Sports Groove

…Defending champions suffer fifth consecutive defeat …Ngozi vows young side will return stronger By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Port Harcourt     Dolphins Basketball Club’s title defence continued to unravel in Port Harcourt as Victoria Queens handed the defending champions their fifth consecutive defeat in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Premier League. The Queens emerged 45–32 winners at the Basketball Stadium, condemning Dolphins to another frustrating outing in a campaign that has increasingly become a battle for survival rather than one of championship defence. For a team that entered the season as champions, Dolphins have found victories increasingly difficult to come by, with their youthful squad struggling to match the experience and cohesion of established opponents. Victoria took an early 13–11 lead and gradually tightened their grip on the game. Dolphins were still within five points at the interval, trailing 25–20, but failed to pro...

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their impressive late-season surge on Wednesday, overpowering the Cincinnati Reds 14-1 to stretch their winning streak to a season-best seven games. Mookie Betts set the tone early with a two-run homer, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered another dominant performance on the mound, striking out 10 batters across seven outstanding innings. Yamamoto limited Cincinnati to just three hits and one walk, surrendering only one run as the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Reds. The victory improved his record to 13-8. Teoscar Hernández also maintained his strong form, collecting two hits and driving in two runs, while Betts and Kyle Tucker each finished with three hits as Los Angeles produced an offensive onslaught. The Dodgers achieved the emphatic victory without Shohei Ohtani, who was sidelined with knee and biceps discomfort. The Japanese superstar has now missed six of Los Angeles' last seven games. Freddie Freeman was also absent ...

Matthew Brennan strengthened his status as one of the revelations of this year’s Vuelta a España after sprinting to his fifth stage victory on Wednesday, extending Visma-Lease remarkable winning streak. The 21-year-old Briton delivered another explosive finish on the wide streets of Seville, timing his sprint perfectly to leave the chasing field behind and secure yet another victory on his Vuelta debut. Brennan held off Jordi Meeus, who finished second, while Magnus Cort Nielsen crossed the line in third. The latest triumph means Visma-Lease have now claimed seven stage victories at this year’s Vuelta. Brennan accounts for five of those wins, with teammate Wout van Aert adding two, highlighting the Dutch team's commanding presence throughout the race.

Alexander Zverev moved within two victories of a second Grand Slam crown after powering past Botic van de Zandschulp to reach the US Open semi-finals. The German produced a commanding display at Flushing Meadows, defeating the Dutchman 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 to book a last-four meeting with Karen Khachanov. Zverev, 29, struggled for consistency during the early stages of the tournament but has grown stronger with each match and is now showing the form that carried him to his French Open triumph. The victory also extended a remarkable run for the German, who has now reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments this year. With the other major champions already eliminated from the men's draw, Zverev is the only Grand Slam winner remaining and will be looking to add another major trophy to his collection in New York.

Lamine Yamal has etched his name into Barcelona history after becoming the youngest player ever to captain the Catalan giants. The Spanish forward was handed the armband at just 19 years and 58 days during Barcelona’s emphatic 5–1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday. Yamal took over as captain in the 71st minute after regular skipper Raphinha was substituted, marking another remarkable milestone in the teenager’s rapidly developing career. The feat saw Yamal surpass Bojan Krkic, who previously held the record after captaining Barcelona in a 2010 Copa del Rey match at the age of 20.

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has congratulated Adebiyi Anthony Olusegun on earning his Level 2 refereeing certification from United World Wrestling (UWW). Adebiyi secured the international qualification after successfully completing the Level 2 Referees Course held during the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. His latest achievement represents another step forward in his officiating career and underlines the NWF’s growing emphasis on developing technical officials alongside athletes. Adeniyi sponsored Adebiyi’s participation in the course as part of the federation’s commitment to exposing Nigerian officials to international training and creating a pathway for them to acquire globally recognised qualifications. The NWF President said the achievement was consistent with the board’s vision of building a stronger and more susta...

Robin Räikkönen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula One world champion Kimi Räikkönen, has taken another major step in his young racing career after being recruited into Red Bull’s driver development programme. Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday that the Finnish youngster, who races under the nickname “Ace,” will become part of its junior programme from 2027, placing him within one of the most successful driver-development systems in Formula One. Robin has already attracted attention with his performances in karting championships and will now receive support and guidance from Red Bull as he continues his progression through the junior racing ranks. The programme has played a key role in developing several future Formula One stars, including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, raising expectations around Räikkönen’s long-term potential. His father, Kimi Räikkönen, remains one of Finland’s most celebrated motorsport figures. Known around the world a...

Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has extended his contract as head coach of Curaçao, with the country’s football federation confirming on Wednesday that he will remain in charge until July. The 78-year-old originally guided Curaçao to a historic qualification for the recent World Cup before stepping down from his position. Advocaat returned to the dugout in May, replacing Fred Rutten, and will now continue his work as Curaçao prepares for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League campaign. The experienced coach is expected to announce his squad soon for matches against Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Trinidad and Tobago, as Curaçao look to build on the progress made under his leadership.

Kimi Antonelli arrives in Madrid as Formula One’s man of the moment, but the 20-year-old Mercedes championship leader faces perhaps his most intriguing challenge yet as the Spanish capital prepares to host a Grand Prix at a brand-new circuit. Antonelli heads to the inaugural Madrid race on a wave of momentum after making history at Monza, becoming the first Italian since 1966 to win his home Formula One Grand Prix. His latest triumph has strengthened his position at the top of the championship and raised expectations ahead of another demanding weekend. The Madrid circuit, known as the Madring, will introduce drivers to a completely new challenge, highlighted by its spectacular banked corner, ‘La Monumental.’ With no previous race data available, teams will have to rely heavily on simulator work, preparation and their ability to adapt quickly once practice begins. The event will mark the second Spanish Grand Prix of the season following Barcelona’s Catalunya race and represe...

Thibaut Courtois will miss Belgium’s upcoming Nations League campaign but has no plans to retire from international football, according to Belgian media. The 34-year-old goalkeeper had previously indicated that he was considering taking a break from the national team following the World Cup, with the demanding Nations League schedule among the reasons for his decision. Belgium are set to face France, Italy and Turkey in a six-match Nations League campaign over the next three months, but Courtois has chosen not to be involved. Speaking after Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, Courtois confirmed that new Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel understands and respects his decision.

Lionel Messi is reportedly on the brink of adding another Spanish football club to his growing business empire after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of C.D. Eldense, a club competing in Spain’s second division. The 39-year-old Argentine icon is expected to take full control from Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which currently holds the club’s majority stake. If completed, the blockbuster takeover would mark Messi’s second ownership move in Spanish football. Earlier this year, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly completed the purchase of UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier Spanish club.

Australia coach Tony Popovic has rejected the chance to extend his contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, opting instead for a shorter deal that will keep him in charge only until the end of next year’s Asian Cup. Popovic’s decision comes after a promising World Cup campaign in North America, where the Socceroos advanced to the knockout stages of the tournament before suffering a dramatic penalty-shootout defeat to Egypt in the Round of 32. The 51-year-old took charge of Australia in late 2024 after replacing Graham Arnold and quickly restored stability to the national team, guiding the Socceroos through a remarkably smooth qualification campaign for the first expanded 48-team World Cup. Despite being offered the opportunity to remain at the helm until 2030, Popovic has chosen to keep his future open beyond next year’s Asian Cup, leaving the door open to a major decision once the continental tournament concludes.

By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai     The postponement of the inaugural National Intermediate Games from October 1–15, 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 has raised fresh questions about Lagos State’s preparedness to host major sporting events and, more fundamentally, its commitment to sporting infrastructure. A state that prides itself as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and home to the country’s largest economy, Lagos’ sports infrastructure story is increasingly difficult to reconcile with its public image. The state has the resources, visibility and commercial strength to build and maintain facilities capable of hosting major national and international competitions.  Yet, year after year, some of its most important sporting venues continue to deteriorate, remain unfinished or increasingly serve purposes far removed from elite sports. The postponement of the National Intermediate Games has now brought that contradiction into sharp focus. According to the Nationa...

...Dolphins Coach Ottah draws positives from fourth defeat, promises revamped side next season By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Port Harcourt       Dolphins Basketball Club head coach, Okechukwu Ottah, has described the defending champions’ latest defeat as a source of encouragement despite suffering their fourth loss of the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League. Dolphins went down 50–60 to Bayelsa Blue Whales, but Ottah believes the 10-point margin represents significant progress compared with the heavier defeat the champions suffered against the same opponents in the first phase. The coach pointed to improved team chemistry and growing understanding among his players as major positives from the game, insisting that the rebuilding Dolphins side is gradually taking shape. “We might be losing, but the whole team chemistry is coming well. The team are coming together. With time, we will surely be a force to reckon with,” Ottah said. Th...

