Sports
NOC Handles Scholarship Grants To Athletes With Transparency

The National Olympic Committee (NOC) obtains scholarships from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its affiliate bodies, namely Olympic Solidarity and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOCA).
These scholarships are directly deposited into the athlete’s accounts.
The selection process involves a complex but meticulous system evolved over the years by the Olympic Movement. The recommendations commence from the respective federations, continental and international federations.
Athletes must meet specific criteria set out by awarding bodies to be considered eligible for the awards of scholarships.
Once the awarding bodies process the funds, they, then, inform the National Olympic Committees about the athletes who will receive the scholarships.
The NOCs, then, ensure that verified athletes’ accounts are provided for the funds to be dispatched.
Athletes are expected to confirm the receipt of their funds to both the NOCs and the awarding bodies.
Deliberately spreading misinformation about such an important but complex matter without contacting the Custodians of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the Movement.
The NOC accredits all recommended athletes, who have met the minimum Olympic standards and qualifications to be in the Olympic Games and this case the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The Ministry of Sports Development pays the Athletes their due and deserved allowances as and when due at Games times.
Today date, there is no Nigerian athlete now or in the past known to the NOC that has ever complained about not being paid their Olympic Grant.
This is exactly what transpired in Ghana at the 13th African Games and the previous Games. We in the NOC are satisfied that the current Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh followed a transparent process in granting athletes and officials their allowances and winning bonuses.
It is, therefore, disheartening to see esteemed organizations, like Channels TV, promoting fake news through their London-based sports Correspondent, Austin Okon Akpan, who described the NOC officials and those of the sports Ministry as ”incompetent”. This is a strong language easily associated with the ‘street’ media.
In this modern era of journalism, there is no place for practices that aim at undermining a credible non-governmental organization like the NOC by Channels TV that has deliberately misinformed the General public.
Sports
NSC Mourns The Passing Of Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai

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

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
Sports
NVBF Congratulates Customs Boss On Emergence As WCO Chairperson

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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