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UNITED BY SPORT: Nigeria celebrates the 70th anniversary of Olympic Day

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7 years ago

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In a bid to raise awareness on the vital role sport and physical activity play in society, the International Olympics Committee alongside the Nigerian Olympics Committee hosted the 70th anniversary of the Olympic Day in Lagos and three other states across Nigeria.

Olympic Day is an annual, global celebration that takes place on June 23rd. Every year, it sees millions of people – of all ages and from all walks of life – get active and participate in sporting, educational and cultural activities, encouraging them to enjoy and benefit from sport.

To mark the 70th anniversary, this year’s Olympic Day theme is “United By”, which aims to highlight how sport has the power to unite regardless of age, gender, religion, nationality, ability, and works to build a unified celebration of Olympic Ideas and values.

In the spirit of global peace and unity, Nigeria Olympic Committee is joining Olympic athletes, leaders of sport and members of the general public of all ages and abilities across Nigeria to celebrate the International Olympic Day.

The Olympic Day in Nigeria was held across four states, Lagos, Abuja, Bayelsa and Plateau state with participants engaging in sporting activities such as a 5km race, gymnastics, track and field events and Paralympic sports, including sports which are unusual or difficult to access. People of all ages took part, whatever their ability, with a chance to enjoy rare and prestigious encounters with athletes; take part in craft and cultural workshops; attend different sports demonstrations.

Speaking at the 70th Olympic Day Anniversary Celebration in Lagos, Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) Secretary General, Tunde Popoola said: “Olympism is about togetherness; it’s about peace, doing well, and avoiding any wrong doing. To the children here today, you are the future of Nigeria, you are the future of this country, and we encourage you to take sports home, take it to your heart, practice it, and teach it to those just like you who are not here today, and one day, maybe one day, we believe you will represent Nigeria at the modern day Olympic Games.”

Globally, National Olympic Committees, International and National Sports Federations, Organizing Committees of Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, National Olympian Associations and Young Ambassador’s around the world have been organizing and participating in a myriad of Olympic Day activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, in the lead up to June 23rd.

Speaking about the 70th Olympic Day anniversary, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach said “We’re living in a world where the Olympic values of tolerance, respect, understanding and peace are more important than ever. We have the determination and the courage and the will to promote and defend these values.”

“In sport, we are all equal. This is why everyone is invited to celebrate our shared values, to celebrate the best of the human spirit, to celebrate our unity in diversity. Sport plays a unique role to put the values of peace, solidarity and respect into action

Sport has the power to unite through passion, teamwork, commitment, loss and victory. It unites by creating a shared well-being of body and mind.

United By celebrates the power of Olympism to have a lasting positive impact on people’s well-being – physically, mentally and socially – every day.  It shows the values of Olympism and the global community it creates, building lifelong relationships that foster mutual respect amongst all.

Continuing the Olympism theme in 2018, the IOC is launching its first Olympism in Action Forum (OiAF) in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 5 and 6 October 2018.

The OiAF will bring together stakeholders across the Olympic Movement and society to open new dialogues, discuss global challenges, and share innovative experiences and inspiring stories to further mobilize sport to create a better world.

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South Africa Book Spot at 2026 World Cup After Crucial Win Over Rwanda

Report by ISRAEL ORJI

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2 days ago

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October 14, 2025

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South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa has officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final Group C fixture.

This marks Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup finals through qualification for the first time since they hosted in 2010.

Decisive Victory, Turbulent Qualifying Run

South Africa’s qualification was not without controversy. Earlier in the campaign, FIFA stripped Bafana Bafana of a 2-0 win over Lesotho, converting it into a 3-0 loss after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play.
Despite this setback, the team showed resilience and integrity, clinching the win over Rwanda to seal their place in the World Cup.

Aftermath & Implications in Group C

The sanctions imposed earlier reshaped the dynamics of Group C, opening paths for Nigeria and other teams to capitalize.
With the point deduction applied, South Africa’s qualification became even more critical.

What’s Next

South Africa will now prepare for the global stage, while other teams in Group C aim to finish their qualifying campaigns on a high note. Nigeria, the Super Eagles, now have renewed hope after the point deduction. If they win their remaining matches and favorable results fall their way, they could advance either via group positioning or through the playoffs.

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Breaking: Osimhen Runs Riot as Super Eagles Crush Benin in Crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Report By ORJI ISRAEL

Published

2 days ago

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October 14, 2025

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Victor Osimhen and FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen lit up the pitch as Nigeria’s Super Eagles recorded a commanding victory over the Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, asserting their intent on the road to Qatar.

In a match full of attacking brilliance and clinical finishing, Osimhen’s performance stood out. He terrorized the Beninese defence and played a central role in Nigeria’s dominant display.

The exact scoreline and minute-by-minute details are still being confirmed, but his influence on the match was unmistakable.

Match Highlights & Tactical Notes

  • Osimhen spearheaded Nigeria’s attack, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing to keep the Benin defenders on edge throughout the night.
  • The Super Eagles maintained control in midfield and launched persistent pressure, cutting off Benin’s attempts to build meaningful attacks.
  • Nigeria’s defensive line held firm, shutting down Benin’s key outlets and limiting their opportunities to break forward.

Implications & What Next

  • This victory significantly boosts Nigeria’s chances in the World Cup qualification race, providing momentum and confidence as they push toward automatic qualification.
  • Osimhen’s form will be a key focal point for opposing teams going forward—his form is proving vital for Nigeria’s attacking threat.
  • With this kind of win, the squad’s morale and belief are likely to grow stronger, especially in high‐pressure, knockout style matches.

The Super Eagles are now looking ahead to their next fixture with renewed optimism and a sharpened competitive edge.

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Disney+ unveils new channels in South Africa

Published

3 weeks ago

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September 23, 2025

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Disney+ ESPN Africa linear channels
Disney+ - ESPN Africa linear channels

Disney+ today announced that, from 02 October 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to South African customers at no extra cost.

Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase the very best live and studio sports programming from the US and around the world, spanning major leagues and iconic competitions. 

On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football. 

Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee” Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.  

Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.” 

Adds Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League), have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League) as well as NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”   

Disney+ has something for everyone — from blockbuster movies and hit series to much-loved Originals. Customers can enjoy FX’s “The Bear”, “The Kardashians”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “The Simpsons” and much more. The ESPN Africa linear channels will join a vast content catalogue from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment, which also features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios. 

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels. 

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa. 

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