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Former Sports Minister Lawal dies at 83

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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.

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Olympic qualifier: Comoros to face Super Falcons following 30-0 victory over Sudan

They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.

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Comoros have booked a date with African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, after a 30–0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Coelacanths won the first leg 17–0 on June 3 before following it up with a 13–0 triumph five days later to complete a dominant aggregate win.

In the first leg, Comoros opened the scoring after eight minutes before producing a relentless attacking display that overwhelmed Sudan throughout the encounter.

Nine different players got on the scoresheet in a performance that highlighted the depth and attacking quality of the Comorian side.

In the second leg on Monday, Comoros scored three goals in the first half and added 10 more after the break to seal a 13–0 victory.

They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.

The Super Falcons are expected to go into the tie as strong favourites.

Credit: PUNCH

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Rivers United escape tragedy after team bus crash

In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.

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Photo: Rivers United bus crash, 4 June 2026

Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury on Thursday after the club’s team bus was involved in a road accident while travelling to Anambra State for a President Federation Cup fixture.

The Nigeria Premier Football League side was on its way to Awka for a Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United when the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.

The Vanguard reported that the accident happened shortly after the team departed from its camp, raising concerns among supporters and members of the football community.

In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.

The club said those affected were receiving medical attention and remained in stable condition.

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Nigeria Volleyball Federation Unveils New National Coaching Structure

The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.

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The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its national coaching setup, appointing new technical staff across its Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, age-grade, and Beach Volleyball teams.

This strategic move aims to bolster the technical development of the sport and ensure robust preparation for upcoming regional, continental, and international competitions.

The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.

New coaching teams have also been named for the Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and both Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball teams. Notable appointments include Adamu Nite for the U19 Boys, Vincent Unogwu for the U19 Girls, Sunday Yunana Akapson for the U17 Girls, and Suleiman Ajeigbe for the U17 Boys. John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj will guide the Men’s Beach Volleyball team, while Kayode and Felicia Amos will oversee the Women’s Beach Volleyball squad.

Godspower A. Odedede, Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the Federation expects the coaches to leverage their extensive experience and professionalism to drive the national teams towards excellence.

The NVBF reiterated its commitment to cultivating a strong talent pipeline and a culture of achievement to enhance Nigeria’s standing in both indoor and beach volleyball.

Source: LEADERSHIP

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