NSSF National Table Tennis Championships Kick Off in Lagos

The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) National Table Tennis Championships is set to begin on Monday, June 23, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

This two-day tournament is part of NSSF’s ongoing efforts to provide students across Nigeria with a platform to showcase their talents, identify and nurture future stars.NSSF will further ensure that Outstanding student athletes have the plartform to compete with their counterparts in various international competitions.

According to Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, Secretary General of the NSSF, the championship, is designed to expose young players to competitive match experience within the country as a foundation for international grooming.

“We are fully aware of Nigeria’s rich pool of sporting talent. At NSSF, our goal is to create a level playing field for students nationwide to showcase their abilities. This tournament is not just about competition—it’s about giving every student a chance to be seen, supported, and developed into future stars,” said Dr. Usman.

He further emphasized that the event aligns with the federation’s broader mission of preparing students for elite-level competition beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“We’ve invited teams from across the country, and we’re confident this will provide a valuable platform for athletes to test themselves against their peers. With the involvement of national technical crews, we’re ensuring that the best talents are identified and prepared for major competitions,” he added.

NSSF organises clinic for players and coaches as semi-finals to hold Wednesday

The Nigerian Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) has organized clinic for players and coaches aimed at improving the technical knowledge of basketball game.

The clinic was presided by top officials from NSSF, the Zone 3 FIBA President, Colonel Samuel Amedu, participants states among others held at the indoor sports Hall of Sani Abacha Sports complex Kofar Mata. 

Speaking with newsmen, the NSSF president Olabisi Joseph who spoke through the federation's Public Relations Officer, Sagir Sani said that the aimed of the clinic was to highlights some of the new rules of basketball.

The president revealed that the federation is serious concerns on how to improve the quality of the game and avoid conflict before, during and after a every match.

She added that organizing such a clinic will go along way in assisting the both players and coaches to acquire more law concerning the game.

While appreciating the participants states for their support and understanding, she assured that the NSSF will continue to initiate more programme with a view to actualize the set target.

Highlights of the event include presentation of papers by resource persons and display the practical aspects of the law.

Meanwhile, Ahmadiyya College basketball team will on Wednesday host it Bauchi state counterpart in the first semi-final of the ongoing tournament at the same venue by 9am while Government girls Mega, Doma, Gombe will confront Government girls secondary schools, Yola, Adamawa in the second semi-final in the girls category.

Ahmadiyya College, Kano will battle Government day science secondary school, science 11, Gombe and Sambo secondary school, Busau, Zamfara versus Government secondary school, Numan, Adamawa in the first and second semi-final in the boys category.

....As NSSF VP four hails participants, officiating officials, Nestle Milo

The Vice President four of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF, Malam Aminu Sarkin Fada has applauded the participants for their commitment and sportsmanship in the championship.

He made the commendation in the ongoing Savannah Conference Nestle Milo basketball championship in Kano.

Malam Aminu Sarkin Fada said that the championship has contributed immensely to the development of the game in the country, assuring that the NSSF will do it's best to ensure more national and international players were produce in the tournament.

He then commended the sponsors Nestle Milo for their commitment towards the overall development of the event in the country.

On officiating and general organisation, he expressed satisfaction with the performance of the referees and good facilities in Kano.

Today Tuesday is a free day as the NSSF is also organizing clinic for the participating coaches in order to improve their technical knowledge of the game from 8am to 11 am at the competition's venue, Kofar Mata. 

Four states have already qualified for the semi final of the competition namely Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe and the host state Kano. The semi final will hold on Wednesday in the morning.

The winners for boys and girls in the Savannah conference will represent the zone in the stage of the championship scheduled to hold later in the year in Lagos.

NSSF tasks Students as Milo basketball begins in Kano

Students taking part in the 25th edition of Nestle Milo inter secondary schools basketball championship for boys and girls have been urged to utilize the competition as ladder for greener pasture.

The Savannah Conference which begins today Saturday attracted seven state so far namely: Yobe. Borno, Katsina, Bauchi, Adamawa, Zamfara and host state Kano in attendance.

The Secretary General of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF, Oba Funsho Usman PhD made the while addressing the participant states at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha Sports complex Kofar Mata.

Oba Funsho Usman PhD said that the championship started almost three decades has produced big stars national and international players who are currently playing in United States of America USA and other foreign countries earning big money.

"This is the real grassroots tournament which we call it catch them young. The NSSF are proud of being part of the organisers and supported by Nestle Milo company,'' he explained.

On the screening exercise conducted before the commencement of the matches, he expressed satisfaction with way and manner, the coordinators presented the real age bracket of the students (Under-17).

The Secretary General however, said that leadership of NSSF led by Mrs Olabisi Joseph would continue to do their best towards promoting and development of various sporting activities in the country, calling to other multi corporate bodies to complete Government efforts in this direction.

In some of the matches played, Ahmadiyya College basketball team whitewashed Federal Polytechnic Staff School, Damaturu 27-06 points in the girls categories, Government Girls College, Bauchi also hammered its Government Girls Secondary school, Dutsen Tsafe, Katsina 28-01 points.

