The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has significantly increased the proposed 2026 budget of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) from N2.8 billion to about N60 billion, in a dramatic move aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s sports development structure.

The decision was announced on Wednesday during the institute’s budget defence session at the National Assembly.

Why the Massive Increase?

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu, said the upward review followed consultations with the leadership of the Budget Office of the Federation.

Ahmadu lamented what he described as the chronic underfunding of the institute, stressing that the NIS remains a critical pillar in Nigeria’s sports development ecosystem.

According to him, without adequate funding, the institute cannot effectively carry out its mandate of training athletes, coaches, and sports administrators.

He assured that the committee is committed to working with relevant authorities to ensure improved and sustainable funding for optimal performance.

NIS DG Raises Concerns

Director-General of the National Institute of Sports, Philip Shuaibu, while presenting the agency’s budget proposal, appealed for increased allocation to reposition the institute.

Shuaibu disclosed that the capital estimate for 2025 was not released, a situation he said hampered key developmental projects.

He linked Nigeria’s recent struggles in international sporting competitions to the non-functionality of the institute, arguing that the country cannot consistently produce world-class athletes without a fully operational sports development centre.

Brain Drain in Nigerian Sports

The DG warned that the weakening of the institute has left a vacuum in athlete development, leading to a situation where Nigerians born abroad increasingly represent the country at global sporting events.

He revealed that his administration has begun efforts to reposition the Athletes Development Centre, describing its condition as an “eyesore” when he assumed office.

Shuaibu maintained that restoring the institute to full functionality would strengthen grassroots talent identification and athlete preparation nationwide.

What This Means for Nigerian Sports

If approved in the final 2026 appropriation, the N60 billion allocation would mark one of the most significant funding boosts in the history of Nigeria’s sports development framework.

Sports analysts believe that with proper implementation and accountability, the increased budget could:

• Revamp training facilities
• Upgrade coaching education
• Strengthen athlete development programmes
• Improve Nigeria’s global sporting competitiveness

However, stakeholders also note that effective management and transparency will be crucial to achieving meaningful results.

The dramatic jump from N2.8bn to N60bn signals a bold attempt by lawmakers to address long-standing structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s sports system.

But beyond the numbers, the real test will be whether the funding translates into medals, talent development, and a sustainable sports pipeline for the future.

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Liverpool strengthened their top-flight campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Sunderland in the 2025-26 Premier League on Wednesday night.

Center-back Virgil van Dijk proved the match-winner, heading home from a Mohamed Salah corner in the 61st minute to seal all three points for the Reds in a competitive encounter.

Reds End Sunderland’s Unbeaten Home Run

Liverpool’s victory was built on resilience and set-piece precision. The win ended Sunderland’s long unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light in the league this season and marked a valuable result for manager Arne Slot’s side as they chase a top-four finish.

The hosts defended stoutly in the first half and even struck the post through Florian Wirtz, but it was Van Dijk’s towering header that ultimately proved decisive after halftime.

Match Summary

• Final Score: Sunderland 0–1 Liverpool
• Decisive Goal: Virgil van Dijk (61’) — Header from Mohamed Salah’s corner
• Location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Liverpool controlled much of the game, accumulating 23 attempts and dominating possession, but they had to withstand late pressure from Sunderland after taking the lead. The Black Cats, who had not lost at home in the league this season, created only sporadic chances and were unable to find an equaliser.

What This Means for Liverpool

The win keeps Liverpool firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, moving them closer to the top four and boosting confidence after a recent defeat to Manchester City.

Van Dijk’s goal was also a personal milestone — his 23rd Premier League strike for Liverpool, placing him ahead of Sami Hyypia in the club’s goalscoring charts for defenders in the competition.

• Liverpool ended Sunderland’s 12-match unbeaten home League run.
• The Reds move within striking distance of the Champions League spots.
• Sunderland remain mid-table but will rue missed opportunities.

In a tight, tactical battle under the lights at the Stadium of Light, Liverpool’s experience and set-piece quality made the difference.

Van Dijk’s decisive header not only earned a priceless three points but also snapped Sunderland’s formidable home record. With the title race and European qualification battles heating up, this victory could prove crucial for the Reds’ season ambitions.

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Benjamin Sesko struck in the 96th minute to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw for Manchester United against West Ham at the London Stadium, denying the Hammers a crucial win in their Premier League survival battle.

Tomas Soucek’s second-half opener looked set to hand West Ham three priceless points. But Sesko came off the bench to deliver yet another late rescue act his second stoppage-time goal in three substitute appearances.

The result keeps Manchester United fourth in the table, while West Ham miss the chance to move level on points with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Soucek Strikes as West Ham Dominate

Michael Carrick’s United arrived chasing a fifth straight win, but they struggled to break down a disciplined and energetic West Ham side.

The Hammers allowed United most of the possession but defended smartly and countered with intent.

United nearly struck first when Luke Shaw met a clever corner routine, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka facing his former club to clear off the line in a crucial first-half moment.

After the break, West Ham stepped up.

Five minutes into the second half, Jarrod Bowen outmuscled Shaw and delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Soucek was on hand to tap home and send the home crowd into celebration with England boss Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands.

