ADELU PRAISE DEBORAH

The chairman of Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni added another feather in her cap when she was honoured with the Fellow of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, in Lagos on Saturday.

Other notable Nigerians who were equally honoured during the 18th Annual International Security Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium Complex, University of Lagos, included the Chief of Staff to late former president Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliu Sokoto; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola;, the Vice Chancellor Maranatha University, Prof. Rufus Taiwo Akinyele, Lt. Gen. L. Adeosun (rtrd), who were among distinguished Nigerians honoured with the Distinguished Fellowship Award of the Institute.

The wife of Olowu of Owu, Olori Ameenah Matemilola, was honoured with the Senior Fellow of the Institute..

Ambassador Oladunni, who is also the Special Adviser on Foreign Relations and Head of Protocol of Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC) is the incumbent chairman of the sports writers association in Lagos.

Former Nigerian Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai delivered the keynote titled “Leadership, Strategy, and National Security Management,” at the conference with the theme: “Expanding Frontiers of Innovations in Security Enhancement and Nation Building in Nigeria”.

The well-attended event was held at Faculty of Social Science auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos on Saturday. The conference featured the investiture and induction of distinguished fellows, fellows, professional members, and associate members of the Institute of Security, Nigeria.

Team Nigeria’s Deputy Chef-de-Mission to the recent Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, Yussuf Amuda Alli, has attributed the country’s impressive outing to the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) detailed planning and improved welfare provisions for athletes.

Alli, who also serves as the CEO of the NSC Elite and Podium Board, said the leadership of the Commission — Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade — prioritised the comfort and motivation of athletes throughout the Games.

He noted that the decision to create a conducive camp environment, ensure prompt payment of allowances and bonuses, and introduce instant cash rewards for medal winners significantly boosted morale and performance.

It will be recalled that Team Nigeria delivered its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, finishing with eleven gold, twelve silver and seven bronze medals. Weightlifting produced the highest haul with six gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Athletics followed with two gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

Nigeria’s wrestlers contributed two gold and two silver medals, while the powerlifting team won one gold medal. Boxing earned one silver, para athletics one silver, and taekwondo one bronze, bringing the country’s final tally to 30 medals from 34 athletes.

The Riyadh showing marked a historic leap for Nigeria. The country won no medals at its debut in Mecca in 2005, while the second edition in Tehran was cancelled.

At the 2013 Games in Palembang, Indonesia, Nigeria again failed to make the podium. The team claimed six medals at the 2017 Games in Baku, and five medals at the 2021 edition in Konya, Turkey.

Alli, a former international athlete who captained Nigeria at several major competitions, said the new reward structure played a vital role in the athletes’ commitment.

“The moment you win a gold medal, you get $1000, silver medalist gets $500 and bronze medalist $300. Camp allowances are other incentives were promptly paid, and that was why Team Nigeria’s participation at the games was rancour-free.”

He added that the Commission’s reforms have eliminated perennial disputes over payments.

“The issue of athletes complaining about bonuses, allowances and rewards has been banished forever. The Chairman and the DG Athlete First Policy is one of the best things to happen to our sports in recent times, alongside prompt payment grants for building to major games and championships.’

Looking ahead to the next major assignment, Alli expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations.

“Already, I have sat down with the Chairman and the DG, and we have outlined plans that will ensure we succeed at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Execution of the plans has already started, and the Chairman and the DG are committed to the execution, and I am confidently assuring Nigerians that our participation at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the best,’’ Conclude Alli.

England captain Harry Kane will miss Thursday’s international friendly against Wales after picking up a minor ankle injury in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. The news has raised questions about England’s attacking options, but manager Thomas Tuchel has reassured fans that Kane should be back in time for the World Cup qualifier against Latvia next Tuesday.

Tuchel explained:
“Harry will miss the game, he got a kick in his last match and it is too painful to kick the ball and too risky for him. We give him the chance for it calm down and we are convinced he will be ready for Latvia.”

With Kane unavailable, Tuchel confirmed that one of Jordan Henderson, John Stones, or Declan Rice will wear the captain’s armband at Wembley. England last faced Wales at the 2022 World Cup, running out 3-0 winners, but Tuchel expects a fiery and emotional clash.

“Hopefully it will be emotional and loud and have the character of a derby,” Tuchel said. “We will not underestimate them. We know how well-coached they are and we need to be fully focused.”

Who Could Replace Kane?

England’s reliance on Kane is no secret. With 74 goals in 109 caps, he has scored more than a quarter of England’s goals since his debut. Without him, the spotlight turns to other forwards:

• Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): A natural understudy who famously netted the winner against the Netherlands in last summer’s Euros. Watkins has 5 goals in 19 caps.

• Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan): The second-highest scorer in the current squad with 18 goals, Rashford offers pace and versatility.

• Anthony Gordon (Newcastle): Young and fearless, Gordon has experience leading the line for England’s Under-21s but has only one senior goal so far.

• Ivan Toney (Al-Nassr): Recently back in contention, though his Saudi stint makes him a less likely option this week.

Outside the squad, emerging stars like Dominic Solanke and Liam Delap are sidelined by injuries, while Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony, the top English scorer in the Premier League this season, is still waiting for a senior call-up.

What It Means For England

While Kane’s absence will be felt, the Wales clash is a friendly, and qualification for the World Cup remains on track. For Tuchel, it’s also a chance to test England’s depth and see who can step up when the captain isn’t around.

For England fans, the hope is simple: Kane’s rest pays off, and he returns firing when it matters most.

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