Sports
Nigeria Withdraws From International Basketball Competitions

President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the immediate withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions for a period of two years with immediate effect.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Dare, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ismaila Abubakar, said a committee would be set up to oversee basketball leagues in the country.
“Following the unending crisis which has plagued and nearly crippled the development of basketball in Nigeria, President Buhari has approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions for a period of two years.
“This is with immediate effect,” he said.
The minister added that the withdrawal of Nigeria is in order to concentrate efforts by the government towards revamping the sport from the grassroots as well as domestic leagues which have become moribund.
“This will also allow for the setting up of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the management and development of the domestic basketball leagues in Nigeria,” he said.
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Dare also said this will further address other related issues around the development and advancement of the game in Nigeria.
He then called on stakeholders to help sustain and stabilise the game.
“In issuing the order, the Federal Government reiterates its interest and commitment to the development of the sport of basketball in Nigeria as well as huge talents of our youth domestically in an atmosphere free of rancour and squabbles.
“Government, therefore, calls on players, officials, fans, and other stakeholders of the sport to remain calm as it embarks on far-reaching initiatives to reposition, sustain and stabilise the game of basketball.
“This will aid in the growth and success of the sport in the long-term interest of the country,” the minister said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the basketball sport has been engulfed in leadership crisis in the last five years.
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Two parallel national federation board elections were held in 2017 (in Kano and Abuja) and 2022 (in Benin and Abuja), leading to the emergence of separate governing bodies.
NAN.
Sports
EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.
Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.
READ ALSO:EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea
Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.
The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.
With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.
More to follow…
Sports
EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
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Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.
It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.
The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.
Sports
Edo Sports Commission Boss Charges New Armwrestling Board To Prioritize Accessibility, Sponsorship

Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged members of the newly inaugurated Edo State Armwrestling Association board to embrace openness, accessibility, and proactive engagement with athletes and stakeholders.
Enabulele gave the charge during the board’s inauguration held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The event had in attendance Executive Directors, the Permanent Secretary, and other top officials of the Commission.
In a statement signed by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, the sports commission boss described the inauguration as “a new dawn in our collective journey to strengthen and elevate the standard of sports development in Edo State.”
READ ALSO:Enabulele Lauds Okpehbolo For Creating Enabling Environment For Football To Thrive
He urged the new executives to pursue sponsorships and partnerships that would drive growth and sustain the association’s programmes.
“Financial support is the lifeblood of sports,” Enabulele said.
“Through partnerships and sponsorships, we can provide the resources needed to nurture our athletes and expand our programmes.”
The Chairman also called for approachable leadership, encouraging the board to remain open to athletes, coaches, and stakeholders.
“Your guidance and presence will foster unity, strengthen teamwork, and create a culture of accountability and progress,” he added.
READ ALSO:Enabulele Hails Edo-born Athletes’ International Feats
Enabulele further announced plans to introduce quarterly appraisal sessions between the Commission and sports associations to ensure proper monitoring and measurable progress.
“These sessions will allow us to review achievements, address challenges, and design strategies for continued success,” he explained.
He urged the new board members to carry out their duties with dedication and vision, stressing that their collective efforts would transform Edo sports and inspire the next generation of champions.
In his response, the new Chairman of the Edo Armwrestling Association, Mr. Eromosele Albert, pledged to organize both national and international armwrestling competitions to boost the sport’s visibility and give Edo athletes more exposure.
Albert noted that armwrestling is gaining rapid popularity in the United States and Canada and promised to leverage global trends to enhance the sport’s profile and financial sustainability in Edo State.
He also expressed confidence that Team Edo would perform strongly at the next National Sports Festival, where the sport offers 34 gold medals.
The inauguration ceremony ended with exhibition matches featuring male and female athletes competing in both left and right-hand categories.
Those inaugurated into the board include: Mr. Eromosele Albert (Chairman), Divine Rosemary (Acting Secretary/Coach), Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mr. Johnson Femi, Mr. Johnny Summers, Mr. Osagie Oghuma Peter, Dr. Benson Ogala, and Mr. Iraoya Olarenwaju.
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