Sports

Ex-Edo Sports Commission Chair Appointed As Head, Elite Athletes Development, Podium Board

Published

10 months ago

January 22, 2025

The National Sports Commission,(NSC), has appointed E’xinternational and former Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Olympian Yusuf Ali as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board.

The appointment was contained In a statement signed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon, Bukola Olopade.

The statement specified that the board has been saddled with the mandate of creating a sustainable system for Nigeria Elites and their welfare.

According to the statement, Mr Bambo Akanni of the ‘Making of Champions’ serves as a consultant and member of the Committee.

The 13 member committee will also have Prof. Ken Anugweje as Adviser and member.

Other members of the board included: Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi.

The Committee also has former Olympian Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode and Olalekan Alabi as members, while Bamiduro Olumide serves as Secretary.

The statement reads in part: “All the members of the committee were carefully selected based on their expertise and wealth of experience to help ensure Nigeria has a sustainable podium success at International competitions with a scientific reward system.

“And this is one of the innovations of the Commission under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko so that the issues of Athletes Welfare and Training Grants are professionally managed henceforth.

“What we have done now is to ensure that there is a sustainable system that will empower potential athletes that will be on the Podium for the ountry and this is one of many initiatives that the Commission will be rolling out under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy”, Olopade emphasized.

Sports

EPL: Berbatov Names Team That Can ‘Surprise’ Arsenal In Title Race

Published

23 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has named the team that could “surprise” Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners are now six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, thanks to their 4-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s men could extend that lead to nine points, when they travel to face the Blues this weekend.

Berbatov has now said he expects Arsenal to be “really tested” over the hectic festive period and says their title credentials will become clearer in the New Year.

“Of course Liverpool are low in the table and Man City are dropping points, but there are other teams like Chelsea who can surprise people,” Berbatov told ESPN.

“Six points is a good cushion but in the Premier League it’s nothing and can go very quickly.”

Sports

Champions League: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Bayern Munich Clash

Published

23 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

The Gunners have won their first four matches in the competition without conceding a single goal.

Arteta’s men will be looking to continue their perfect start with a win over Bayern at the Emirates.

Arsenal could have captain Martin Odegaard back for the game, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

“Yeah they are [Madueke and Martinelli in contenton to start] and we’re going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin [Odegaard],” Arteta told reporters today.

“He was very close for the previous game.

“We are confident he can be in the squad as well.”