Sports Groove

By Maxwell Kumoye    Praise Ugoh Tejiri has bounced back from her disappointing outing at the World Athletics U-20 Championships in Oregon with a stunning gold medal performance in the women's 400m at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The Nigerian teenager produced a personal best of 52.76 seconds to win the one-lap event, becoming the first Nigerian female athlete to claim the women's 400m title in Youth Olympic Games history. Ugoh Tejiri finished ahead of Osmary Pacheco, who took silver in 52.85 seconds, while Aisha Muhammed secured bronze in 53.06 seconds. Her triumph in Dakar represents a remarkable turnaround for the young Nigerian, who endured a painful moment at the World Athletics U-20 Championships in Oregon in September after Team Nigeria women's 4x100m relay was disqualified for false start in the final. Rather than allowing that setback to define her season, the teenager has responded emphatically on the international stage, delivering a historic v...

By Maxwell Kumoye  With just six days to go, preparations are gathering momentum for the third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Nigeria’s capital. Established in 2024, the race has quickly grown into a major fixture on Nigeria’s road racing calendar, attracting elite international athletes, local competitors, club runners and fitness enthusiasts. Organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, with PremiumTrust Bank as the sole sponsor, the event enjoys World Athletics Label Road Race status, placing it among recognised international road racing competitions and offering athletes an opportunity to compete on a globally recognised platform. The 21.1km race is designed to accommodate participants across different levels, from elite runners competing for top honours and prize money to recreational athletes, corporate teams and first-time half-marathon participants. The race will start at t...

Podium finishes at the eighth Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays will come with added rewards as organisers introduce customised gifts for medal-winning athletes at the annual intercollegiate athletics competition. The latest initiative will see every gold, silver and bronze medalist receive a specially branded beverage cup, marking the first time the organisers are extending this recognition to all podium finishers. The gesture comes on top of the souvenir packages traditionally distributed to participating athletes. The expanded reward scheme adds to the incentives that have made the GCU Relays attractive to secondary schools. Outstanding performers in the boys' and girls' categories will receive additional prizes, while the school adjudged best in the march-past display will also be rewarded. The organisers have equally retained the competition's all-expenses-paid arrangement for invited schools, ensuring that participating institutions do not have to be...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Bendel Insurance have taken their fight over the controversial defeat to Rangers International to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) cannot acknowledge concerns surrounding a disputed goal and still leave the result untouched. The Benin-based club lost 1-0 to Rangers in their rescheduled Matchday 9 fixture at the Awka City Stadium on November 4, but the result has since become the subject of a formal dispute over the condition of the goalpost when the decisive goal was scored. Insurance contend that the crossbar and goal frame had shifted out of position during the move leading to Rangers' goal, making it impossible for the referee to allow play to continue. The club initially lodged a complaint with the NPFL but received an unsatisfactory response. In a November 6 letter, the league's Chief Operating Officer, Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman, confirmed that video evidence submitted by Ins...

  By Maxwell Kumoye       FBA of Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria’s MFM Queens have secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) finals after finishing as the top two teams in Group B of the qualifying tournament in Monrovia, Liberia. FBA capped an impressive qualifying campaign with a 77–59 victory over MFM Queens on Sunday, November 8, to finish top of the standings with a perfect record of five wins from five games. Despite the defeat, MFM Queens held on to second position with four victories and one loss, accumulating nine points to claim the other qualification ticket. The Ivorians finished with 10 points, while MFM recorded nine, confirming their places at the continental finals scheduled for December 11–20 in Cairo, Egypt. In other matches on the final day, Benin Republic's Energie BBC defeated Liberia's Flames BBC 93–51, while D-Rockas BBC edged Nigeria's First Bank 60–58 in a closely contested encounter. The defeat meant Fi...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye Founder and CEO of Athletics Heat, Ese Oguma, has called for increased corporate investment in Nigerian athletics, stressing the need for sustained support to help athletes showcase their talents, earn recognition and build successful careers. Oguma made the appeal as the Athletics Heat Meet celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, reflecting on the vision that inspired the competition and its evolution over the past decade. He explained that the initiative was initially conceived to provide athletes with a competitive platform ahead of the National Sports Festival, but has since grown into an event dedicated to recognising outstanding performances and celebrating Nigerian athletic talent. "I really just wanted to give a platform for athletes to compete before the National Sports Festival. That was why I put this event in November. That was the idea," he said. For Og...

