Persianas Retail Limited (PRL), PUMA’s official partner in Nigeria and one of the country’s leading sports and lifestyle retailers, has opened the doors of the PUMA Afrobeat House in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC). The dedicated hospitality and cultural hub was created for Team Nigeria at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The PUMA Afrobeat House opened on Friday, July 24th and will be open for 10 days. Throughout this period, it has served, and will continue to serve, as a rallying point where athletes, delegates, guests, families and friends can connect and celebrate, with DJ sets, entertainment, Nigerian food, drinks and hospitality.
The House also hosted a World Press Conference on Wednesday July 30th, where the NSC, PUMA and PRL celebrated Team Nigeria’s strong showing at the Commonwealth Games and recognised some of the country’s medal-winning athletes for their outstanding performances. Currently, Team Nigeria sits 5th on the Glasgow 2026 medal table with 14 medals.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended PUMA for supporting Team Nigeria’s preparations.
“The impressive preparations Team Nigeria enjoyed ahead of these Games would not have been possible without partners like PUMA. We are happy to have PUMA by our side because they believed in our vision, and together we can achieve even more for Nigerian sports as we build towards future international competitions, including the Olympic Games.”
He added that under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission remains committed to improving athlete welfare, ensuring timely support and building sustainable systems that will strengthen Nigerian sport well beyond the Commonwealth Games.
Speaking at the event, Ayo Amusan, the CEO of PRL said the partnership with the NSC means a great deal to PRL.
“Sport has always had the power to unite people, inspire communities and showcase the very best of a nation. At PRL, that’s exactly what we look for, identifying talent and championing people who are truly passionate about what they do, and Team Nigeria’s athletes embody that.”
Mrs Amusan added
“Working alongside the NSC to support Team Nigeria means the athletes can focus on what matters most, which is performing and giving their all in competition. Through our partnership with the NSC, we’ve created a space that celebrates Nigerian culture, brings people together and gives athletes and supporters a place to share in the excitement of the Games. At PRL, we’re proud to help bring that vision to life with PUMA and we are looking forward to what the future will hold for both brands.”
Also speaking at the event, Bastien De Toledo, Head of Team Sport at PUMA, described the collaboration as the beginning of an exciting journey and is positive about the future of Nigerian sports under the current NSC leadership.
As Team Nigeria continues its winning streak in Glasgow, the PUMA Afrobeat House will remain open throughout the Games until August 2nd, welcoming athletes, delegates, supporters and guests to experience the culture and community, and to celebrate Nigerian excellence both on and off the field.
About Persianas Retail Limited (PRL)
Persianas Retail Limited (PRL) is Nigeria’s premium sports and lifestyle retailer, and the official partner of PUMA, Lacoste, and GUESS in the region, offering a wide range of sportswear and apparel through 14 stores nationwide.
Beyond the physical stores across the country, PRL has expanded its reach through its online platform, The Mix.Ng. This digital destination allows customers to conveniently shop for their favorite brands from the comfort of their homes, offering a seamless shopping experience
About PUMA
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, and selling footwear, apparel and accessories. Founded in 1948, PUMA helps the world’s best athletes and teams perform at their best with its innovative products. Known for its iconic cat logo and the Formstrip, the company offers performance products in categories such as Football, Running and Training.
The company distributes its products in over 120 countries, employs more than 20,000 people and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.
The Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kwara State, Abubakar Kabir Basambo, has resigned from the party, accusing some of its leaders of hypocrisy, dishonesty and double standards.
Basambo announced his decision in a resignation letter dated October 23, 2026, addressed to the state party chairman through the Magaji Are 1 ward chairman and the chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area.
He said his decision followed careful consideration of the party’s direction in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, Basambo criticised some party leaders and members of the state executive committee, accusing them of failing to practise the values they publicly claim to uphold.
“This decision was not taken lightly. After deep reflection, I can no longer cope with the direction the party is going in the state.
“There is so much hypocrisy, lies, and double standards amongst some party leaders and State Excos who parade themselves as loyal leaders,” he stated.
The former spokesman also criticised the party’s governorship candidate, Zakari Mohammed, alleging that his arrogance, alongside the conduct of some members, had contributed to his decision to leave.
He warned that the alleged behaviour of some party leaders could prevent the ADC from growing if it was not addressed.
“If this situation does not change, it will surely bring the party down. This party cannot grow with hungry and hypocritical people parading themselves as leaders,” he wrote.
Despite his departure, Basambo said he had no regrets about leaving the party, describing the decision as the end of his political journey with the ADC.
He also expressed disappointment that he would no longer be working with his political leader, Abubakar Kannike, whom he said he had grown to respect over the past year.
Basambo described Kannike as a man of honour and sincerity, adding that his regard for him would remain unchanged despite his resignation.
He also wished the state chairman, secretary and woman leader success in their respective positions.
While thanking those who supported him during his time in the party, he said he had no apology to offer to those who disliked him.
Basambo further clarified his meeting with the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bolakale Kawu, insisting that it was not intended to work against the ADC.
“For the purpose of clarity and to exonerate myself from any anti-party allegation, my meeting with Mallam Bolakale Kawu was purely an act of brotherhood and that of a committed member trying to canvas for the party,” he stated.
He added that some ADC leaders had also been involved in similar activities privately.
Nigeria’s teenage sensation Kanyinsola Yusuf has emerged as one of the standout performers at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after winning the Player of the Match award in the Flamingos’ sensational 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea on Friday.
The prestigious individual recognition crowned an unforgettable afternoon for Yusuf, whose second-half goal helped Nigeria dismantle the tournament favourites and secure a place in the Round of 16.
Yusuf struck in the 56th minute to give Nigeria a commanding three-goal advantage, completing a remarkable attacking display against opponents who had scored 12 goals in their opening two group matches.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi had opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 38th minute, leaving the defending champions stunned at half-time.
North Korea pulled a goal back through Yu Jong Hyang’s 82nd-minute penalty, but the Flamingos held firm to record a famous victory.
For Yusuf, the individual honour represents another significant moment in a rapidly developing World Cup campaign.
The youngster had already made an impact in Nigeria’s opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, coming off the bench and helping spark a late fightback, before playing her part in the team’s recovery.
Her emergence adds another exciting dimension to coach Akeem Busari’s squad, which has transformed its fortunes after beginning the tournament with defeat.
Nigeria followed that setback with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing Friday’s stunning performance against the reigning champions.
Yusuf’s award also means Nigerian players have claimed the Player of the Match prize in consecutive victories, following Adegbuyi’s recognition against Puerto Rico.
With the Flamingos now through to the knockout stage, Yusuf’s growing influence could prove crucial as Nigeria chase a historic first title.
From an impact substitute against Poland to a match-winning star against North Korea, Yusuf is rapidly making her name on the world stage.