Category: Sports

BY TONY ERHA It was in October, a semi-summer-month and twilight of the year that ushers in the chilling and extreme winter. A nonagenarian woman gave me a friendly smile that revealed cheeky dimples. As I bowed respectfully to her ripened age, she offered a leathery hand for a handshake, which I received warmly, returning her infectious smile. For a youth who prays for longevity shouldn’t deprive the elderly of the walking stick. I had helped her, carrying a furred handbag to our seats on a night-long intercity bus, from Istanbul to Ankara, in Turkey, the Balkan nation, where we stopped over, in year 2004. She spoke Turkish rapidly, whilst I retorted in a passable and incoherent Turkish language that ‘I don’t speak the official language of the only country of the world that is located on two continents; Europe and Asia. “You American?” She asked in English. It was obvious that my jeans, necklace and a fez cap that I upturned, in the manner of the Yankees, might have portrayed me as one. “No. I am a Nigerian”, I said, dragging the words. “You Nee-jay-rian!” she exclaimed, whilst I nodded confidently. Then she was elated; “Okocha Jay-Jay!” She spoke to others in the bus that clapped and hailed. I wondered why a 91 years-old-woman, was so passionate about football and one of its heroes, as if she was a youth. At her request, an old video of a football match showed the mesmerising display of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, viewed on a television set affixed to the bus. There were instantaneous excitement and catcalls each time Okocha, the great football ‘talisman’ from Nigeria, did his ball flips and dribble-runs that displaced his opponents, earning him one of the few (if not the greatest) football entertainers in football’s history. It was as if the video tape, recorded in his notable plays in Besiktas, a Turkish club side, was a live match. So great was Okocha’s global fame that the old woman relived again; “Jay Jay Okocha is a dangerous footballer, who’s full of tricks on the field of play. The only trick he didn’t do with the ball from his bag of football artistry was to play on top the swimming pool”. In Mustafa Ataturk’s nation, footballers of Nigeria’s decent had and still make their soccer very eventful. Victor Osimhen, the leggy playmaker and striker with a dye-hair like the white mushroom head, who recently renewed his contract with Galatasaray, a Turkish top team, is also a Nigerian, who has received the applause in the peninsula country and across the globe like Jay Jay Okocha. Candidly, Oshimen, the goal mechine, who is a tonic to the Turks and football fans across the world, also does the unimaginative with the round leather, but certainly not with the same fascinating skills of Jay Jay! But the Turkish fans are readily tilted to football fanaticism. If it’s ‘fanatic-fans’ in Turkish football, it’s certainly ‘supporters hooliganism’ in the United Kingdom (UK), where association soccer (football) was founded in 1863, with similar kicking games played in Greece, China and Rome since 2,000 years. In UK, football is played with fanfares, pool betting and media vuvuzela. English soccer is a gainful entertainment industry raking in huge gate fees from plays, promotions, television and media razzmatazz, which is often imitated in Nigeria, with passions and ‘occult’ following. So worrisome was the ‘social hype and lawlessness’ youths and others attach to English soccer that security operatives have constant migraine fighting soccer addiction and frequent street brawls. Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Dan Amokachi, Taribo West and other Nigerian stars, that once dominated and currently rule other foreign clubs, opened the floodlight of extremist football following into the country. Once upon a time, the then Prince Charles (now the king of England), was spotted (with young boys) playing the game, inside the Buckingham Palace, all wearing jersey number ’10’ with Jay Jay Okocha’s name inscribed). That the number-one-global-royalty adored soccer by wearing the jersey of a footballer from a third-world African nation, somewhat illustrates that which is often said about soccer being more than a mere sport. ‘Football Tripper’, a British online news porter, describes soccer as “oxygen” to numerous men and women. In Brazil, the South American nation, there is a deity called “Soccer”, as well as it’s a vivacious Reggae, a unique music genre in Jamaica. Still, it is food and sups in Nigeria. In this Africa’s most populous nation, with plentiful viewing centres and liquor spots, there are live television football tournaments and soccer video games, with consumable food, alcoholics, carbonated drinks and some ‘unlawful substances’ that are at the behest of business owners and ‘intoxicated’ fans. In what soccer dramatics came to know as ‘the Dammam Miracle’, viewing centres, beer parlours and restaurants were instantly sold out in the country, in 1989, after ‘footbocrazy’ Nigerians, stormed the streets in prolonged wild celebrations. For the Nigerian U-20 football team, at the FIFA World Youth Championship, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, came back from a four-goal deficit to level up and defeat the Russian counterpart, making the Nigerian team the first to come back from a semi-final to win a FIFA tournament. Soccer, indeed, is a crazy sport in Nigeria. Once upon a time, a man had shattered the screen of his expensive television, because Austin Jay Jay Okocha, his favourite star, had lost a penalty in a continental match! It’s said that football, especially when the Nigerian national teams of men and woman play, tends to unite Nigerians than other national blights that turn them apart. Now, the current national fanaticism is for the Victor Osimhen-inspired Super Eagles, to qualify for the 2026 World Cup gala, even though it has to go the extra obstacles of playing more legs, whereas the team had frittered the early opportunities to qualify. And sensing that most Nigerians care less of the economic woes that plagued them, but for the football fad, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the nation’s President, would

