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Bawah Fuseini Challenges Africa to Protect the Future of Its Athletics Championships

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By Maxwell Kumoye who was in Accra for the CAA Senior Athletics Championships     The curtains may have fallen on the 24th edition of the CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana, but the echoes from Accra continue to reverberate across the continent. Beneath the medals, records and national pride lies a pressing conversation about the future of African athletics, one that demands urgent action from governments, corporate institutions and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA). For all its flashes of brilliance, the championship also exposed a painful contradiction, Africa continues to produce some of the greatest athletes on earth, yet struggles to assemble those same stars on its own biggest stage. The President of the Ghana Athletics Association, Bawah Fuseini, did not shy away from confronting that reality. In a candid reflection on the tournament, he revealed how Ghana fought to secure sponsorship for the continental event while grappling with the abs...
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Edo begins search for future champions with grassroots talent hunt

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By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      The Edo State Sports Commission has launched a major grassroots sports development initiative tagged “Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” as part of efforts to identify and nurture young talents across the state. The programme, scheduled to hold on Thursday at the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium from 9:00 a.m., is being driven by the commission under the leadership of Executive Chairman, Amadin Desmond Enabulele. The initiative is designed to take sports development directly to the grassroots, with students from JSS1 to JSS3 drawn from schools across Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts expected to participate. A total of 20 secondary schools have been selected for the programme, with each school presenting 10 athletes of mixed gender for the competition. Participants will compete in athletics and several combat sports including Judo, Karate, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Boxing, Kickboxing and Kung Fu...
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Chelle unveils blend of stars, home talents for Super Eagles’ Unity Cup, Poland, Portugal mission

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By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Unity Cup, the friendly against Poland and Portugal have gathered momentum following the release of an impressive Super Eagles squad that blends experience, emerging talents and home-based stars. Head coach Eric Chelle unveiled a 27-man list packed with notable names across Europe and the Nigeria Premier Football League, signaling the country’s determination to make a strong statement at the tournament. Leading the goalkeeping department is experienced shot-stopper Francis Uzoho alongside Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and home-based talent Michael Atata of Ikorodu United. The defensive line features a mix of solidity and versatility with Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu, Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu and Rivers United defender Elias Ochobi all earning invitations.  Rangers FC duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke also made the squad, while Bruno Onyemaechi adds...
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Funding delay threatens Ghana’s Commonwealth Games preparations

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...Ghana to Send 40 Athletes to the Games  By Maxwell Kumoye        With just over two months to the Commonwealth Games, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Richard Akpokavie, has made a passionate appeal to the government to release approved funds needed for Ghana’s preparations ahead of the multi-sport event. Speaking during the GOC’s Annual General Meeting over the weekend, Akpokavie revealed that despite Parliament approving a budget of GH₵12 million last year for the country’s Commonwealth Games campaign, the committee is yet to receive any portion of the funds. According to him, the delay is already affecting the nation’s preparations for two major international competitions — the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics. “This year, we are expected to prepare athletes for both the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, yet we are still awaiting funding,” Akpokavie said. While acknowledging the economic difficulties confronting t...
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Super Eagles draw Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar in 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

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...Black Stars dare Côte d'Ivoire as Chipolopolo faces Algeria, Togo, Burundi By Maxwell Kumoye    Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles, have been drawn against co-hosts Tanzania national football team, Guinea-Bissau national football team and Madagascar national football team in Group L of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The draw ceremony for the qualification series was held on Tuesday, with 48 countries placed into 12 groups of four teams each as nations battle for places at the continental showpiece to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June 2027. The top two teams from each group are expected to qualify for the tournament. However, because Tanzania are one of the co-hosts, only one other team may progress should the East Africans finish among the top two in Group L. The draw is widely seen as favourable for Nigeria, who are expected to secure qualification to the 24-team competition they have won three times...
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Korir commends Team Kenya’s resilience after strong finish in Ghana

