Sports
Presilent, Veteran Wrestlers Association Of Nigeria, Morris Atula Vows To Revive Nigerian Wrestling.
Presilent, Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, Morris Atula says the Association has fully concluded plans to revive Nigerian Wrestling.
The former Nigeria, Commonwealth and World Wrestling champion said Veterans are shocked by the poor state of Nigerian wrestling hence this renewed resolve to return Wrestling to glory years
The London based Atula who has been Chairman of Edo state Wrestling Association in the last four years decried poor outing of Team Nigeria Wrestlers at Paris 2024 Olympic Games and other championships, saying that these are confirmation of bad leadership in the past twelve years.
“Nigeria is a strong Wrestling nation but poor planning and lack of motivation from the outgoing board of Nigeria wrestling Federation has been the bane.
There were no national programmes and championships for discovering and nurturing of new wrestling stars.
“Focus was more on Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta area while the North, South West, North Central and other geopolitical zones were completely ignored.
This has to change as most veterans who won laurels in the past for Nigeria have been neatly penciled down for the revival of Nigeria Wrestling.
If I and other stakeholders are voted in into the next board of Nigeria wrestling federation, Nigerian wrestlers would the rule the world again as it were when we were fighting regularly”.
Also speaking after recent veterans’ online meeting financial secretary of the Nigeria veterans wrestlers association , Philip Momoh said Henceforth, veterans would play key roles in scouting and developing talents nationally.
There would be rotational programmes, training and championships in the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country. We (veterans) have chosen Moris Atula as the nest president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation at the expiration of the Daniel Igali led board’.
Indeed Momoh who led a veterans’ delegation to visit new National Sports Commission chairman, Shehu Dikko last week in Abuja was emphatic that Atula is most qualified to be the president of the Nigeria wrestling Federation.
‘Atula is a technocrat who knows what wrestlers and wrestling requires to excel. He is a team player and does not run a one man show. He could not have visited Shehu Dikko alone in Abuja as Igali did.
We trust that Atula will continue with same humble and togetherness spirit while also providing vital sporting materials like Mats and other well fair packages in the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country.
“Moris Atula believes in working with the best hands to achieve results because that was how he became a world champion.
He knows everyone, we know him and he knows us. Atula has interest of wrestlers in mind and will work with the best coaches and technocrats who had been champions at different times.
Only such a man can make us produce world champions and avoid a repeat of the present lamentation after Paris 2024 Olympic Games flop’, Momoh concluded.
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.
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
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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