Sports
National Sports Festival Unity Torch Arrives Benin

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
Ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival slated for Ogun State, the Torch of Unity for the festival arrived Benin on Wednesday.
Receiving the torch on behalf of the Edo State government at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended President Bola Tinubu for transforming the country’s sports sector, uniting the people, and rekindling hopes amongst the Nigerian youths.
Idahosa, who expressed optimism on the outcome of the National Sports Festival, noted that with the magnitude of investment and commitment by the Okpebholo-led administration in revamping the sports sector of Edo State, he was sure that the Edo Team would make Edo people proud.
“I want to thank the President, His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for using sports to bring all the youths of Edo State and across the country together.
READ ALSO: NSF: Enabulele Visits Team Edo, Hails Okpehbolo’s Commitment To Sports Development
“For us in Edo, we are ready to support the Edo State Sports Commission to win medals and we are very sure that they are going to come home top position,” Idahosa enthused.
In his address, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin, commended the laudable impact of Governor Okpebholo in equipping and transforming the sports sector of the state.
He expressed the state’s preparedness to emerge victorious in the forthcoming National Sports Festival.
“We would all be gathering in Ogun State from the 16th to the 30th of May, 2025. As you know, Edo State is known for sports. When you say Edo State, you say Sports”.
READ ALSO: NSF: Aim For Top Honours, Edo Sports Commission Boss Charges Coaches, Others
“The last sports festival we came out third, but this time around, the governor, distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, has given us the support that we need. So, this time around, we know that Edo State is going to come out top there,” Amadin reassured.
In her remarks, the team lead for the National Sports Festival Torch, Mbora Ikana, expressed optimism on the success of the forthcoming National Sports Festival and its impact in nurturing young talents amongst our youths in the State and country at large
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission that was mandated by the President, Ahmed Tinubu, to take the torch round the 36 states including Abuja.
“We are in Edo State today, and the essence of the torch is to invite the state to the Festival and to create awareness that sport is the only unifying platform in our country and we are are supposed to harness the talents of our youths through sports”, Ikana said.
Sports
EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.
City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.
READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test
Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.
He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.
“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”
Sports
UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.
Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.
Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.
READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal
According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.
“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.
“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG
“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.
“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”
Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.
Sports
Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.
Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.
“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.
READ ALSO:Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office
He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.
“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.
The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.
Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.
READ ALSO:2025 NYG: Be Determined, Enabulele Charges Team Edo, As Screening Commences In A’Ibom
“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.
Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.
“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.
Politics4 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Re-election May Put An End To Nigeria — Baba Ahmed Warns
Metro5 days agoI’m A Street Girl’ – Bimbo Ademoye Clashes With Area Boys [VIDEO]
Politics4 days agoSenatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South
Politics4 days agoBREAKING: 2027: Former Adamawa APC Guber Candidate, Aishatu Binani Defects To NDC
Business3 days agoJUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike
Entertainment4 days agoActress Eniola Badmus Gets New Federal Appointment
News4 days ago10 African Countries With Highest Petrol Prices In Prices In April 2026
News1 day agoBREAKING: Wike Picks Alabo George For Rivers Governorship
News3 days ago2027: Pastor Adeboye Speaks On Nigeria’s Next President
Politics4 days ago2027: Pondi, Otuaro, Other Delta South Stakeholders, Endorse Senator Joel-Onowakpo For Second Term
