The matches continue tomorrow Sunday at the same venue.

NSSF summons meeting ahead basketball conferences in four states

The President of the Nigerian Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph has invited four hosting states ahead of the 25th edition of Nestle Milo basketball championship for boys and girls categories from April 23rd to 25th in Lagos.

The four hosting state include Kano, Oyo, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja while the grand final stage of the championship will be play in Lagos later in the year.

A statement signed by the NSSF's Secretary General, Ola Funsho Usman PhD and made it available to newsmen, said the president directed to invite the state coordinators to ascertain and discuss the level of preparations aimed at ensuring a befitting and hitch free conferences.

The President assured that the federation will continue to do their best towards promoting and development of various sporting events in the state and the country at large.

While expressing appreciation to the National Sports Commission, the sponsors of basketball, Nestle Milo company, 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja as well as other stakeholders for their positive contribution and support, she called for more partnership with multiple corporate bodies and government at all level towards engaging the teeming youth through sporting competitions and academically.

The statement then announced that Kano state will run Savannah Conference from May 2nd to 9th, the Central conference from May 10th to 17th in Abuja, Atlantic conference is from 20th to 27th while Western conference will take place from May 28th to June 4th in Ibadan, Oyo state.

NSC Commends NSSF, NCF, SUBEB for Successful Inaugural National School Board Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has commended the successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games, describing it as a significant step in the advancement of school sports in Nigeria.

The event, which featured chess in its pilot phase, was organized by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nigeria Chess Federation. With over 300 students from all six geopolitical zones competing in the U-9, U-12, U-15, and U-18 categories, the tournament provided a platform for young athletes to develop critical thinking, discipline, and competitive excellence.

Mallam Dikko, was represented at the event by Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi (Technical Assistant, Strategy & Research) and Barrister Uche George Egbe (Technical Assistant,Legal and Compliance) as well as Mrs Ada Nwachukwu, Zonal Head of the NSC Lagos office 

Also in attendance were the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mr. Jumiu Alli-Balogun, and the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, both of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.

Delivering the Chairman’s message, Mr. Ogunjobi reiterated the NSC’s commitment to school sports development as a key pillar of Nigeria’s overall sports growth strategy.

His words, "The National Sports Commission remains dedicated to fostering both intellectual and physical sports as part of our broader vision for national sports development. The successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games is a testament to our resolve to ensure that every aspect of sports receives the attention and investment required for sustained growth.”

The NSC recognizes school sports as a fundamental platform for talent discovery and development, with the potential to produce future champions who will represent Nigeria at the highest levels of global competition. The inclusion of chess in this pilot phase marks an important milestone, and the Commission is committed to expanding the initiative to incorporate additional sporting disciplines in future editions.

The NSC Chairman encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their aspirations. 

He continued, “Your efforts today are laying the foundation for greater achievements tomorrow, not just in chess, but in every area of life. It’s not about winning or losing, but the invaluable experiences gained that will shape your future. Continue to dream big, work hard, and stay committed to excellence. You are the future of Nigeria, and we are proud of each of you.”

The NSC commends the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Lagos SUBEB, the Nigeria Chess Federation, and all stakeholders for their efforts in delivering a successful and impactful event, and reaffirms its unwavering support for initiatives that promote youth engagement and talent development through sports.

Speaking at the event, the President of the NSSF, Dr. Olabisi Joseph, expressed appreciation to the NSC Chairman Mallam Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the support shown thus far. She also reaffirmed the NSSF’s commitment to grassroots sports development and stated that she looks forward to continued NSC support for the Federation’s programs, which have already been submitted to the Commission.

NSSF lines up sports competitions for secondary schools nationwide

The Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) has lined up sporting activities for secondary schools aimed at developing and improving the skills of students across the country.

The NSSF's President Olabisi Joseph said from next week February 10, invited secondary schools from 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja would converge in Lagos for Swimming and chess championships while Milo stakeholders Forum meeting and administrative seminar will follow up.

She dropped this hints while briefing newsmen in Lagos ahead of the tournaments.

Olabisi Joseph explained that the federation has been working round the clock with other sponsors aimed complementing Government efforts in the promotion and develop various sporting events in the country.

"We are excited to collaborate with Lago's state Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) in organizing the national board games. This competition is a platform for pupils to showcase their talents and develop essential life skills,'' she explained.

''The championship is taking place at the National Stadium swimming pool, Surulere, Lago's from February 13rd and 14th2025 and students would complete in under-18 and 15 boys and girls categories for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly 50 metre, 200 metre and 200 metre respectively.

While the chess competition is among the students of Under-9, 12, 15 and 18 categories at Universal Basic Education Board Hall, Maryland, Lagos from February 10th and 11th.

The president hinted that the administrative seminar will be conducted on February 12 at the NSSF secretariat, national stadium, Surulere while Milo secondary schools basketball stakeholders Forum meeting will hold on February 13rd, 2025 at the same venue.

