Sports

Senate Accuses Sport Minister Of Tribalism, Rejects D-G Nominee

Published

4 years ago

November 4, 2021

The Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development, on Thursday accused the Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare of tribalism and nepotism.

The Senate made the remark while rejecting the decision of Dare to appoint his kinsman, Soji Eniade as the Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), a parastatal in the Presidency but under the supervision of the Ministry.

The Committee said it was unfair for Dare to appoint his kinsman as the Director General of the Training Centre when the Acting Director General, Oluremi Sola-Phillips who hails from Lagos State has been doing well as the head of the Centre.

The Committee also accused the Sports Minister of previously removing two heads of agencies under the Ministry, including that of the National Sports Institute, and replaced them with people from his State of Oyo State, who are also said to be related to him.

The committee made its stance known when the management of CLTC went to the senate to defend the 2022 budget proposal.

When it was the turn of the Centre to defend its budget, the committee had called for the Director-General to begin the budget defence. But, instead of Sola-Phillips taking the podium, Mr. Soji Eniade stood up and introduced himself as the Director General.

The Committee expressed surprise because he was a stranger in their midst. He then told the Committee that he was appointed to the position ‘two days ago,’ adding that though he was the Director-General, the Budget would be defended by the Acting Director-General.

This submission led to question and answer session. In the process, Mr Eniade said the Minister appointed him as the Centre’s DG and that the appointment came from the President.

Following further questions, Mr Eniade said that he was from Oyo State which raised the curiosity of the Senators.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Sen. Obinna Ogba from Ebonyi State recalled that the Minister had previously eased out two heads of parastatals under the Ministry and replaced them with people from his home state of Oyo, including that of the National Sports Institute.

According to DAILY POST, Obinna said it was wrong and abuse of office for the Minister to attempt bypassing the Acting Director General of CLTC who is from Lagos State and to replace him with his kinsman from Oyo State.

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Sports

[FULL LIST] U-17 W’ World Cup: Nigeria Face Italy As Knockout Stage Begins

Published

7 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Editor

The knockout phase of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Flamingos drawn against Italy in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Nigeria.

Their qualification follows an emphatic 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their impressive group-stage campaign as they continue their push for a historic first world title.

Host nation Morocco will also be in action the same evening, taking on South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, where home fans are expected to create a charged atmosphere in support of the Atlas Lionesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil will battle China PR, while the United States square off against the Netherlands, both matches slated for 4:30 p.m. in Sale.

The game continues on Wednesday, October 29, with Mexico facing Paraguay at 4:30 p.m., while defending champions Spain meet France in a mouthwatering all-European clash at the same time and venue.

Later that night, Canada will take on Zambia, and Japan, one of the tournament’s top contenders, will lock horns with Colombia to round off the Round of 16 fixtures.

All matches will be staged across venues in Rabat and Sale, with global coverage available via major sports networks and FIFA’s digital platforms.

As the competition enters its decisive stage, only four wins now separate the remaining 16 teams from lifting the prestigious U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Eight winning teams in the round of 16 will move to the quarter-final stage starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Full Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brazil U17 vs China PR U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

United States U17 vs Netherlands U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17 – 8:00 PM (Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat)

South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

Spain U17 vs France U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Canada U17 vs Zambia U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Japan U17 vs Colombia U17 – 8:00 PM (Venue TBC)

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

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.

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…