Other Sports
Nassar, disgraced doctor who sexually abused US gymnasts, is stabbed in prison
Larry Nassar, the disgraced doctor of USA Gymnastics who was convicted of sexually abusing young female gymnasts, has been stabbed multiple times by another inmate in prison and was in stable condition on Monday, U.S. media reported.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary Coleman in Florida was assaulted on Sunday afternoon, but declined to identify the prisoner over privacy and security concerns.
“Responding staff immediately initiated life-saving measures,” bureau spokesperson Benjamin O’Cone said in a statement. “The inmate was transported by (emergency personnel) to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation.”
The FBI was notified of the incident, and an internal investigation is ongoing, O’Cone added. No other staff or inmates were injured, he said.
Nassar, who is serving a decades-long sentence following his 2018 conviction, was stabbed 10 times – twice in the neck, twice in the back, and six times in the chest – Joe Rojas, president of the local correction officers’ union, told CNN.
According to the Associated Press, which was first to report the assault, Nassar was in stable condition. Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care, including Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney.
His sentencing followed an extraordinary week-long hearing in which 160 of his victims, most of whom were minors at the time they were abused, unflinchingly told their stories.
Since the Nassar scandal, USA Gymnastics has overhauled its leadership and filed for bankruptcy, saying at the time it was staggering under the weight of lawsuits filed by hundreds of women who were sexually abused by the former team doctor.
Nassar’s former employer, Michigan State University, agreed to a $500 million settlement with the hundreds of women who were sexually abused by him. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee reached a $380 million settlement.
A July 2021 report by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz uncovered widespread and dire errors by the FBI that allowed Nassar to continue to abuse at least 70 more victims before he was finally arrested.
In September 2021, Biles and Maroney were among the high profile Olympic gymnasts who gave heart-wrenching testimony before a U.S. Senate panel about the sexual abuse they endured for years under Nassar’s care.
At that hearing, the gymnasts blasted the FBI for its mishandling of the investigation, with Biles accusing the bureau of turning a blind eye to all of Nassar’s victims.
-Reuters
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised the growing involvement of Ibom Air in sports development, describing the airline as an exemplary corporate citizen whose contributions are helping to strengthen sports in the state.
Governor Eno gave the commendation on Saturday during activities marking the seventh anniversary of Ibom Air, following the final of a football tournament organised by the airline at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Represented by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, the governor applauded the airline’s increasing support for football, golf and tennis, noting that its intervention had positively impacted sports development in the state.
“It pleases me to know that you are not only riding the skies in aviation, but also distinguishing yourself as an exemplary corporate citizen,” the governor stated.
“Your intervention in golf, tennis and, most recently, football is worth commending.”
Governor Eno particularly highlighted the airline’s contribution to football and tennis in the state, stating that its sponsorship nearly helped Akwa United regain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
He also credited the airline’s support for the success of the Akwa Ibom tennis team at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games in Benin City, where the state won three of the five gold medals on offer in tennis.
While congratulating the airline on its seventh anniversary, Governor Eno described Ibom Air as a symbol of the Akwa Ibom spirit of excellence, professionalism and innovation in the aviation sector.
According to him, the airline’s operational standards and recent expansion into international routes within the West African sub-region have strengthened connectivity, boosted commerce and tourism, and contributed to the state’s economic growth.
“The achievements recorded within this relatively short period have stood out as an eloquent testament to the hard work and foresight of your airline’s dedicated leadership and focused workforce,” he said.
“This anniversary marks not only the celebration of years, but the celebration of vision, resilience, professionalism and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.”
The football tournament organised to celebrate the airline’s anniversary lasted over two weeks and culminated in a dramatic final at the Uyo Township Stadium.
The Lagos team of Ibom Air emerged champions after defeating their Uyo counterparts 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.
JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL ON:
https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The stage is set for the 3rd National Para Games, Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious para sports event, scheduled to hold from March 26 to April 3, 2026, in Abuja.
For nine days, the nation’s capital will host more than 3,000 athletes representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing across 15 different sports in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of resilience, excellence and inclusion. Organisers say champions will emerge, records will tumble, and new chapters will be written in Nigeria’s para sports history.
The Games are being organised by the National Sports Commission, which describes the event as a critical platform for talent discovery, national unity and the advancement of para sports development across the country.
Since its inception, the National Para Games has evolved into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sporting calendar, spotlighting the remarkable abilities of athletes living with disabilities while reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive participation in sports.
Officials say the 2026 edition will surpass previous outings in scale, organisation and competitive intensity. With participation confirmed from every state of the federation and the FCT, the Games are expected to reveal the depth of talent spread nationwide and provide a pathway for standout performers to progress to continental and global competitions.
In a significant boost to preparations, the National Youth Service Corps has partnered with the Commission by releasing its Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, to serve as the official Games Village. The facility will accommodate athletes and officials throughout the competition, offering a secure and community-focused environment designed to foster camaraderie and peak performance.
The collaboration reflects a broader inter-agency commitment to empowering young Nigerians and promoting social integration through sport. It also underscores growing national recognition of para athletes as integral contributors to Nigeria’s sporting success.
With anticipation building and logistics nearing completion, Abuja is poised to welcome thousands of competitors and supporters for what promises to be a defining celebration of courage, competition and collective pride.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Keresifon Essien
Akwa Ibom State will parade a strong contingent of about 280 athletes and 44 officials at the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 28.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the Curator of Keresy Sports Museum (KSM), Keresifon Essien, noting that Team Akwa Ibom will compete in 16 sporting events at the regional multi-sports fiesta.
According to Bassey, the sports in which the state will feature include football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis, boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, swimming and chess.
To ensure optimal preparation, the state government has constituted a five-man State Liaison Committee to oversee arrangements for the festival. The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
Other members of the committee are Coach Catherine Ewa Ekuta, Head of Technical; Guinness World Record holder George Essien; Edidiong Stephen, a member; and Mfon Bassey, who serves as Secretary.
Bassey explained that the committee has been mandated to fine-tune all preparations for the festival, beginning with the state trials scheduled for this weekend, and to ensure that the contingent arrives in Benin City fully prepared and ready to project Akwa Ibom State positively at the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
He expressed confidence that with proper planning and early preparations, Team Akwa Ibom will make a strong impression when the festival proper begins.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Hakimi Focuses on World Cup Glory as Historic Milestone Beckons
Morocco Edge Closer to Knockout Stage as Saibari Sinks Scotland
Dutch Look to Protect Impressive Group-Stage Record Against Sweden
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup14 hours ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup4 days ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup4 days ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup6 days ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup5 days ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup5 days ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup6 days ago
Ghana Protests Canada’s Visa Denial to Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Clash
- World Cup1 week ago
World Cup, America’s 250th Independence Anniversary Set Stage for Historic Summer