Olabisi Joseph however, expressed gratitude to the entire executive members, the state sports coordinators and other stakeholders, federal and state governments for their unflinching support and cooperation to the NSSF, assuring that the leadership of the federation will continue to do it's best towards the overall development of various sporting events countrywide.

Kano students, 35 states and FCT Abuja set to storm Lago's for NSSF championships

36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja are to compete in the National School Swimming championship tagged: "FISH" scheduled to hold in Lagos.

The competition which is being organized by the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) as part of it's commitment to revive the lost glory of the event nationwide.

A statement by the Secretary General of the federation, Oba Funsho Usman PhD and made it available to newsmen said the championship will take place at the National Stadium swimming pool, Surulere, Lago's from February 13rd and 14th2025.

He said that the event aims is to bring young athletes from public and private schools to showcase their swimming skills and compete at national level, adding that the eventual winner of the championship will have the unique opportunity to represent the country at the international School Federation (ISF) Gymanasiade and other international school sports competitions later in the year.

The secretary general revealed that the competition to be completed include under-18 and 15 boys and girls categories for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly 50 metre, 200 metre and 200 metre respectively.

Oba Funsho Usman further explained that the federation also lined up board chess competition among secondary schools Under-9, 12, 15 and 18 categories which will take place at Universal Basic Education Board Hall, Maryland, Lagos from February 10th and 11th.

He said that the administrative seminar will be conducted on February 12 at the NSSF secretariat, national stadium, Surulere while Milo secondary schools basketball stakeholders Forum meeting will hold on February 13rd, 2025 at the same venue.

Meanwhile, four secondary schools from Kano are expected to represent the state in the lined up activities organises by the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF in Lagos.

Speaking with newsmen on the arrangements put in place by the state ministry of education, the head of school sports in the ministry, Ibrahim Bello said that all hands are on desk to ensure the success of the state contingent while in Lagos.

 Malam Ibrahim Bello said that already the athletes have been receiving vigorous training aimed at making impact in the championships.

He name the four secondary schools that are expected to represent the state which include Government Secondary schools Minjibir, Bagwai, Bukavu Barracks and GSS Stadium.

While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner of education Dr. Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda for their unflinching support financially and normally, he urged the athletes to do everything possible to

He also used the medium to thanks the ministry's permanent secretary Bashir Baffa Muhammad and other top management staff for their support and cooperation towards sustaining the high profile of state as far as sporting competitions was concerned within and outside the state.

NSSF Tourney: Enugu, Kano top invited U-15 players

The Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) has selected players 26 players from the just- concluded national under-15 soccer tournament held in Abuja.

The selected players are to represent the country against Ghanian side in an international match scheduled to hold in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.

Five players were selected from Kano Government College who emerged runners up in the just- concluded tournament in Abuja.

According to the statement from the NSSF's secretary General Mr. Oba Funsho Usman Phd said the invited players from Kano are: Yusuf Danladi, Ibrahim Adi Ahme, Isa Muhammad, Mukhtar Muazu, Musa Shaaban while Niger state and Federal Capita Territory (FCT), Abuja have three players each Zubairu Muhammad, Suleiman Abubakar, Nabil and 

FCT Abuja John Idokwo, Victor Onyebuchi and Andrew Samuel.

The statement added that Enugu state has higher number of 11 invited players namely: Chike Chinedu, saliu Yusuf, Udeze Raymond, Godwin Menyega, Nnamchi Chinedu, Elechi Emmanuel, Edeh David Ugochukwu, Usoro God's will Ime, Ali Bright, Ilono Somto Chukwu and Johnny Emmanuel.

He explained that Adamawa state has four players include Rufus Raphael, Fadil Ayuba, Ibrahim Mohd and Abbas Muazu.

Speaking on the invitation, the Director of sports in the Kano state ministry of education, Malam Ibrahim Bello described the invitation as well deserved considering the brilliant performance of the players in the competition.

Malam Ibrahim Bello used the medium to commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner of education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa for their unflinching support morally and finally to the school team.

The director charged the invited players to redouble effort with a view to ensure they keep the flag of Nigerian higher while in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) U15 Championship culminated in an intense showcase of emerging football talents on Monday in Abuja, with Enugu State securing the championship in the male category and Bayelsa State prevailing in the female category. 

This tournament, organized by the NSSF with strategic support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), had representative teams from several states including Adamawa, Niger, Kano, F.C.T, Enugu, and Bayelsa.

 The event was not merely a competition; it served as a critical platform for fostering athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and essential networking among participants.

The championship's significance went beyond immediate accolades, positioning itself as a pivotal avenue for the identification and cultivation of Nigeria's future football talent. This perspective resonates with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in conjunction with the NFF, emphasizing the tournament's role in scouting and nurturing the most promising players for future continental competitions.

Present at the event was Alhaji Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, special assistant to the NFF General Secretary, who commended all participants, acknowledging their outstanding contributions throughout the championship. Ameenu indicated that select players who distinguished themselves during the tournament will receive invitations to national teams.

"The NFF President has immense pride in all participants who demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Those who have been identified by our scouts will have significant opportunities to represent Nigeria on the continental stage," stated Ameenu.