  The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Nigeria D’Tigress for their superlative performance and victory over Mali. He said in his congratulating message that was personally signed by him and made available to journalists in Abuja that the Nigeria’s D’Tigress once again proved their dominance on the continent, defeating Mali to retain their crown in the final of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship held in Ivory Coast. The NIS Boss who is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo state said the encounter started with the Nigerian ladies setting the tempo, but Mali fought back to edge the first quarter 26–21. D’Tigress responded strongly in the second quarter, leveling the score at 41–41 by halftime. The defending champions came alive in the third quarter, taking control of the game before sealing an impressive 78–64 victory after a fiercely contested final quarter. With this win, D’Tigress successfully defended their title, making it five consecutive AfroBasket triumphs — a historic feat in African women’s basketball. The excited NIS DG, applauded the technical crew, the Musa kida led Basketball federation and the National Sports Commission for their moral and financial support to the team .

… Tasks them to remain focus … Salute NFF for standing by the team   The Director General of the National Institute for Sports, H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for delivering a five-star performance on Friday night in Casablanca, crushing Zambia 5-0 to seal their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo state who said he was so excited watching the Nigeria ladies in devastating show of strength and experience, a warning shot to the rest of the continent, and a harsh lesson for a Zambian side that had looked promising, until they ran into Nigeria. While, commending the team , the technical crew and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, the NIS boss tasked the team to remain focus ahead of their semi- final. The former Bendel Insurance of Benin player said from the first whistle, Nigeria meant business. Towering centre-back Osinachi Ohale opened the floodgates just 100 seconds in, nodding home a perfectly delivered free-kick from Esther Okoronkwo. Shaibu called on Nigerians to put the team , technical crew and the leadership of the NFF in prayers before, during and after their final match in Morocco.