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By Maxwell Kumoye      The final batch of Team Kenya athletes returned home on Tuesday morning to a warm reception from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) First Vice Chairman, Barnaba Korir, following the team’s impressive outing at the championships in Ghana. Korir praised the athletes for their fighting spirit and determination, revealing that he closely monitored every event throughout the competition. “We are very proud of your performance in Ghana. I personally followed each and every event, and at one point I was concerned when the team was ranked eighth. However, your resilience was remarkable, and you fought back strongly to make the entire country proud,” he said. Team Kenya wrapped up the championships with an outstanding haul of five gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals, a performance that underlined the country’s growing strength across multiple athletics disciplines. Korir also stressed the need for improved preparation and suppo...
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Senior Africa Athletics Championship key to developing our athletes ahead Of Junior Worlds — Algeria team leader

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By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Accra        The leader of Team Algeria to the Senior Africa Athletics Championship, Dr. Hafed Mohamed Amine, has described the championship as an important platform for the development of his athletes. He stated that the competition offers the kind of exposure needed ahead of the Junior World Championships. Dr. Amine further stated that the event has given his athletes a strong opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition and raise the standard of their performances. He made this statement in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. He expressed that the experience gained from the Championship would play a key role in sharpening the team’s competitive edge as they continue their preparation for future international assignments. He explained that for him and the Algerian Athletics Federation were elated by the performance of higher jumper Younes Ayachi wh...
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Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes and Lobi Stars crash out in round of 64 shockers

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By Maxwell Kumoye    Three big-name sides, Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes and Lobi Stars, suffered stunning exits on Wednesday as the 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 64 produced a wave of drama, penalty shootouts and giant-killing performances across the country. The biggest upset of the day came in Kaduna where underdogs Sapele Lions shocked Katsina United after a pulsating 2-2 draw, before holding their nerves to win 3-1 on penalties. Former champions Lobi Stars also endured heartbreak, falling 8-7 in a marathon penalty shootout to Kogi United after both sides battled to a goalless draw in regulation time. Another major casualty was Niger Tornadoes, who were stunned 2-1 by Sunshine Stars U19 in one of the competition’s most eye-catching results. Elsewhere, Enyimba FC underlined their title ambitions with a commanding 4-0 demolition of El-Sharma FC, while Rivers United secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over G12 FC. Enugu Rangers edged past Godswill Akpabio...
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Botswana takes the baton as road to Gaborone 2028 begins

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By Maxwell Kumoye who was in Accra, Ghana for the 24th edition of the CAA Senior Athletics Championships      The countdown to the 25th African Senior Athletics Championships has officially begun, with Botswana set to welcome the continent’s finest athletes in 2028 after securing hosting rights for Africa’s premier athletics event. The announcement was confirmed by the Confederation of African Athletics following the conclusion of the 24th edition of the championships in Accra, where the continent’s athletics leaders endorsed Botswana’s readiness to stage the showpiece. Although Botswana was awarded the hosting rights in 2024, the Botswana Athletics Association was required to present a detailed readiness report before the CAA Council during meetings in Ghana. BAA Acting President Oabona Theetso said the association delivered a strong presentation that convinced the council the southern African nation was fully prepared to host the championships for the very f...
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Femafoot unveils five-man shortlist for Mali Eagles coaching job

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By Maxwell Kumoye        The race to become the next head coach of the Mali national football team has intensified after the Malian Football Federation unveiled a five-man shortlist for the vacant role. The federation, fondly known as Femafoot, confirmed that experienced African football tacticians and emerging European coaches are among the candidates being considered to lead the Eagles into a new era. Heading the shortlist is Congolese coach Jean-Florent Ibenge, whose impressive résumé on the continent includes successful spells with clubs and national teams in African competitions. Former Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba also made the final five, raising the possibility of a return to familiar territory after previously handling the Eagles. Moroccan legend Badou Zaki is another strong contender. Known for his tactical discipline and vast international experience, Zaki remains one of the most respected coaching figures in North African football. Portuguese...
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