Sports Groove

By Maxwell Kumoye   A Rivers State-born cyclist, Ikpo Godspower Boniface, has successfully completed a grueling 700-kilometre cycling journey from Lokoja to Port Harcourt in an effort to promote breast cancer awareness and advocate for early detection across Nigeria. The eight-day endurance ride, which commenced on April 30 under the theme “Stronger Together, Healthier Tomorrow,” came to a close on Saturday as the cyclist arrived in Port Harcourt to a rousing reception from supporters, friends and members of TEAM SUBSEA CYCLING CLUB. Boniface’s arrival was scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Obiri Ikwerre Flyover, where members of the cycling club gathered to celebrate what they described as a remarkable feat of endurance and a major contribution to public health advocacy. The awareness campaign was sponsored by Einstein Specialist Hospitals and organised by TEAM SUBSEA CYCLING CLUB, an affiliate of the Rivers State Sports Council. Organisers said the cross-country cycling tour...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye   Sporting Lagos emerged champions of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) after edging city rivals Inter Lagos on goal difference at the end of the season-ending Super Four tournament in Ikenne, Ogun State. The competition came to a thrilling conclusion on Friday at the Remo Stars Stadium, where Inter Lagos claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sporting Lagos in a dramatic Lagos derby on the final day. Despite the defeat, Sporting Lagos, popularly known as the “Tech Boys,” still secured the NNL title and the ₦10 million prize money after topping the standings on superior goal difference. Sporting Lagos had entered the decisive Matchday Three needing only a draw to seal the crown, but their dominant performances in earlier matches ultimately proved enough.  They opened their Super Four campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ranchers Bees before delivering the tournament’s standout performance with an emphatic 4-0 demolition ...

By Maxwell Kumoye       Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Omatseye Nesiama, has earned another major continental assignment after being selected for the prestigious World Athletics and Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Mentoring Programme for Referees. Nesiama, a retired military officer will participate in the programme during the 2026 African Championships scheduled to hold in Accra from May 10 to 19, in what is seen as another recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in athletics officiating and technical administration. In an official invitation jointly signed by World Athletics and the CAA, the initiative was described as a developmental platform designed to enhance the capacity of Technical Officials through practical experience, education sessions and on-site mentoring at one of Africa’s biggest athletics competitions. The programme will also feature the presence of a World Athletics Gold Referee, who will ...

...It's a triumph driven by belief, backroom Strength      "The outing of the youthful Team Nigeria dominated by home base athletes was a huge, huge success story by every indication and benchmark.” This is the verdict of the 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Akuchukwu Aghazu, in a chat with AFN Media Hub shortly after landing in Nigeria from Gaborone, Botswana. She said, “Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the World Relays Championships in Gaborone is credited not only to the athletes on the track but also to the strong administrative and motivational support behind the scenes.” One of the key figures in Nigeria’s successful outing, Akuchukwu Aghazu, the 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, played a major role in motivating and supporting the athletes, especially the female athletes throughout the championship. Aghazu, popularly known as Aku, stood firmly behind the team as Nigeria battled against som...

By Maxwell Kumoye     The Super Eagles of Nigeria may have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the country’s influence will still echo across football’s biggest stage thanks to Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy. Global pop icon Shakira on Thursday unveiled Dai Dai, the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, with Burna Boy featuring prominently on the highly anticipated track. The song, scheduled for release on May 14, was teased by Shakira in a video filmed at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, instantly generating excitement ahead of the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. While Nigerian football fans are still recovering from the disappointment of the Super Eagles missing out on qualification, Burna Boy’s involvement guarantees that Nigeria’s culture, sound and global energy will still have a powerful presence throughout the competition. The collaboration is another landmark moment for Nigerian entertainment on the world...

By Penty Dzidzor Newton   Ghana has officially launched the Ghana House initiative ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the official press launch held in Accra. The initiative forms part of Ghana’s preparations for the Games and is aimed at promoting the country on the global stage during the competition. Ghana House at Glasgow 2026 will serve as a platform to showcase Ghanaian culture, tourism, and business opportunities while connecting the country to the rest of the world during the Games. Speaking to JoySports, Ghana’s Chef de Mission, Ernest Danso, revealed that preparations for the Games are already underway. “Currently, we have boxers in camp, and Ghana is preparing to stage a good show at the Commonwealth Games,” he said. He added that the Ghana House initiative would help project the country positively to the international community. “It is to project Ghana, our Ghanaian culture, and tourism,” he added. Sports Minister Kofi Adams also underscor...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria has unveiled a 45-man contingent for the forthcoming 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, with a blend of established stars and emerging talents expected to spearhead the country’s medal pursuit. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria named a squad comprising 25 female and 20 male athletes for the continental showpiece scheduled to hold in Ghana from May 12 to May 17. Leading the Nigerian challenge is world record holder Tobi Amusan, who headlines the women’s roster alongside one of the fastest female sprinters of the season, Rosemary Chukwuma. Amusan is expected to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles event alongside Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday, while Chukwuma will feature in the women’s 100m and 4x100m relay team with Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson Omokwe and Tejiri Ugoh. The women’s squad also boasts experienced quarter-miler Patience Okon George, long jumper Ruth Usoro and hammer throw specialist Oyesade Olato...

...Secured three spots, highest by any African country for Beijing 2027   By Maxwell Kumoye who was in Gaborone        The global sprint spotlight shone brightly on Gaborone as the World Relays delivered a thrilling showcase of speed, precision, and national pride.  By the time the baton had made its final exchanges, 72 teams had stamped their authority and secured qualifications for the World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027. Among the standout performers was Team Nigeria, whose relay squads rose to the occasion with composure and confidence, clinching three coveted qualification spots.  It was a performance that blended youth and experience with hunger. Near perfect baton changes, explosive acceleration phases, and a clear sense of purpose from start to finish. Against all odds and a fiercely competitive field featuring the world’s best relay nations, Nigeria’s achievement did not come easy. Each race demanded near-perfection, and the...

By Maxwell Kumoye        The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has lauded Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering commitment to the growth of women’s sports in the country. Olopade gave the commendation on Wednesday while the First Lady hosted Nigeria’s victorious women’s wrestling team following their dominant outing at the recently concluded African Wrestling Championships. Nigeria’s women wrestlers once again underlined their supremacy on the continent by clinching a record-extending 15th African title after finishing with eight gold and two silver medals in Egypt. According to the NSC Director General, the sustained success of Nigerian female athletes on both continental and global stages has been greatly boosted by the First Lady’s consistent support and encouragement. Olopade described Senator Tinubu as one of the strongest pillars behind Nigerian wrestling, especially in promoting greater participa...