… Says, Sports is an engine room to fight insecurity … Sports can open doors for the Nation economic…. Shaibu. The Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Gen. Christopher Musa has expressed the military readiness to partner with the National Institute for sports in the training and retraining of its coaches and athletes for ultimate performance. The CDS also called on all stakeholders in sports to revived all grassroots sports across the States saying that sports remains an engine room to fight insecurity. Gen. Christopher Musa who said he still remain a member of the Edo State Handball Association stressed that Nigeria is blessed with talents said, “once we engaged the youths, there will be no crime. In Nigeria, we are bless with talents. I can assured you of the military readiness to collaborate and partner with national Institute for sports in training and retraining of our coaches and athletes . Am an advocate of catch them young. We will give you the needed support in this direction”, he said. Earlier, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu said that the institution management visited the CDS to seek for collaboration and partnership with the military and also to introduce themselves to the CDS. The former deputy governor of Edo State stressed the need for individual, government and cooperate bodies to invest in sports adding that, “sports can deal with all aspects of the economic. “Funny enough Sir, NIS was established 50years ago, but can I tell you that the institution only breakground for 5 years. Since then , NIS has been in the limbo. “NIS is a training institution. It has the capacity to train all management of the sports eco-system, is our responsibility. Looking at the military structure in terms of sports, we will have no choice but to visit and seek for collaboration and partnership. While lamenting the death of state League across the country, Comrade Philip Shaibu, the DG/CEO of National Institute for Sports therefore advocated for the return of the league pointing out that the league can employ thousands of young Nigerians , thereby reducing the rate of crime. The DG /CEO NIS who also briefed the CDS of the core mandate of the institute, said he is ready to work along with the renewed hope agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in ensuring the certificate of the institution is well recognized here in Nigeria and globally. Ben Ogbemudia S.A.Media Office of the DG/CEO NIS

  The director general of the National Institute for Sports and immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State ,Comrade Philip Shaibu has attributed his appointment to divine favour during a thanksgiving service held at Saint Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City on Sunday. The thanksgiving service was attended by notable dignitaries including the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Hon Taiwo Akerele, Hon Member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II, Honorable Donald Okogbe, and many others. Shaibu expressed his unreserved gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of reforming and rebranding the National Institute for Sports. He assured that he would make the President proud by delivering on his mandate and aligning the institute’s operations with the Renewed Hope agenda. The Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, congratulated Shaibu on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate. Shaibu, in turn, assured that he and Idahosa would be good ambassadors of Edo State, working tirelessly to promote the state’s interests. The thanksgiving service was followed by a reception at his residence on Adeyan Avenue, where friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate his appointment.

    The newly appointed Director General of National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu has assumed duties at the headquarters of the Institution in Lagos on Monday 16th June,2025. The Director General and immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State was received on arrival by management staff of the institution. He was joined by the Directors at the conference room where he received the handover notes from his immediate predecessor, Professor Morolayo Fasakin who was represented by Mrs Omonude. According to the press statement issued by Mr Ben Ogbemudia, media special assistant to the new DG , Comrade Philip Shaibu,  the  DG  appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust and confidence reposed in him and assured that she will do his best with profound sense of duty, responsibility and dedication to unreservedly serve the country along with the President renewed hope agenda. Shaibu promised to lead by example and sustain collaboration with relevant partners and requested for cooperation of staff towards achieving set targets of proactive tasks of the institution. The DG also held a meeting with the staff in Abuja were he solicited for their understanding to deliver on the President renewed hope agenda. ” I have come here to work with you in line with the mandate of Mr. President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda. Our business here is sports. President has a vision for sports to take its pride in Africa. “So, ours here is to train world class coaches, athletes that will go out there as our product. We must turn things around. All over the world there is shortage of para – medis , we must produce them . Am drafted here by Mr. President, I have come and I must deliver. We need to wake up, we must deliver on our tasks. ” We will train our coaches, athletes and para-medis for the world. We have the potentials and I believe in collective work. So, NIS must deliver on its mandate.”

 Comrade Philip Shaibu …vows to bring it back to Life   The National Institute of Sports in Surulere, Lagos, has been left to rot away even though it supposedly to train and retrain our national coaches and medi care personnel. Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, the newly appointed Director-General, earlier on Monday took a tour of the facilities and was met with an institution in disarray. The dormitories, offices, and toilet facilities are all in a sorry state, with signs of neglect and decay evident everywhere. The water system, electricity, and overall maintenance of the facilities are in dire need of attention. Shaibu was visibly moved by the state of the facilities and has vowed to bring the institution back to life. Given the magnitude of the task ahead, it’s clear that Shaibu will need to act swiftly and decisively to restore the institute to its former glory. In light of the institute’s condition, It is now clear for Shaibu as he declared a state of emergency for the renovation of the National Institute of Sports.

