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Sports Ministry to Ensure Early Release of Funds for 2024 Olympics – Enoh 

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The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, has said that the ministry would ensure the timely release of funds to prepare Nigerian athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The games will take place from July 26  to Aug. 11 in Paris .

The minister gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan.

Enoh stressed the importance of securing funding in a timely manner to facilitate comprehensive preparations for the Olympic Games.

He added that the ministry will actively pursue partnerships with private individuals and the corporate sector to bolster financial support and ensure that athletes are set up for success.

Drawing from the successful model implemented during the African Games in Ghana, where all athletes were insured, the minister pledge to build on that success.

“Plans are underway to provide insurance coverage for Team Nigeria athletes to mitigate risks associated with injuries and unforeseen circumstances, reflecting a proactive approach to athlete welfare,” he said.

Enoh also announced plans to implement salaries for grade A athletes, noting that the initiative aims to provide ongoing support and motivation to athletes as they prepare for the Games, enabling them to focus on their training and performance without financial constraints.

The minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s athletes and their potential to achieve success at the Paris Olympic Games.

Reports says that the Paris 2024 will feature the debut of breaking (also known as breakdancing) as an Olympic event.

The Games will be the first to feature identical number of athletes between men and women. (NAN

SPORTS

CAF Appoints Nigeria’s Samson Adamu Acting Secretary-General

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Nigeria’s Samson Adamu has been appointed Acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Adamu becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation’s establishment over 70 years ago.

A statement by Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday, said that Adamu replaced Veron Mosengo-Omba of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“He replaces DR Congo’s Veron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down to contest the presidential election of his country’s football federation, (FECOFA).

“Prior to his appointment, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, where he played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of major continental competitions.

“His nomination was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee and ratified by the congress at its meeting held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cairo,” Olajire said.

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SPORTS

IOC Bars Transgender Athletes from Women’s Olympic Events

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The International Olympic Committee has announced a new policy limiting eligibility for the female category at Olympic events to biological females, with the rule to take effect from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision followed approval by the IOC Executive Board, which said the policy on the protection of the female category would apply to all disciplines on the Olympic programme from LA28 onwards and would not be retroactive.

In the statement announcing the decision on Thursday, the IOC said, “For all disciplines on the sports programme of an IOC event, including the Olympic Games and for both individual and team sports, eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females.

The committee added that eligibility would be determined through screening for the SRY gene, which it described as a reliable indicator of male sex development.

According to the statement, “Eligibility for the female category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY gene.”

The IOC explained that the presence of the gene, usually found on the Y chromosome, is considered fixed throughout life and provides highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.

It stated, “Based on scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the presence of the SRY gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.”

The body noted that screening could be carried out through saliva, cheek swab or blood sample, describing the process as less intrusive than other possible methods.

The policy provides that athletes who test negative for the gene will permanently satisfy the eligibility criteria for the female category, with testing expected to be conducted only once.

The statement read, “Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the female category… this will be a once-in-a-lifetime test.”

The IOC added that, except in rare cases involving athletes diagnosed with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or certain differences in sex development that do not provide performance advantage, athletes with a positive SRY result will not be eligible to compete in the female category at IOC events.

It said, “With the rare exception of athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders in sex development (DSDs) who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone, no athlete with an SRY-positive screen is eligible for competition in the female category at an IOC event.”

Such athletes, however, will remain eligible to compete in other classifications for which they qualify, including male, mixed or open categories.

IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, said the decision was based on scientific evidence and aimed at ensuring fairness and safety.

She said, “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts.

“At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”

She further said athletes must be treated with dignity and respect, noting that screening would only be required once and must be accompanied by counselling and education.

The IOC said the policy followed a review conducted between September 2024 and March 2026 involving consultations with scientists, medical experts, legal specialists, sports federations and athletes worldwide.

According to the committee, the working group reviewing the issue concluded that male sex provides performance advantages in sports relying on strength, power and endurance, and recommended that eligibility for the female category should be based on biological sex to ensure fairness and safety.

The statement noted, “There was a strong consensus that fairness and safety in the female category required clear, science-based eligibility rules, and that protecting the female category is a common priority.”

The IOC added that the policy replaces previous guidance on gender identity and sex variations in sport and will apply only to IOC events, while international federations and national Olympic committees are expected to adopt it when setting eligibility rules.

It clarified that the policy does not apply to grassroots or recreational sports programmes.

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SPORTS

Tella Extends Leverkusen Contract Till 2031

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Bayer Leverkusen have announced that Nathan Tella has extended his contract with the club until 2031, showing their long-term commitment to the winger despite an injury-affected campaign.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga side from Southampton in 2023, had initially been contracted until 2028 but has now agreed fresh terms that will keep him at the club for an additional three years.

The Nigerian international expressed his satisfaction with the extension, noting that he feels settled at the club and optimistic about its future trajectory.

The forward described the new deal as a reflection of his strong connection with the club and his belief in its long-term ambitions.

“This is an expression of a special relationship. I really feel at home at Bayer 04, the first few years have seen a lot of fantastic successes,” he told the club website.

 “It’s great fun to now be part of the development of a new and powerful team. I’m sure we will achieve our goals again in the coming years.”

While confirming the development in an official statement on Tuesday, the club said both the player’s versatility and his growing importance within the squad.

“Nathan Tella signs a new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule,” the club stated.

“The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.”

Since his arrival, Tella has become a valued member of the squad, although injuries have limited his involvement this season. He has made 12 Bundesliga appearances this season, starting five matches and averaging 42 minutes per game, with a total of 507 minutes played.

While he is yet to score in the league this term, the winger has contributed two assists and created two big chances, posting an expected assists figure of 1.27.

His attacking output also includes an expected goals value of 1.14, though he has missed two big chances and is still seeking his first goal of the campaign.

Tella has averaged 19.2 touches per game and maintained an 83 per cent pass accuracy, completing 8.6 passes per match, with stronger distribution in his own half. His versatility across attacking positions and ability to influence play have continued to make him a useful option for the team despite limited minutes.

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