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President Tinubu congratulates Ejimofor Anosike on NBL title and MVP award in China
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to Nigerian-American basketball star Ejimofor Anosike for his achievements with China's Hong Kong Bulls in the 2026 National Basketball League Championship. Anosike led his team to the NBL title and secured multiple individual accolades, including the Finals Most Valuable Player award, Best International Player award, and the Slam Dunk Champion title. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Anosike's success as a source of national pride and an inspiration for young athletes across Africa. The President also highlighted Anosike's consistent dedication to Nigeria's men's national basketball team, D'Tigers, noting that his international success has not diminished his patriotism. Tinubu emphasized that Anosike's accomplishments demonstrate the increasing global influence of Nigerians in sports and underscore the importance of investing in youth development and sporting excellence. Anosike, who possesses dual Nigerian and American nationality, regularly represents the D'Tigers while managing his club commitments in Asia.
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Nigeria's para powerlifting team has secured $18,000 in performance rewards following a strong start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The National Sports Commission had previously announced cash incentives for medallists. Esther Nworgu won Nigeria鈥檚 first gold medal, setting a Games record of 119.0 points in the women鈥檚 lightweight para powerlifting, ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema who took silver with 115.5 points. Nworgu received $8,000 in total rewards, while Oyema received $5,000. In the men鈥檚 lightweight category, Roland Ezuruike secured a silver medal with 153.9 points and also received $5,000. These three medallists collectively earned $18,000. The NSC has pledged cumulative cash rewards of $8,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze medallists at Glasgow 2026. Nigeria's team, comprising experienced and emerging talents, will continue to compete in various events, with expectations for further medal-winning performances.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will be counted in the 2027 general elections. This assurance was given during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar retd., in Minna, Niger State. Amupitan praised Abubakar as "the father of democracy in Nigeria" and a "pillar of support for INEC," commending the National Peace Committee's Peace Accord initiative for promoting non-violence among political actors. The INEC chairman stated the commission's commitment to ensuring that the will of Nigerians, as expressed at the polls, will prevail. He also confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections: Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. Abubakar, in turn, urged Nigerians to support INEC.
Must ReadThe Court of Arbitration for Sport has scheduled October 8, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The hearing will take place at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. The dispute involves the Senegalese Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Senegal is challenging CAF's decision to declare the Teranga Lions as having forfeited the AFCON 2025 final and to award Morocco a 3-0 victory. The appeal, registered on March 25, 2026, also seeks to have Senegal declared winners of the tournament. The case will follow a standard timeline as the parties did not agree to an expedited process. The hearing will be held behind closed doors, and no ruling will be delivered on the day of the hearing. The dispute originated from the AFCON 2025 final on January 18, 2026, where Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. Although Senegal eventually won 1-0 after extra time, CAF's Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final due to breaching competition regulations, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title. Senegal subsequently appealed this decision to CAS.