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.

Red Devils End Blues’ Perfect Start With Brave Performance As WSL Heats Up

In what was billed as the first real test of the Women’s Super League title race, Manchester United delivered a “statement” performance, ending Chelsea’s 100% record and reminding everyone that the title race is far from a one-horse race.

The match ended 1-1 at the Progress With Unity Stadium, but the result could have—and perhaps should have—been more in United’s favour. As Marc Skinner’s side pushed the reigning champions to the brink, fans, pundits, and even Chelsea themselves saw a different United: bold, brave, and finally believing.

A Historic Point – But Frustration For United

Before this game, United had lost 10 of their 11 previous league meetings with Chelsea. So on paper, a draw could be seen as progress.

But Skinner wasn’t satisfied.

“We are disappointed to not win the game. The chances we created— not many teams do that against Chelsea,” he said post-match.

He had a point. Ella Toone had two clear-cut chances either side of half-time. Jess Park had a golden opportunity with a chip and later came close with a dipping volley. With better finishing, this could’ve been a signature victory.

Still, the goal United did score was worthy of the occasion. Anna Sandberg’s stunning volley cancelled out Wieke Kaptein’s opener—both goals showcasing elite-level technique on a big stage.

Defensive Grit On Display

If the attackers missed their chances, United’s defence made sure Chelsea didn’t cash in. Keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a match-saving stop to deny Keira Walsh, while Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg put in heroic blocks late on.

BBC pundit Rachel Brown-Finnis praised the resilience:

“They’re the first team to take points off Chelsea this season. If they need to reaffirm what Manchester United’s ambition is, they’ve earned every bit of that.”

“It’s Really Coming Together”

United have now gone five games unbeaten and sit just two points behind Chelsea at the top of the table. Jess Park described the performance as another sign that:

“It’s really coming together this season.”

And it’s hard to argue. Since their WSL debut in 2019, United have been building toward this. In 2022-23, they finished just two points behind Chelsea. Last season, they lifted the FA Cup, their first major women’s trophy. Now, they look like serious contenders.

Former Lioness Ellen White said the performance proved one thing:

“It shows it’s working, and they’re improving.”

Skinner’s Vision: Underrated But Undeniable

Questions have swirled in recent years about whether Marc Skinner is the right man to lead United to glory. But results like this silence critics.

“What he’s done with these players—the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are. He hasn’t spent what Chelsea, Arsenal, or City have,” said White.

It’s a testament to coaching, culture, and character.

Chelsea Still Top—But WSL Is Wide Open

Despite the draw, Chelsea remain league leaders with 13 points. But the aura of invincibility is fading.

It’s now been over 500 days since they last lost a league game (4-3 to Liverpool, May 2024), and this draw ends their six-game winning streak to open the new season.

Even Blues boss Sonia Bompastor admitted:

“I’m not happy with our performance. A draw at Manchester United isn’t a bad result, but we can do better.”

She added that United are absolutely in the title conversation—alongside a growing group of challengers.

What’s Next In The Title Race?

• Manchester City could move to within a point of Chelsea if they beat Arsenal this weekend.

• Arsenal, still finding their rhythm, will see their 8 November clash with Chelsea as a chance to claw back into contention.

• United, meanwhile, look increasingly confident—and increasingly dangerous.

As Skinner said:

“It shows to Chelsea they’re not just going to walk the league. The league is getting better, and we’re progressing too.”

Final Whistle: A Changing Of The Guard?

This wasn’t just a draw. It was a shift in narrative. Manchester United didn’t play like underdogs. They created more, ran harder, and defended as if everything was on the line.

They may have only taken one point—but they made a statement worth three.

As the WSL title race tightens, one thing is clear: Chelsea won’t have it easy this time.

Stay tuned with Sports Market International for more exclusive insights, analysis, and coverage from the heart of women’s football. The WSL is heating up—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.