The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade are in Glasgow leading Nigeria’s participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on a presidential assignment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The two officials are spearheading Team Nigeria’s campaign after receiving the President’s charge during the official send-off ceremony in Abuja, delivered by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Gbajabiamila urged the athletes to compete with courage and determination, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support.

“The President is solidly behind you. He wants you to make Nigeria proud by winning laurels,” Gbajabiamila said.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, reinforced the message, stating that the assignment is clear: win medals and make Nigeria proud.

Dare also charged Hon. Olopade to stay focused, avoid distractions, and ensure Team Nigeria surpasses the country’s performance at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

In Glasgow, Mallam Dikko is handling Nigeria’s engagements with the Commonwealth Games Federation and ministerial meetings, while Hon. Olopade, as Chef de Mission, is overseeing the daily management and welfare of the Nigerian delegation.

Team Nigeria, consisting of 72 athletes competing across 10 sports — athletics, 3×3 basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, parapowerlifting, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, and para athletics — is now settled in the Games Village with competitions underway.

The NSC expressed confidence that thorough preparation, enhanced athlete welfare, and unwavering presidential support will deliver a strong performance in Glasgow.

Former Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel is set to take over as coach of the Belgium national team, local media reported Wednesday.

Van Bommel has been without a team since departing Belgian top-flight club Antwerp in June 2024, a year after having guided them to a first league title in 66 years.

Van Bommel and the Belgian football federation (RBFA) have come to an agreement that will see the 49-year-old sign a contract in the coming days to take charge of the Red Devils through to Euro 2028, according to Flemish daily Het Laatste Nieuws.

After hanging up his boots in 2013, Van Bommel has cut his teeth as coach of PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and Antwerp.

Kevin Keegan, one of English football’s greatest players and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has died at the age of 75 following a battle with cancer.

The former England captain, forward, and manager — affectionately known as “King Kev” or “Mighty Mouse” — passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026. His family confirmed the news and requested privacy while thanking the medical team for their care during his illness.

Keegan enjoyed a glittering playing career that saw him rise from humble beginnings in Doncaster to become a global superstar. He shone brightest at Liverpool, where he won multiple league titles and European Cups, before enjoying successful spells at Hamburg, Newcastle United, and Southampton. He earned 63 caps for England, captaining the national side, and was twice named European Footballer of the Year (1978 and 1979).

After retiring as a player, Keegan transitioned into management. He enjoyed notable success with Newcastle United in the 1990s, transforming them into Premier League title challengers, and later managed England between 1999 and 2000. His charismatic personality and attacking philosophy left a lasting impression on the clubs and players he worked with.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Newcastle United described him as the “beating heart” for generations of fans. Former player Alan Shearer called him “My Hero. My manager. My friend.” Liverpool, Manchester City, and the England national team have also paid respects, with plans to honor him at Wembley Stadium in September.

Keegan had been open about his stage four cancer diagnosis earlier in 2026, which followed an initial revelation in January. He remained positive and engaged with fans during his treatment.

Details of funeral arrangements have not yet been released. Football fans and former colleagues will remember Keegan as a dynamic talent whose energy, skill, and leadership defined an era of the sport.