  By Maxwell Kumoye     The ongoing renovation of the Shagamu Stadium in Ogun State is set to usher in a new chapter for Nigerian athletics, with the facility expected to become the country's first stadium designed exclusively for athletics when completed next year. The ambitious project, being undertaken through a partnership between the Ogun State Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC), will transform the Shagamu Stadium into a modern athletics centre equipped with facilities that meet the requirements of major international competitions. Beyond upgrading the existing infrastructure, the project will introduce additional athletics facilities, including a dedicated warm-up area, a medical centre and other essential support infrastructure to provide athletes with a complete training and competition environment. Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the Shagamu Stadium project as part of the Federal Governmen...

...To meet Asian heavyweight Japan in the final  By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a historic place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after producing an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil, with a sensational second-half performance sending the West Africans into their first-ever appearance in the tournament’s title decider. The team, led by coach Akeem Busari, delivered a commanding display against the South Americans, turning their first-half dominance into three goals after the interval to move within one victory of an historic world title. Nigeria threatened repeatedly before the break, with Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all coming close to breaking the deadlock. However, Brazil managed to survive the early onslaught. The breakthrough finally arrived after the restart when Adegbuyi drove in from the right and directed a low effort into Joseph’s path.  The Nigerian forward made no mistake, guiding th...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The countdown to the 8th edition of the Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays has gathered momentum after an inspection team gave the venue the green light to host the intercollegiate athletics competition on November 14. The approval followed a follow-up assessment by former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Director, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), and Delta State President of the National Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), Professor Jeff Okpako, who had earlier identified areas requiring attention. Their recommendations prompted the Main Organising Committee (MOC) to accelerate preparations, with financial backing from the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, popularly known as the Mariners, and their corporate supporters helping to restore the tartan track to good condition. Expressing satisfaction with the improvements, Nesiama and Okpako jointly commended the organisers for their res...

By Maxwell Kumoye   Olumide Oyedeji has explained why he is challenging the outcome of the October 15 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elective congress, alleging constitutional violations, exclusion of eligible stakeholders, irregularities in delegate selection and what he described as a compromised electoral process. Oyedeji, who lost the NBBF presidential election to Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Nigeria Energy Commission, said his appeal was not directed at the winner but at alleged flaws in the process that produced the new federation leadership. Speaking to FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG by telephone from Guangzhou, China, where he is on official business, the former D’Tigers captain identified several grounds for challenging the election, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the congress raised serious questions about its credibility and compliance with the NBBF Constitution. "I have nothing against DG Mustapha Abdullahi who was declared t...

By Maxwell Kumoye    President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has thrown his weight behind Team Nigeria’s wrestlers following their medal-less outing at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, insisting that the federation remains committed to improving the country’s performance on the global stage. Despite failing to mount the podium, the Nigerian contingent recorded encouraging performances, with some wrestlers advancing to the semi-final and knockout stages of the competition. Adeniyi described the athletes’ performances as evidence of their determination and growing competitiveness, urging them to remain focused as Nigeria intensifies efforts to challenge the world’s leading wrestling nations. The NWF president acknowledged that success at the highest level of international wrestling requires sustained investment, adequate preparation and regular exposure to elite competition. He assured the athlete...

By Maxwell Kumoye Nigerian national record holder and Olympian Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi has pledged ₦550,000 in prize money for the men’s javelin throw at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, reinforcing efforts to reward excellence and support the development of athletics in Nigeria. The competition is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, with the sponsorship covering the top eight finishers in the men’s javelin event. Nnamdi, one of Nigeria’s leading javelin throwers, has established himself on the international stage through a series of notable performances, winning medals at major championships and setting a new national benchmark in the discipline. He won bronze at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, becoming the first Nigerian athlete to win a field event medal at the championships since Esther Aghatise in 2002. He followed that achievement with gold at the 2023 African Gam...

...GRASOF promises opportunities for emerging talents as ex-internationals grace final   By Maxwell Kumoye       Raffia City Starlets and Sir Monty Babes, both from Akwa Ibom State, emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories at the third edition of the Senate President’s U-18 Unity football competition in Ikot Ekpene. Raffia City Starlets edged Anambra-based St. Patrick’s FC 6-5 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation time to win the boys’ title, while Sir Monty Babes defeated Cross River’s Flon Queens Academy 1-0 to claim the girls’ crown. The finals, played at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium on Sunday, November 1, brought a week of intense grassroots football competition to a close, with 24 teams from different parts of the country participating. In the boys’ final, St. Patrick’s FC appeared to be on course for victory after midfielder Chukwuemeka Prince broke the deadlock early in the second half with a well-directed effort. H...

