Sports
Former Sports Minister Lawal dies at 83
A former Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal (rtd) is dead.
According to his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, AVM Lawal died in his sleep on Sunday, June 23at his home. He was 83.
The Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), who also confirmed the ex-minister’s death to the media noted that the funeral was to be held yesterday.
“AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep at the early hours of Sunday 23 Jun 24,” Zakari said.
AVM was born on 14 September, 1941 in Offa, Kwara State.
He attended Government College, Ibadan between 1955 and 1962 before joining the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 among the pioneer officers.
Lawal was trained as a Military Pilot in West Germany from where he graduated in 1964.
His postings included Commander, NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander, Enugu Air Force Base, 1970-72; NAF Kano twice; (1972–1973) and (1975–1977) and Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi. (1977–1978).
AVM Lawal was a very active and vibrant fighter pilot who was at a point the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, 1977-78, before his appointment as Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978 until October 1979.
At one time, he was Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College Jaji. He was later appointed Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
After retirement, he went into business and philanthropy. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Sports
Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.
In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.
“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
Sports
FIFA to introduce halftime show at 2026 World Cup final
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.
The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment.
Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(The Nation)
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