Sports Groove

By Maxwell Kumoye       It was celebration, fulfilment an a princely reward for hard work in Abeokuta as Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, delivered on his promise with over N450 million in cash rewards to medalists at the 22nd National Sports Festival. At the colourful ceremony inside the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, athletes who flew the Gateway State flag high were handsomely rewarded with N2.5m for each of the 93 gold medalists, N1.5m for 61 silver winners and N1m for 81 bronze medalists.  Coaches pocketed N10m collectively, while administrative staff shared N14.8m. Ogun finished second overall with a staggering 239 medals: • 93 gold • 65 silver • 81 bronze  This underlines what many now describe as a sporting renaissance in the state. But beyond the glittering numbers, one voice rang loud in appreciation and it's that of Adekoyejo Adegbesan, Chairman of the Ogun State Scrabble Association. “We want to thank His Excellency Prince Dapo Abi...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye  The President of the Nigeria Olympics Committee, (NOC), Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, has some thoughtful words and commendation for the number one sports leader in Nigeria, President Tinubu for what he described as a rapid and “transformative” turnaround in Nigerian sport. The endorsement made public by the committee’s spokesman, Tony Nezianya, credits timely funding and a sharper administrative focus for recent gains.  “On behalf of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, I wish to express our profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive approach to sports development,” Gumel said. He noted that released funds “have been a game-changer, enabling milestones previously thought impossible.” The statement frames the effort as more than medal-counting but a deliberate push to unlock sports’ socio-economic value.  Gumel singled out the National Sports Commission for particular praise, calling the appointments of Mallam...

...We will prepare ourselves to outweigh Uganda – Black Princesses coach Charles Sampson By Maxwell Kumoye and Lawrence Degraft Baidoo    The Black Princesses are one step away from another world stage appearance and head coach Charles Sampson has made it clear, they are not slowing down now. Ghana booked their place in the final round of the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup after edging South Africa 3-2 on aggregate.  Priscilla Mensah proved the hero, firing the decisive goal in the return leg to seal victory after a tense 2-2 draw in the first meeting at the Accra Sports Stadium. Speaking after the team’s arrival in Accra, Sampson couldn’t hide his delight but his focus has already shifted. “Victory over South Africa was so important. We want to go to the World Cup, and we knew we had to beat them to move forward,” he said.  “Now Uganda is the last hurdle. Our objective is clear, we’re going to prepare and make sure we overcome them too.” ...

...As they eyes Bayelsa’s crown at Niger Delta Games ...Torch of Unity ignites Delta’s winning ambition - DSSC By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Jude Agbekeye The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared Team Delta battle-ready for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, promising a stronger, sharper and hungrier squad ahead of the regional showdown. Receiving the Torch of Unity at Government House, Asaba, through his deputy Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor reaffirmed Delta’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and regional unity.  He stressed that sports remain a powerful engine for economic growth, peace and talent discovery across the Niger Delta. The symbolic torch was handed over by Delta State Sports Commission Chairman, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, who praised the state government’s unwavering backing, lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for driving the vision of making the region a sporting powerhouse. Delta is not just showin...

      Ahly coach Jess Thorup said on Sunday he was pleased with his side’s display against AS FAR in the Champions League group stage but frustrated that the performance did not yield victory. A wasteful Ahly side, particularly in the first half, were held to a goalless home draw by the Moroccan side as both teams advanced to the quarter-finals. Ahly topped the group with 10 points, one ahead of AS FAR. “I am frustrated with the result, especially as we produced a wonderful performance,” Thorup told the post-match news conference. “We have to build on this display and, if we maintain this level, we will achieve our goals.” The Danish coach heaped praise on midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who impressed despite missing three clear scoring opportunities. The Tunisia international had come under criticism for inconsistent performances since joining the club last summer. “Today Ben Romdhane delivered his best performance with the team since my arrival,” T...

    UEFA approved its 2024-25 accounts for the financial year at its congress in Brussels last week with a record €5 billion in total revenue being achieved, the first time it has passed that mark in a year without a men’s Euros final tournament. It is an increase of €737 million compared with 2023/24 when excluding EURO 2024 income. €3.9 billion was redistributed directly to clubs and national associations, with the bulk of €3.4 billion going to clubs, around €400 million more than the year before. The net result for the year was a €46.2 million loss, which is entirely reserves, “a planned outcome aligned with our long-term financial strategy.” Not surprisingly, a large part of the revenue, €4.4 billion, was generated by the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League alone. That figure was up €690 million on the previous season, reflecting the first year of UEFA’s expanded club competition format, which created more inventory for broadcasters and spons...

      African football supremo Patrice Motsepe has dismissed media reports that the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be postponed until 2028. Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the speculation over a postponement of the tournament as “totally unfounded” following a meeting of the governing body’s executive committee in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In 2023, the East African trio of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were named co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but media reports were that the three countries were facing doubts over their readiness for the 24-team tournament. Last December, Motsepe announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will be staged every four years instead of every two years from 2028. “I am enormously confident that we will succeed,” said Motsepe at a news conference. “Will there be challenges? Yes, there are always challenges. Let me repeat that there will be information in ...

By Mishael Emmanuel        Bendel Insurance FC’s road resilience remains unmatched in the Nigeria Professional Football League.  On Sunday evening at the Samson Siasia Stadium, the Benin Arsenals battled fiercely to secure a hard-earned 0-0 draw against Bayelsa United, extending their streak of being a nightmare for opponents both home and away under coach Kennedy Boboye. The stalemate mirrored their first-round clash in Benin, which ended 1-1, but this point keeps Insurance firmly in 6th place on 38 points, while Bayelsa linger in 15th, still searching for a spark to ignite their season. Looking ahead, Bendel Insurance will head to Lafia for another tricky away test against title contenders Nasarawa United in Matchday 27, hoping to keep their momentum alive. It wasn’t just Yenagoa that delivered tension and drama. Matchday 26 across the NPFL served up shocks, statement wins, and nail-biting stalemates: • Ikorodu City stunned nine-time champions Enyi...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye        Shockwaves, stalemates and statement wins defined Matchday 26 of the Nigeria Professional Football League as the title race tightened and the survival battle grew fiercer across the country. Barau FC edged Kun Khalifat 1-0 in a nervy contest settled by a lone strike, while El-Kanemi matched that scoreline with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Plateau, grinding out three precious points. The biggest upset of the day came in Aba, where nine-time champions Enyimba were stunned 1-0 at home by a fearless Ikorodu City side.  Calm, compact and clinical, Ikorodu snatched maximum points to shake up the standings. In Ikenne, leaders Remo Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by resilient Abia Warriors, leaving the door slightly ajar for chasing rivals. Former champions Rangers International made a bold statement with a commanding 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists, keeping their momentum alive in the race for continental spots. It wa...