Sports Groove

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...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Team Nigeria’s campaign at the World Relays in Gaborone has been defined by meticulous preparation, strong institutional backing, and a historic achievement that has set the nation apart on the continental stage. Arriving well ahead of the competition, the Nigerian contingent ensured optimal readiness, with athletes fully kitted and supported by a complete technical crew, including a robust medical team.  The early arrival allowed the squad to settle, train, and build cohesion, factors that ultimately translated into success on the track. Crucially, the team enjoyed solid backing from the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Director General Bukola Olopade, whose presence provided both administrative support and morale.  The Nigeria Olympic Committee also played a vital role, with senior Vice President Solomon Ogba offering motivation to the athletes.  Seasoned administrator Salihu Abubakar further reinforced the team’...

...As fans eye ₦1m cash bonanza Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      Popular Afrobeats sensation Portable will headline the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four as organisers prepare a grand finale at the Remo Stars Stadium. The Ogun State-born entertainer, whose real name is Habeeb Olalomi, is expected to thrill fans with his energetic stage performance, viral dance routines and chart-topping hits as the curtain falls on the tournament that will determine the champions of the 2025/2026 NNL season. Organisers also announced a series of cash rewards aimed at boosting fan participation and creating a carnival atmosphere around the competition.  Two lucky spectators will win ₦500,000 each in a live raffle draw to be conducted by Portable, while the first 200 fans to enter the stadium on finals day will receive ₦5,000 each. According to officials of Toptier Sports Management, the initiative is designed to celebrate supporter...

...As Bayelsa earns multiple awards   By Mishael Emmanuel        Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, has called on politicians in the state to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting at Government House in Yenagoa, the governor stressed that politics should be driven by service to the people rather than personal ambition. He urged aspirants across party lines to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to established rules guiding the political process. Diri noted that the political atmosphere in the state remained largely peaceful and voluntary, commending the absence of coercion among aspirants.  He, however, reiterated the importance of respecting zoning arrangements where applicable, adding that internal party mechanisms must be upheld. Referencing the position of the All Progressives Cong...

  By Maxwell Kumoye        The Akwa Ibom State sports sector may be on the verge of a major transformation following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, at the iconic Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The strategic session, held in Uyo, brought together chairmen and secretaries of various sports associations alongside key stakeholders, with a unified goal to address systemic challenges and reposition sports in the state for sustained growth and competitiveness. Representatives from a wide spectrum of sports, including football, boxing, karate, weightlifting, aquatic sports, chess, scrabble, and judo, engaged in robust discussions centered on practical reforms and improved administration. In his address, Bassey praised the commitment of association leaders, describing the meeting as a deliberate effort to strengthen collaboration and build a more effective sports framework.  He also ackno...

...Letsile Tebogo and Collen Kebinatshipi not in the roster    By Maxwell Kumoye    Botswana has officially unveiled its final 25 man squad for the upcoming CAA Senior African Championships, with the nation’s top track and field stars set to compete in Accra, Ghana from May 12–17, 2026. The announcement, made by the Botswana Athletics Association, signals the start of an intensive build-up phase, as the full squad assembled for national camp on May 6.  The camp is expected to fine-tune preparations across sprint, middle-distance, jumps, and hurdles events as Botswana aims for a strong continental showing. Leading the men’s team are sprinters such as Phaezel Selepe and Kevin Lobalatang, both doubling in the 100m and 200m, alongside quarter-milers Lee B. Epple and Justice Oratile, who bring impressive sub-45-second credentials into the championships.  In the field events, high jumpers Tswanello Akobe and Taolo Lesole add depth, while Kemorena Tisa...