By Trust Ittai    Bendel Insurance recorded their first away victory of the season, defeating Kwara United 2-1 at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium in Ilorin, while Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) produced the weekend's biggest win with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Abia Warriors in Ibadan. The Benin Arsenal claimed another valuable three points to build on their previous victory over Rivers United. Their win also ended Kwara United's unbeaten home record this season. In Ibadan, Shooting Stars delivered an emphatic performance to overpower Abia Warriors 4-1, securing the biggest victory of the round. The result provided a significant boost for the Oluyole Warriors as they continue their push up the league table. Kano Pillars also enjoyed success on home soil, defeating Nasarawa United 2-0 to strengthen their position, while dealing a setback to the visitors' ambitions. Doma United and Ikorodu City played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with both teams settling for a sha...

...Akwa Ibom to face Anambra, Cross River in boys’ and girls’ finals   By Trust Ittai      Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno are among the dignitaries expected at the grand finale of the third edition of the 10th Senate President National Under-18 Unity Cup in Ikot Ekpene on Sunday, November 1. The double-header finals will take place at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3 p.m. Akwa Ibom will face Anambra in the boys’ final, while the host state will take on Cross River in the girls’ final. Other dignitaries expected at the event include Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Abdul Ahmed Ningi and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adeyinka Adeboye. National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) and tournament coordinator, Honourable John Ekpenyong, said preparations had been concluded for a colourful and hitch-free finale. Th...

...Winners emerge in 12 bouts as young boxers receive cash rewards    By Maxwell Kumoye      A promising young boxer, Odesanya Oyinkansola, has earned a scholarship covering her education through university despite losing her bout at the maiden RIYE U-17 Boxing Circuit in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West, Nigeria. Odesanya, a student of Rev. Kuti Memorial School, attracted the attention of Barrister Habeeb White, an alumnus of the school, who was impressed by her performance against Hassan Khadija of Yewa and announced the scholarship in recognition of her potential. The gesture was one of the major highlights of Friday's competition, which concluded at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, with 24 young boxers competing in 12 bouts. Organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Tunde Delu, the event brought together emerging talents from the state's four sporting zones of Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba. The co...

By Maxwell Kumoye  The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has insisted that the 23rd National Sports Festival will go ahead as scheduled, with key sporting facilities in Enugu nearing completion ahead of the November 28 opening ceremony. Olopade gave the assurance after inspecting facilities in the Coal City, expressing satisfaction with the progress of work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues earmarked for the multi-sport event. He disclosed that the swimming pool is expected to be ready by November 18, adding that funding and equipment for the festival had been secured as preparations enter their final phase. "In the coming days the tartan track will be laid, buses to move the athletes are ready.” Reacting to suggestions that the festival could be postponed, the NSC boss criticised the speculation, insisting that the authorities had already communicated their position on the event. “When Lagos asked for postponement, ...

...Organisers promise safe competition  ...As Ogun's emerging boxing talents prepare for maiden event   By Maxwell Kumoye     Twenty-four young pugilists from the four sporting zones of Ogun State will step into the ring on Friday, October 30, as the maiden RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit holds at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta. The competition, which features 12 bouts, offers the young boxers an opportunity to showcase their skills, win cash rewards and take an important step towards advancing their boxing careers. Organisers have also assured participants and spectators of adequate safety measures and proper coordination throughout the event. The initiative is being spearheaded by Honourable Tunde Delu, Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, under the Young Athletes Yield Initiative (YAYI), with a focus on identifying and nurturing promising sporting talents at an early age. Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta...

...As Nwanaga, Osisike put ₦200,000 up for Women’s throws at anniversary meet   By Maxwell Kumoye        Nigeria’s national record holder in the women’s javelin, Kelechi Nwanaga, and UTEP Miners standout Esther Osisike have committed a combined ₦200,000 in prize money to the women’s throwing events at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet. Nwanaga is backing the women’s javelin, while Osisike is supporting the women’s discus, with each athlete contributing ₦100,000 to reward the top three finishers in their respective events. Under the prize structure, winners in both disciplines will receive ₦50,000, with the runners-up earning ₦30,000 and third-place finishers taking home ₦20,000. The sponsorships add to the incentives for competitors ahead of the anniversary competition, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. Nwanaga backs her specialist event A leading figure in Nigerian women’s...

...Nesiama raises safety concerns over Ughelli track By Maxwell Kumoye   With entries now closed for the November 14 competition, urgent repairs to the Government College Ughelli Athletics Arena have emerged as a major priority ahead of the eighth edition of the GCU Relays. Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama and Professor Jeff Okpako have called attention to the deteriorating condition of the arena's tartan track following a final assessment of the facility ahead of the annual intercollegiate athletics meet. The inspection team, led by GCU Relays Coordinator Nesiama and Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO) President Okpako, identified several sections requiring urgent attention, raising concerns about the safety of athletes expected to compete at the event. Among the major defects are potholes on the track, erosion affecting lane one and damage to the 100-metre section and home straight. The condition of these areas has prompted calls for immedia...