Commission and it’s Director General as well as their sponsors for ensuring that the championship holds.

Also speaking, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised the association for putting up such a tournament with an appeal to other geopolitical zones in the country to emulate Lagos State in the development of the game.

In a message he sent to the tournament, Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Olalekan Falodu commended the association for the championship, promising that the Commission will continue to ensure that sports is developed at the grassroots in the state.

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NSC Mourns The Passing Of Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai

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The National Sports Commission (NSC) is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, who pass on at the age of 61.

Rufai was not just a national treasure but a global ambassador of Nigerian football. His fearless goalkeeping, unmatched charisma, and commitment to the green and white made him a symbol of pride and resilience for millions of Nigerians.

Reacting to the news of his passing, chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed deep sorrow:

“This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero, he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”

Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also paid tribute:

“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian sports. His commitment to the game, both on and off the field, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts.”

A stalwart of the golden era of Nigerian football, Rufai played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 in both editions. 

At the club level, he had an illustrious career across Europe, representing top teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—most notably Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF.

Beyond his heroics on the pitch, Peter Rufai was a mentor and a beacon of inspiration to younger generations. After retirement, he dedicated his life to discovering and nurturing budding football talents, remaining a pillar of support and guidance in the football community.

The NSC extends heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all those whose lives were touched by the great Dodo Mayana.

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Nigeria Hosts  2025 World  Taekwondo  Level 2 (Advanced Level ) Coaching  Course In Abuja  

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The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has successfully hosted WT Level 2 (Higest Taekwondo Coaching Cadre Course) with about 40 taekwondo coaches drawn from different states and institutions across Nigeria. 

The World Taekwondo designated Tarik Benradi from Morocco as the Course Resource person. Tarik Benradi doubles as the Chairman African Taekwondo Union Referees Department. 

The course was declared open by the Chairman National Sports Commission  Shehu Dikko. He was accompanied by senior officers of the NSC like the Director FEAD and many aides. 

President Nigeria Taekwondo federation, Tayo Popoola was grateful for the rich support of the National Sports Commission.

The course covered core Taekwondo Coaching areas like Team Management, Athletes Psychology, Drug Education, Coaches Technical Knowledge of taekwondo contest rules etc. Physical, theoretical and visual means were employed to pass down instructions during the course.

All participants took an examination at the end of the course. 

The Closing Ceremony was witnessed by the President NOC Engnr Habu Gumel. 

Gumel promised to support the NTF if the next of such course could be hosted by Nigeria. 

Nigeria will be hosting 2 World Taekwondo tournaments in August and September this year. Which are signs that Nigeria is gradually coming back to the taekwondo world map

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NVBF Congratulates Customs Boss On Emergence As WCO Chairperson

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The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has congratulated the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

In a statement signed by NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the Federation expressed confidence that CGC Adeniyi will bring innovation and transformation to the WCO.

Nimrod noted that Adeniyi has significantly improved the fortunes of Nigeria Customs in a short time, adding that the global community will soon feel his positive impact.

He also highlighted Adeniyi’s strong support for sports, particularly volleyball, through consistent sponsorships.

“The entire board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation congratulates you on your election as Chairperson of the WCO Council,” the statement read.

“In just two years as CGC, you have not only boosted revenue collection and surpassed budgetary targets, but have also made substantial investments in volleyball.

“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service sponsored the 2024 Volleyball League and hosted the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, widely acclaimed as the best edition to date.

“We are confident you will exceed expectations at the WCO Council.”

CGC Adeniyi will officially assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.

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