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Nigeria seeks to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

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Nigeria has formally expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja.

The Nigerian Olympic Committee, NOC, made the announcement following an executive committee meeting held on 3 April in Abuja.

Ekwutosblog gathered that the bid can only move forward if it secures the official backing of the Federal Government.

 

In a statement issued on Monday by NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, the committee stressed that hosting the Commonwealth Games would offer a strategic platform for Nigeria to exhibit its strides in national development, improve its international profile, and deepen the culture of sports across the nation.

Nezianya described the bid as a unique opportunity to reflect Nigeria’s growth, elevate its standing among the community of nations, and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event in 2003, when the 8th All-Africa Games (COJA 2003) took place in Abuja. NOC noted that the success of that event demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to organise large-scale international competitions and laid a strong foundation for future hosting ambitions.

A successful bid for the 2030 Games is expected to catalyse major investment in sports infrastructure, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.

NOC further stated that such infrastructural development would not only revitalise the nation’s sports economy but also provide lasting facilities for future generations.

Beyond infrastructure, the hosting of the Commonwealth Games would offer substantial economic and social benefits. The anticipated influx of international visitors would invigorate local businesses and the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, the planning and execution of the event would generate employment and foster the acquisition of valuable technical and organisational skills.

According to the committee, the bid also seeks to present Nigeria as a nation that values athletic excellence, inclusiveness, peace, and cultural richness.

The next edition of the Commonwealth Games is set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 17 to 29 March 2026. Glasgow previously hosted the Games in 2014, the same year Nigeria submitted a bid but ultimately lost to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Africa is also poised to make history by hosting the Youth Olympic Games for the first time, with Dakar, Senegal, scheduled to welcome young athletes from 31 October to 13 November 2026.

Other significant forthcoming events include the Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina in February 2027, the African Beach Games in Equatorial Guinea later that year, the 14th African Games in Egypt from January to February 2027, and the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in July 2028.

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EPL: We’re devastated – Liverpool react to Diogo Jota’s death

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Liverpool Football Club have reacted to the death of their forward Diogo Jota.

In a tweet via their officially X account on Thursday, the Premier League champions expressed sadness over the Portuguese’s death.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” Liverpool tweeted.

Jota and his brother Andre died after car accident in the province of Zamora in Spain, on Thursday.

The sad news is coming less than two weeks after got married to Rute Cardoso, in Porto, Portugal.

Jota, 28, had won the English Premier League title with Liverpool last season.

He was on holiday ahead of the new 2025/26 season before the tragic news of his death.

Jota, who is expected to be buried in the coming days, had three children with Cardoso.

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Kano Pillars appoint new management for youth teams

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Kano Pillars have constituted a new management team for the Junior Pillars as well as its U-19, U-15 and U-13 teams.

Ibrahim Musa has been appointed as the technical adviser of Junior Pillars, while Saleh Garzali will take charge as head coach.

The U-19 side will be managed by Usman Ikramatu and Ahmed Mustapha, while Habu Kamara assumes the role of team manager.

Suleiman Ibrahim Yakasai (Lajin) has been tasked with overseeing the U-15 team, bringing his wealth of experience to guide the young talents.

At the U-13 level, Coach Nura Platini and Tasiu Pele will lead the technical team, ensuring the earliest stages of player development receive the highest standard of coaching and mentorship.

The restructuring is aimed at aligning the club’s youth development philosophy with global best practices.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Kano Pillars U-19 team took part in the inaugural edition of the National Youth League Super Cup tournament in Lagos.

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Ballon d’Or: Capello names three players who can win award

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Former Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello has named three Los Blancos players who can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

The Italian claimed that Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham could potentially lift the coveted Golden Ball.

The three players have been impressive since joining Real Madrid and have also been in the running for the top-individual prize in the past few seasons.

Last year, Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe finished in the top six Ballon d’Or final power rankings.

This year they are also expected to be among contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport (via AS h/t Madrid Universal), Capello said: “Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham are three potential Ballon d’Or winners.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September and the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah are expected to compete with the Real Madrid stars for the prestigious top-individual award.

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