Sports Groove

...Eyes big comeback with the Dutch side BY Raymond Nwaduba and Mishael Emmanuel      Eredivisie side Excelsior Rotterdam have snapped up Nigerian right wing back Hamdi Akujobi on a one-and-a-half-year deal, giving the 26-year-old a chance to bounce back from a long injury layoff. Akujobi, who has been sidelined since last April with a cruciate ligament injury sustained during Almere City’s 2-1 loss to Heerenveen, joins Rotterdam as a free agent just in time despite the winter transfer window already closing.  The deal was possible because he was out of contract before the window shut. The former Almere City star is reportedly 90% fit and will complete his rehabilitation with the Kralingers, readying himself for a return to top-flight action. Known for his attacking runs and defensive grit, Akujobi remains on the radar of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, keeping the door open for international recognition. Excelsior has confirmed the deal is flexible, allo...

...Club banished, fined, docked points By Maxwell Kumoye         The hammer has fallen hard on Kwara United after a wave of crowd violence rocked a recent Nigeria Premier Football League fixture, with the league authorities handing down one of the stiffest punishments of the season. In a decisive ruling, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ordered the Ilorin-based side to vacate their home ground and play the remainder of the season in Abeokuta, a major blow that strips the club of its home advantage at a crucial stage of the campaign. But that was only the beginning. The league also slammed Kwara United with a three-point deduction and a three-goal penalty, a sporting sanction that could significantly alter their position on the table and reshape their survival hopes. In addition, the club was fined ₦9 million for the misconduct of its supporters. NPFL authorities further directed the club to identify and produce the individuals responsible f...

...Wants new fat salary, to determine international friendly opponents By Maxwell Kumoye    Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has laid his cards on the table. In a bold move that could shape the future of Nigeria’s senior national team, Eric Chelle has submitted a detailed 19-point proposal to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), outlining conditions for a contract extension. The document, first reported by journalist Shina Oludare, was formally presented on January 22, 2026. It covers everything from remuneration and welfare to technical independence and operational structure, signaling Chelle’s desire for a more professional and stable working environment.  At the heart of the proposal is a consolidated monthly package of $130,000.  The sum would cover Chelle’s salary, his technical crew, and a personal assistant.  Crucially, he is demanding guarantees that wages and bonuses be paid on or before the 30th of every month, a move aimed at eliminat...

By Mishael Emmanuel      Cameroon’s U-17 Lions roared to life in spectacular fashion, dismantling Gabon 5–1 in their opening match of the UNIFFAC Tournament at the historic Stade Tata Raphaël. It was a statement performance from coach Alioum Saidou and his young guns, who turned an early setback into a ruthless masterclass. The match exploded into action from kickoff, with both sides desperate to make a strong first impression.  But it was Gabon who struck first. Just 10 minutes in, Élise Emmanuel stunned goalkeeper Glory Kingue Missinga to give the Panthers a 1–0 lead. That goal woke the Lions. Saidou barked instructions from the touchline, and his boys responded with bite and belief. In the 21st minute, Omar Amir Tsombeng restored parity with a composed finish to make it 1–1 and that was only the beginning. Cameroon seized control with maturity beyond their years. On the half-hour mark, Arnold Massekon of Best Talent Sport Academy, produced a superb aer...

  Olympique de Marseille has turned to a familiar face in turbulent times, appointing former captain Habib Beye as head coach barely a week after his dramatic exit from Stade Rennais F.C. The 48-year-old, who once marshalled Marseille’s backline between 2003 and 2007, is back at the Velodrome, this time with a whistle instead of an armband. Beye’s return comes after a rocky spell at Rennes, where a run of poor results and reported dressing-room tensions cost him his job. But in football, fortunes change fast and Marseille is betting on heart, history, and a heavy dose of passion. His first test? A Friday night Ligue 1 clash against Stade Brestois 29. Marseille sits fourth, 12 points adrift of leaders RC Lens, and desperate to steady a campaign that has veered off course. The club parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi by mutual consent following a humiliating 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain F.C. and a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League. Habib Beye is expe...

       Francistown, Botswana, Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys are gearing up for the Botswana Four Nations Tournament, scheduled from 23 to 31 March 2026 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Hosts Botswana will welcome the 2012 AFCON champions Malawi, and regional rivals Zimbabwe, promising a competitive clash of Southern Africa’s finest.  The tournament will feature two semifinals, a final, and a third-place playoff, giving teams a high-stakes platform to fine-tune ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. For Zambia, however, the excitement is tempered by coaching uncertainty.  Football authorities recently parted ways with Moses Sichone following a disappointing 2025 AFCON, where the Chipolopolo finished bottom of Group A with just two points, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to hosts Morocco. Despite the setbacks, the Chipolopolo Boys see the Botswana tournament as a chance to reset and rebuild, testing new strategies and talent ahead of their cr...

      Seattle is rolling out the welcome mat and Egyptian fans are top of the guest list. Mayor Katie Wilson says the “Rain City” is ready to light up when the FIFA Men's World Cup storms into town next summer. Speaking during a global roundtable ahead of the June 11–July 19 tournament, Wilson delivered a direct message to Egypt’s faithful, whose team will battle in Group G against Belgium, Iran and New Zealand in Seattle. “We are truly excited to welcome Egyptian fans,” she said, noting the city’s vibrant Egyptian diaspora. “We look forward to strengthening cultural ties between Seattle, the United States and Egypt.” Behind the scenes, Seattle’s Host Committee is already working with the Egyptian Consulate and community groups to turn MatchDays into cultural showcases not just football fixtures. And while Seattle’s grey skies are famous, Wilson insists fans will see the city at its sparkling best. “June and July are among the most beautiful months of the year...

By Maxwell Kumoye       The drums are already rolling for Africa’s biggest club basketball showdown and one of Nigeria’s greatest exports has sounded the alarm. As the countdown begins for the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL), former NBA star Olumide Oyedeji has delivered a clear message to Nigeria’s flag bearers, Lagos Legends should brace up for war. "This is no ordinary tournament, this is BAL,” Oyedeji, one of the Vice President of Nigeria Olympics Committee said. And according to Oyedeji, Lagos Legends also known as Maktown Flyers must double their grind if they want to survive the continental furnace. “They need quality friendlies. They need experienced heads. They need to leave their skin on the court,” Oyedeji warned. The domestic league may still be on pause, but Africa will not wait. The BAL tips off March 27 in Pretoria, and from there the battle will stretch through Rabat before climaxing in Kigali on May 31.  "Twelve elite clubs, forty-tw...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Head Coach Justine Madugu has rolled out a formidable 25-player squad as Nigeria’s Super Falcons gear up for high-profile pre-WAFCON friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Yaoundé. Leading the pack is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and attacking threats Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, as the nine-time African champions fine-tune preparations for the continental tournament. In a move that blends experience with fresh energy, Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene returns to the fold after a lengthy absence, while U.S.-based forward Gift Monday earns a recall after missing last year’s triumphant Women AFCON campaign in Morocco. There is also a first-ever invitation for England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, signaling Madugu’s intent to deepen competition between the sticks.  Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke makes a welcome return to the squad, whi...