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The Game Of New Thinking: How Federation Secretaries Are Powering A New Era for Nigerian Sports

BY KOLA DANIEL

There is a quiet revolution happening in Nigerian sports. At the heart of it is a bold new strategy by the National Sports Commission (NSC), and it’s beginning to yield tangible dividends. This new thinking has found expression in one of the most critical layers of the sports ecosystem—the secretaries of national sports federations.

In a move that industry observers have hailed as both strategic and timely, the NSC recently executed a major shakeup—reassigning secretaries to federations where their expertise, passion, and vision align more closely with the goals of each sport. The results are already turning heads.

One shining example is the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), where a newly launched initiative, Raising Athletics Champions Everywhere (RACE), is making waves. The project led by AFN Secretary Isreal Inwang, RACE has been approved for grant funding by World Athletics—a significant endorsement of Nigeria’s reimagined approach to grassroots sports development.

The project aims to increase grassroots participation in athletics among children aged 6 to 14 by integrating the Kids’ Athletics program into schools nationwide.

It will train 1,000 Physical Education (PE) teachers, establish sustainable athletics clubs in primary and secondary schools to engage 4,000 children, and implement a nationwide tracking system to monitor young athletes’ progression from beginner to elite level.

By reaching 774 schools per year, the project promotes inclusive access to athletics, develops young talent, and aligns with the World Plan for Athletics by expanding participation and embedding athletics into the education system.

With the right leadership and support as offered by the NSC and sports federations themselves , secretaries can drive innovation, foster talent development, and position their sports for local and international success.

These moves will see improved outcomes at respective federations.

In cricket, the Nigerian U-19 team delivered a historic performance at the World Cup, finishing 5th globally—an unprecedented feat for a country previously considered a minor player in the sport. That success didn’t just happen overnight. It was the result of meticulous planning and renewed vigor at the Nigeria Cricket Federation, where the new secretary has been instrumental in laying a foundation for global competitiveness.

Basketball, too, has seen a resurgence. After a sluggish start to the AfroBasket qualifiers, D’Tigers mounted a remarkable comeback to secure their qualification. The turnaround was not merely athletic—it was administrative. Behind the scenes, strategic planning and robust support from the federation’s secretariat played a pivotal role in ensuring Nigeria remained on course.

In para-badminton, Nigeria’s athletes soared in international circuits, clinching medals in Spain’s Toledo and Victoria tournaments, and shining again at the African Championships in Cameroon. Table tennis has followed suit, with Nigeria impressing at the ITTF circuit, securing qualification and further cementing its place as a continental powerhouse.

Meanwhile, the nation’s Paralympic athletes are proving their mettle as well—three gold medals have already been secured in Jordan at the time of reporting. These successes point to a consistent theme: sports federations are becoming better organized, more visionary, and increasingly result-driven.

Much of this transformation can be traced back to the leadership at the NSC. Under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, the Commission has embraced “positive disruption” as a guiding principle. Their mandate to restructure, refocus, and reset the Nigerian sports sector is paying off—not just in medals and rankings, but in restored confidence.

And indeed, they are delivering. Last month, a national age-grade swimming tournament was organized to spotlight and nurture young talent. It is part of a broader commitment to long-term planning—a shift from reactive sports administration to a sustainable model built around discovery, development, and discipline.

In this unfolding story of renewal, the federation secretaries are not just placeholders —they are visionaries, architects of a better future for Nigerian sports. Thanks to their passion, initiative, and unwavering commitment, the game of new thinking is no longer just a slogan. It is a movement—one that is powering Nigerian sports to new heights.

 

*Kola Daniel is the Special Adviser on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission 

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Beckham Joins Bellingham & Trent to Unveil Retro Gunmetal Adidas Predator Mania

David Beckham Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold posing with the gunmetal adidas Predator Mania boots

Beckham Links Up With The New Generation

Adidas just pulled off the ultimate fusion of eras — pairing Real Madrid legend David Beckham with modern-day stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to unveil the new throwback Predator Mania Gunmetal.

The visual alone is powerful:
Beckham, the man who helped define the Predator legacy, standing alongside the players shaping a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu.

It’s nostalgia meeting modern football culture in the cleanest way possible.

How Beckham & Zidane Made The Predator A Cultural Icon

In the 2000s, football boots had personalities — and none louder than the Predator.

Thanks to players like:

  • David Beckham

  • Zinedine Zidane

  • Steven Gerrard

…the Predator brand became more than footwear — it became a symbol of confidence, control, and creativity.

Beckham’s signature whip-your-free-kick technique and the unforgettable fold-over tongue made Predator Mania one of the most legendary boots ever created.

And now in 2025, it’s back — reborn with purpose.

A Historic Gunmetal Colourway Returns

The 2025 Predator Mania comes in a stunning Gunmetal grey, blending early-2000s nostalgia with fresh modern flair.

Adidas describes it as:

  • “Metallic, polished and aggressive”

  • Featuring crisp white Three Stripes

  • And the iconic red fold-over tongue — embroidered and unapologetically bold

Beckham famously wore this colourway during his early Real Madrid days.
It quickly became a cult favourite, often called “one of the most photogenic boots of its era.”

Now it’s back — and it looks better than ever.

Engineered For Today’s Game

While the look is faithful, adidas didn’t simply remake the past — they improved it.