VAR Drama and Late Chaos

Manchester United thought they had equalised in the 62nd minute when Casemiro headed home.

But after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside one of the tightest calls of the night.

West Ham then had chances to kill the game but failed to capitalize.

That proved costly.

Deep into stoppage time, United launched one final push. The ball fell kindly to Benjamin Sesko, who calmly slotted home in the 96th minute to stun the London Stadium.

Another late goal. Another dramatic twist.

What It Means

West Ham remain locked in the relegation fight and now face the possibility of Nottingham Forest pulling further clear when they host Wolves on Wednesday.

For Manchester United, it wasn’t their best performance but their fighting spirit continues to shine under Carrick.

Nuno Espirito Santo (West Ham) Reaction

Nuno admitted frustration at conceding so late.

“We should have put the game to bed,” he said.

“Disappointed, of course. The players and fans are disappointed to concede in the final moments. We competed really well and defended strongly. But in the final moments, we had opportunities and didn’t take them.”

Michael Carrick (Manchester United) Reaction

Carrick described the result as “mixed feelings.”

“We weren’t at our best, credit to West Ham. But finishing with a late goal shows character,” he said.

“To have just one draw in a five-game period is a big positive.”

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Chelsea dropped their first Premier League points under new manager Liam Rosenior after surrendering a two-goal lead in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on February 10, 2026.

The Blues looked in total control after goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer put them 2-0 ahead. But a second-half collapse allowed Leeds to stage a stunning comeback and silence the home crowd in West London.

It was a night of frustration for Chelsea — capped by a shocking late miss from Cole Palmer that could have sealed all three points.

Match Summary

Final Score: Chelsea 2-2 Leeds United
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 26, 2025/26 Season)
Date: February 10, 2026

Goalscorers:

• Chelsea: João Pedro (24′), Cole Palmer (58′ pen)
• Leeds United: Lukas Nmecha (67′ pen), Noah Okafor (73′)

Chelsea started brightly and took control after surviving early pressure from Leeds. João Pedro opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a clever move involving Palmer, calmly finishing to give the hosts the lead.

The Blues doubled their advantage shortly after halftime when Palmer confidently converted from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.

At 2-0, the game looked done.

But Leeds had other plans.

Leeds Fight Back

The momentum shifted in the 67th minute when Lukas Nmecha converted a penalty to pull one back. Suddenly, Chelsea looked nervous.

Just six minutes later, chaos in the Chelsea defense allowed Noah Okafor to roll the ball into an empty net for the equalizer.

Stamford Bridge fell silent.

In stoppage time, Chelsea pushed for a winner. João Pedro hit the crossbar with a powerful header. Moments later came the defining miss — Cole Palmer blazing over from just two yards out with the goal wide open.

It was a miss that summed up Chelsea’s night.

Tactical Breakdown

Under Liam Rosenior, Chelsea had been flying, winning consistently since his appointment in early January. Their structure, ball control, and attacking sharpness were evident again in the first hour.

However, defensive lapses and a drop in concentration proved costly.

Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, showed resilience and smart game management in the second half. Their direct approach and pressure unsettled Chelsea’s backline, earning them a valuable point in their relegation fight.

Impact on the Table

Chelsea missed a golden opportunity to strengthen their push for Champions League qualification.

Leeds, meanwhile, gained a crucial point that moves them four points clear of the relegation zone a massive psychological boost in the survival race.

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing controversy surrounding the National Assembly’s position on the transmission of election results, warning that it could erode public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the Editors said the Senate’s decision to adopt provisions in the proposed Electoral Act amendment that allow, but do not mandate, immediate electronic transmission of election results has already created doubt and mistrust among Nigerians.

According to the Guild, the uncertainty arising from the Senate’s position runs contrary to the widely held views of many Nigerians and some lawmakers who have consistently called for mandatory and real-time transmission of results from polling units.

The Editors warned that the growing public outrage over the issue has pitched citizens against the Senate and could potentially discourage voter participation in future elections.

“At a time when Nigerians are demanding mandatory and immediate transmission of election results and as countries around the world adopt electronic transmission to enhance transparency the Senate’s position leaves much to be desired,” the statement said.

The Guild described the development as a missed opportunity to strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process, noting that it undermines efforts to deepen democratic governance and ensure credible elections.

It added that mandatory electronic transmission of results has become a global standard for improving electoral credibility and efficiency, stressing that Nigeria should not lag behind international best practices.

As the Senate prepares to reconvene on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to harmonise its position with that of the House of Representatives, the Editors urged the National Assembly to seize the opportunity to approve mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC central server and collation centres.

The statement noted that real-time digital transmission would enhance transparency, accuracy, efficiency, and voter confidence, while also reducing disputes, minimising controversies, and significantly curbing electoral fraud.

“The digitalisation of elections, anchored on real-time transmission of results, is critical to achieving credible elections in Nigeria,” the Editors said, adding that Nigerians are watching the National Assembly closely.

The Guild warned that anything short of mandatory and immediate transmission would be out of step with contemporary and progressive electoral practices, insisting that such reforms are essential to ensuring that votes truly count.

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