  The Director General of the National Institute of Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu and the Nigeria Football Federation president, Ibrahim Gusua has thrown their weight behind the Governor Diri Douye governor’s cup tournament. The dou were at the finals of Governor’s Cup final between Eternal Grace Ministry FC (EGM FC) and Advance Dreams FA at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute of Sports and immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, was in attendance, lending his support to the event. The Governor’s Cup tournament, which commenced earlier in 2025, has been a thrilling competition, featuring top teams from across the state. As the match gets concluded, both teams gave their all, Comrade Philip Shaibu watched the game closely his experience as a sports administrator informing his analysis of the game. The crowd is fully engaged, cheering on their favoite team with enthusiasm. Philip Shaibu’s presence is adding to the excitement, and he is being warmly received by the Governor of Bayelsa State and other sports enthusiasts, including NFF president, Mallam Ibrahim Musa Gusau, former super Eagles Coach and Technical Director Samson Siasia and Austin Egueavon. As the tournament ends, the DG , National Institute of Sports hope that other Governors should emulate their Bayless state counterpart in developing grassroots sports through cach them young. Speaking shortly after the the tournament, Shaibu said look forward into partnership with state governments in producing experience and qualified coaches in different sports field. ” Yes, an happy that am here to witness this final game, we are ready to partner with all State Governors and the FCT in our task ahead. We need to measure up globally in terms of our coaches Media care . “

Senior special assistant on grassroots sports development to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, has sent a graciously heartwarming congratulatory message to Comrade Phillip Shaibu on his recent appointment as the new Director General of the National Institute for sports (NIS), saying, Shaibu’s remarkable achievements in sports development and what he has done to transform sports in Edo state during his time as Deputy Governor, made him worthy and credible for such lofty appointment. ‘I want to formally congratulate my good friend and brother, Comrade Phillip Shaibu, on his recent appointment as the DG of NIS., without mincing words, he deserves this big appointment, because, his antecedents and genuine commitment to sports development have proven that he has the capacity and capability to head and take the NIS to greater heights, “he said. “Shaibu, is a well known figure in the country’s sports industry and beyond i know he will bring his expertise to the fore in his new role in alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda of, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, he added. Philip Shaibu takes over with immediate effect from Prof. Olawale Moronkola, and he is expected to initiate reforms in the Institute to reposition it to live up to its expected heights.

… Calls for Nigerians total support By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja Comrade Philip Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State says he strongly believed that the Super Eagles world Cup qualification is still very much alive despite the 1-1 draw at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday. Shaibu in a press statement shortly after the game said he watched the Super Eagles take on Zimbabwe live at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in the World Cup Qualifier said,” I must say, our “boys” gave their all on the pitch. The energy, skill, passion, determination, and desire to win were clear for everyone to see. According to him, “From the first whistle to the last, they fought to secure the win, dominating large spells of the game. Though it ended in a 1-1 draw, one thing is clear—we have a team that is capable of making it to the World Cup, and I strongly believe we are still on course for qualification. “Coach Eric Chelle summed it up perfectly in his post-match press conference: “We were the best team on the pitch… this is football.” Yes, mistakes happen, and sometimes, results don’t go the way we want. But what matters now is how we respond. We have seen teams face setbacks and still rise to greatness, and Nigeria can do the same. “With the right mindset, tactical adjustments, and unwavering support from Nigerians, we can still secure the second-place finish and book our ticket to the World Cup. “I want to commend every player who gave their all on the pitch, the coaching staff for their tireless efforts, and the fans who came out in numbers to support the team. Football is a journey, and while challenges will come, true champions are defined by how they rise after a tough moment. “Now is the time to rally behind our team, to trust and believe in the process, and to keep pushing forward. The dream is still alive, and with the right focus, passion, and support, we can achieve our goal. “Nigeria, let’s stand together! Our Super Eagles will soar again.”