The 2025 Predator Mania is crafted in the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, the birthplace of many legendary Predator lines.

Key enhancements include:

  • Upgraded comfort

  • Subtle structural refinement

  • Increased responsiveness

  • Modern fit for today’s style of play

In short:
Old-school swagger meets high-performance engineering.

Back On The Bernabéu Grass

The revival feels even more fitting because two current Real Madrid stars — Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold — will bring the Gunmetal Mania back to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.

From Beckham’s free-kick artistry to Bellingham’s midfield dominance and Trent’s laser passing…
the Predator legacy remains in elite company.

Adidas couldn’t have scripted a better generational handover.

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Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor: Can Cimbom Break Samsunspor’s Unbeaten Run In A Heated Super Lig Clash?

Galatasaray players celebrating a goal ahead of their match against Samsunspor.

Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor Match Preview

The Turkish Super Lig title race is heating up, and Friday’s clash between Galatasaray and Samsunspor carries huge implications for both ends of the table. Cimbom remain top, but their recent dip in form has opened the door for rivals — and Samsunspor are arriving in Istanbul with confidence and a 14-game unbeaten streak.

This matchup promises intensity, tactics, and a battle of resilience versus home dominance.

Galatasaray Searching For Lost Spark

Galatasaray head into this fixture frustrated after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser in the derby against Fenerbahce — a result that denied them a chance to go four points clear.

Their early-season sharpness has faded:

  • 9 wins in their first 10 games

  • Only 1 win in their last 4

  • Three matches without scoring during Victor Osimhen’s absence

The Nigerian striker’s return instantly improves their attack, but Okan Buruk’s side still need to rediscover the fluid, cohesive football that put them top of the table.

Samsunspor’s Incredible Unbeaten Run

Samsunspor enter the match in fantastic form:

  • Unbeaten in 14 across all competitions (7W, 7D)

  • 10 straight games unbeaten in the league

  • A habit of rising to big games — drawing against Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Trabzonspor

However, three consecutive draws — including a late 1-1 against Alanyaspor — show they sometimes struggle to finish opponents off.

Thomas Reis’s men sit 5th with 25 points, but defeat could drop them down the table. Still, their discipline and structure make them one of the most difficult teams to break down this season.

Head-to-Head: A Fixture Dominated By Galatasaray

History heavily favours the hosts:

  • Galatasaray have won the last eight meetings

  • Samsunspor’s last victory over Cimbom feels like a lifetime ago

  • Recent games have been high scoring and entertaining

With form and past meetings combined, Galatasaray remain favourites — but Samsunspor’s current resilience cannot be ignored.

Team News

Galatasaray

Out injured:

  • Ismail Jakobs

  • Wilfried Singo

Suspended (betting scandal):

  • Eren Elmali

  • Metehan Baltaci

Osimhen is fit but still regaining full sharpness.

Samsunspor

Long-term absentees:

  • Olivier Ntcham

  • Ebrima Ceesay

  • Bedirhan Cetin

  • Tanguy Coulibaly

  • Afonso Sousa

Also missing:

  • Lubomir Satka (injured)

  • Celil Yuksel (betting scandal)

  • Joe Mendes (red card suspension)

Probable Lineups

Galatasaray:

Cakir; Sanchez, Bardakci, Lemina, Karatas; Torreira, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Samsunspor:

Kocuk; Yavru, Borevkovic, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Makoumbou; Musaba, Aydin, Holse, Kilinic; Ndiaye

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AFCON 2025

Ben Iroha Says Super Eagles Squad Has Depth And Quality Ahead Of AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles players training ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Gabon

Former Super Eagles star Ben Iroha believes Nigeria has the depth, quality, and experience needed to compete for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title — as long as the right decisions are made.

Speaking from his base in Texas, the 1994 AFCON champion reacted to the 54-man provisional squad released by Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle, describing it as a strong foundation for a title-winning team.

“The Talent And Quality Are There” — Iroha

Although he emphasized that the real test comes when the list is trimmed to 23 players, Iroha said the current roster reflects Nigeria’s impressive global football presence.

“Nigeria is very rich in talent production. Apart from one or two NPFL players, the rest are in top leagues across Europe. The talent, quality and experience are there,”
Iroha told Completesports.com.

He noted that the squad’s strength lies not just in big names, but in the blend of competition, versatility, and international exposure among the players.

Hard Work And Proper Planning Will Decide Everything

According to Iroha, Nigeria’s path to a fourth AFCON crown depends on more than raw ability.

He stressed the importance of:

  • Hard work

  • Organisation

  • Tactical discipline

  • Proper preparation

“With proper preparation and the right selection, this team has what it takes to deliver the AFCON title in Morocco.”

Iroha also acknowledged that Nigerian fans will accept nothing less than the trophy, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He believes the renewed energy shown late in the qualifiers is a sign of what the team can achieve if they maintain — or surpass — that level at AFCON.

Nigeria Chasing A Fourth AFCON Title

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on 21 December 2025 in Morocco, with the final set for 18 January 2026.

Nigeria’s three previous AFCON triumphs came in:

  • 1980

  • 1994

  • 2013

With expectations sky-high and a hungry squad available, Coach Eric Chelle will be aiming to write his name in history by guiding the Super Eagles to AFCON glory once again.

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