NSC rewards youth athletes in Abuja News

In continuation of the National Sports Commission’s move to reward junior athletes who excelled at different competitions for the country in 2025, the country’s apex sports body visited the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, Abuja, where six student-athletes were recognised for their outstanding performances across domestic and international competitions under the commission’s watch.

Led by the Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, the initiative follows the approval and support of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at encouraging young Nigerian talents.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, and now Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, was also in attendance.

Sprinter and multiple gold medallist at the African Youth Games (Angola 2025) and the first African School Games (Algeria 2025), Miracle Ezechukwu, who also won additional silver medals at the Islamic Solidarity Games and the CAA Region III Championships, was rewarded with the sum of N3m.

Her teammate, Rosemary Chigozie, who also won gold at the African Youth Games and the first African School Games, with an additional silver medal at the CAA Region III Championships, also received N3m.

Silver medallist at the African Junior & Cadet Taekwondo Camp and quarter-finalist at the African Youth Games, Yemi Andrew was rewarded with N2m, while bronze medallist at the same tournament, Crown Umeh, got N1m.

Unique Umeh, who also won a taekwondo bronze at the African School Games in Algeria, also received N1m, while Adeeze Precious was rewarded with N1m for being the Outstanding Long Jump athlete, recording a 6.05m performance at the MTN CHAMPS Benin in 2025.

According to the NSC, other qualified and deserving athletes across some schools in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Asaba, Delta State, were also honoured by the commission.

“The initiative forms part of the commission’s renewed push to strengthen grassroots sports development, ensuring young Nigerians excelling in both education and athletics receive encouragement and support,” the NSC’s announcement added.

“The National Sports Commission maintains that recognising young talents early is essential to building the future of Team Nigeria on the continental and global stage.”

The initiative began last Wednesday in Lagos, where the Director-General of the NSC, Olopade, visited Grange School to honour standout swimmers Aidan Dumuije-Abili and Tofunmi Ibidapo following their performances at the 2025 Africa Zone Two Swimming Championship.

That was followed by the recognition of Hafsoh Majekodunmi, a student of Abeokuta Grammar School, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.