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed his disappointment at not being offered a new contract, while admitting he has considered his options amid uncertainty over his future at Anfield. The 27-year-old Argentina international, who has two years remaining on his current deal, said Liverpool had told him they were not prepared to offer fresh terms at this stage. Mac Allister contrasted his situation with that of fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, who both agreed contract extensions earlier this year. The midfielder made the comments on Tuesday as Liverpool prepared to host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday. Mac Allister acknowledged that he had thought about his future and potential transfer options, but stopped short of suggesting he was actively seeking a move away from the Premier League champions. Liverpool's decision not to open talks over a new contract has nevertheless left the midfielder disappo...

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has made himself unavailable for the national team ahead of the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while insisting he has not retired from international football. The experienced midfielder said he will not represent Morocco under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, although he declined to disclose the reasons behind his decision. Amrabat’s announcement comes after a difficult World Cup campaign in which his involvement was limited. The midfielder started just one of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals before suffering a defeat by France. His position in the team has also come under increasing pressure following the emergence of Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose rise has further reduced Amrabat’s opportunities for regular playing time. Despite his decision to step away from the squad for now, Amrabat has made clear that...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Raymond Nwaduba   A promising Nigerian-born attacker making waves in the United States, Timoni Gbalajobi, is positioning himself for a possible return to his roots with the Golden Eaglets. The 16-year-old striker has emerged as one of the prolific young forwards in the Philadelphia Union youth setup, where his goal scoring exploits have continued to attract attention. Gbalajobi already has international experience with the United States, having featured for the country’s U-15 boys’ team. However, the teenager is now contemplating a switch to Nigeria at U-17 level, with the prospect of wearing the famous green-and-white colours firmly on his radar. For the youngster, the attraction is more than just football. “Playing for Nigeria would be special. It has been a long-standing ambition and would be a great source of pride,” Gbalajobi said. He added, “Every young player dreams of representing their country when the opportunity comes.” His credentials p...

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that he had already sensed Kimi Antonelli could produce something special at the Italian Grand Prix, even before the young driver completed his remarkable charge to victory on Sunday. Antonelli started the race from 19th on the grid at Monza but defied the odds to claim a sensational win, further strengthening his grip on the Formula One championship. Wolff said he had expected Mercedes to have a driver on the top step of the podium, particularly after George Russell inherited pole position following the race restart after a red flag. However, he also believed Antonelli possessed the ability to deliver an extraordinary performance despite his difficult starting position. “I thought one of the two (Mercedes drivers) was going to win,” Wolff said when asked what result he had anticipated before the race. “George, because he was on pole (at the restart after the race was red-flagged), or Kimi because he’s going to walk over water.” A...

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that he is under increased pressure to win the Champions League during his second spell in charge of the Spanish giants. Mourinho returns to European competition with Real Madrid on Tuesday when they host Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in their opening Champions League fixture. The Portuguese coach was unable to secure the Champions League during his first tenure at Madrid, with the prestigious trophy remaining the only major title he failed to win during his time at the club. However, Mourinho insisted his current challenge should not be judged against his previous spell and rejected the notion that he owes the club success in Europe. “No, it is two different spells,” Mourinho said when asked whether he felt indebted to Real Madrid. “When I left in 2013, we won what we won and lost what we lost, and we gave it our all. And that was that. “What I need to do now has nothing to do with the pas...

George Russell has admitted that Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli is firmly in control of the Formula One championship after the Italian produced a remarkable victory at his home Grand Prix on Sunday. Antonelli started the race 19th on the grid but delivered a stunning recovery drive to claim his seventh victory in 13 rounds, strengthening his position at the top of the drivers' standings. The result extended Antonelli's championship advantage over Russell to 66 points, leaving the British driver with a significant deficit to overcome as the season progresses. Russell acknowledged that Antonelli deserves his commanding position but insisted he is not dwelling on the championship gap or contemplating a late-season comeback. “Definitely, Kimi is in control of it, and he deserves to be in control of it,” Russell said. “For me personally, I’m not even thinking about a fight or a comeback or anything. I’m just focused on taking it race by race and trying to maximise ever...