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 BFN President Francis Orbih Urges Stronger Collaboration Between Sports Federations and Media The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mr. Francis Orbih, has emphasized the need for effective collaboration between sports federations and the media to enhance brand visibility and development. He noted that no federation can function effectively without adequate media projection of its programmes and activities. Mr. Orbih made this known while serving as one of the panelists at the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), where he shared insights about his journey in the game of badminton. Recounting his early days, Orbih explained that his passion for badminton was inspired by his father, who had a badminton court in their home, and by Samson Egbeyemi, a former player who later became a coach. While congratulating SWAN on its 60th anniversary, the BFN President commended the association for its consistency in promoting and p...

Golf Federation to Train Sports Journalists on Train Ride from Ibadan to Lagos — Runsewe The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, has announced that plans have been concluded to conduct a special golf training session for sports journalists aboard a train from Ibadan to Lagos. Chief Runsewe made this known while speaking at a lecture organized to commemorate the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at 60 Diamond Jubilee Anniversary in Abuja. According to the Arts, Culture, and Tourism icon, the unique training exercise will take place over two days, beginning in Ibadan and concluding in Lagos. He explained that the initiative aims to equip journalists with the right knowledge for accurate and professional reportage of golf in Nigeria. Runsewe also challenged sports administrators to always engage and carry the media along in their activities to prevent misinformation and misrepresentation of facts. “For the record, I have personally sponsored jour...

NSC Reaffirms Drive for Stronger Stakeholder Partnerships in Sports Development The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote and develop sports across Nigeria. Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, stated this while declaring open the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Diamond Jubilee Anniversary at the VIP Lounge, Package A, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Mallam Dikko emphasized that effective collaboration with critical stakeholders has yielded positive results, particularly in the recently concluded sports federations’ elections — which, according to him, marked a clear departure from past exercises. The NSC Chairman also used the occasion to address allegations of misappropriation of the FIFA grant by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). He clarified that the NFF does not have direct access to FIFA funds, as such funds are deposited in a designated account at t...

297 Golfers Set to Compete at 2nd ICMA Pro-Am Tournament in Ilorin* A total of 297 professional and amateur golfers will storm the Ilorin Golf Course for the 2nd edition of the ICMA Pro-Am Golf Tournament, scheduled to hold from Wednesday to Saturday this week in Ilorin. Speaking during a press conference on Monday at the Ilorin Golf Club, the Club Captain, Mr. Jide Allen, revealed that top professional golfers, including Okoko Godwin — the defending champion — Ekpe Francis, Sunday Olopade, and Peter Kakasiaka, are among those expected to participate in the ₦15 million prize tournament. According to Mr. Allen, the tournament, sponsored by ICMA Professional Services as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the host community, will tee off on Thursday with professional and Category 1 players competing on the course. He further disclosed that Friday, the second day of the event, will feature a welcome cocktail for the 170 amateur golfers, who will subsequently begin their o...

SWAN Recognizes Kumbi Titiloye for Outstanding Contribution to National Sports Development The Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, is set to be honoured with the Diamond Jubilee National Award by the National Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). The prestigious award ceremony will take place on Saturday, 31st October 2025, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. According to the official communication from SWAN to Mr. Titiloye, “the conferment is in recognition of your contributions towards our national sports promotion and development within the cycle of the last six decades.” Mr. Titiloye, an Oro-born football administrator per excellence and a board member of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) representing the North Central Zone, has continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership in football administration. Under his guidance, Kwara United Football Club has experienced remarkable growth and stability, maintaining its Nig...

 Ilorin Game Fiesta Set to Feature More Games in 3rd Edition The organisers of the Ilorin Game Fiesta have announced plans to increase the number of games to be featured in the 3rd edition of the annual sports and entertainment event. The fiesta, which aims to foster unity among youths and create networking opportunities for participants, is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Starwood O2 Arena, Ajase Ipo Road, adjacent Gaa Akanbi Junction, Ilorin. The event will kick off with a red carpet session at 1:00 p.m., while the main event begins at 2:00 p.m. Speaking during a press briefing held at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Secretariat on Saturday, the convener, Engr. Kabira Kushi, expressed her team’s readiness to deliver a befitting edition. She disclosed that efforts are ongoing to attract more partners to ensure a hitch-free and memorable event. Engr. Kabira, fondly called “KK Event”, revealed that this year’s edition will feature a mix of ind...

Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl Wears a New Look After Full Upgrade Gov. AbdulRazaq’s vision transforms Ilorin’s iconic stadium as facilities get global-standard facelift By Ayodeji Ismail , Ilorin The Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the George Innih Stadium now wears a refreshing new look following a comprehensive upgrade of its facilities by the Kwara State Government. The facelift comes after the earlier upgrade of the Indoor Sports Hall and the construction of a world-class squash court — both of which set the pace for this latest transformation of the mainbowl. The complete renovation of the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl is indeed a sight to behold. Key areas that required attention — including the toilets, dressing rooms, media centre, pitch, medical bay, and perimeter fencing — have all been fully upgraded. The repainting of chairs at the spectators’ stand and the entire structure in the same colour scheme as the Indoor Sports Hall not only promotes uniformity but also serves as the perfect finish...