Sports Groove

...Sends out notice and invitations for overseas based players ahead of D'Tigers' trip to dreaded Lybia ...Home based players will be part of the crucial qualifiers - NBBF boss, Engineer Kida By Maxwell Kumoye        The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), says it has tipped off preparations and build up for the last and crucial Qualifying Window for the 2025 Men's Afrobasket Championship. FIBA Men's AfroBasket 2025 will be the 31st edition of Africa's most prestigious continental men's basketball championship. The tournament will take place in Luanda, the Angolan capital between the 12th and 24th of August, 2025, for the fourth time after they hosted the event in 1989, 1999 and 2007. Former AfroBasket champions and four-time continental silver medalists, Nigeria, will journey to Lybia to compete in the last and final window of the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Qualifiers. Your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, gat...

...The Nigeria sporting media has helped shape athletics - Chief Okowa  By Maxwell Kumoye          The President of the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, says all their sponsors, associates, partners, athIetes and officials including the media are their Sports Personality of the Year 2024. Chief Okowa, gave this submission in a chat with newsmen while reviewing the activities of the Federation in the last 12 months and also outlining their plans for 2025. “Without our numerous sponsors led by Premium Trust Bank, our associates, partners, athIetes and the media, athIetics would not have flourished in the out going year and we are deeply grateful to them,” the President of Confederation of African Athletics Zone II said. Okowa says, “Edo State, Delta State and some friends of athIetics made the athletics season thicker in 2024.” "The list of individuals and corporate bodies that have been backing athIetics over the years ...

...We will support her, our prayers are with Brume - Chief Tonobok Okowa  By Maxwell Kumoye      “We are with you during this difficult and challenging moment in your life and we shall equally support you to get on the track again as soon as possible.” These are the words of the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, while reacting on the car accident of one of Africa's finest and most successful women's long jumper Ese Brume. “We as a Federation were shocked to learn of the car crash that will keep Ese Brume away from the track for some time,” the AFN President said on Friday. Okowa said, AFN will be keeping a close watch on the recovery process of the four time African champion and Olympic Games bronze medallist. “Our Performance Director Victor Okorie, will be updating the Federation on her progress and on our part we shall keep the National Sports Commission (NSC), up to speed with her condition, needs and support...

...With our collective efforts, determination, we will achieve success - Honourable Onoriode Oborevwori ...Former Chairman of the Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa graced the inauguration ceremony By Azuka Chiemeka and Maxwell Kumoye   The newly appointed Chairman of one of the most proactive and forward looking State run sporting body, the Delta State Sports Commission, Honourable Onoriode Oborevwori, says his reign will certainly add some fillips to the sporting spectrum of the heart beat State. Honourable Onoriode Oborevwori, gave this assurance when the new board of the Delta State Sports Commission (DSSC), was inaugurated in Asaba the State capital in the presence of the former Chairman of the Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa. Oborevwori said, the board will "hit the ground running" in order to ensure the continued success of Delta athletes, particularly at the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State, scheduled for January 2024.  He also emphas...

...The aim is to encourage reading culture in an extracurricular competitive exercise - Chief of operations IBI CENTRE, Faruq Baba-Inna By Mishael Emmanuel and Maxwell Kumoye          The zeal, desire and passion coupled with a firing determination to take the sport of scrabble to all nooks and crannies of Nigeria is burning like wild fire among key stakeholders of the mind game. Just last week, the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association (LASSMA), under the leadership of Engineer Dipo Akanbi, took the ‘TAKE SCRABBLE TO SCHOOLS’ campaign to Atunrase Senior High School, Surulere, where it was embraced with feverish pitch enthusiasm by the students, the School Management Committee and Board of Trustees led by Mr. Adewale Adelowo. In two weeks from now, the ‘TAKE SCRABBLE TO SCHOOLS’ caravan will land at the Rochas Foundation College, in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, on the 17th and 18th of this month, courtesy IBI CENTRE. The...

...Atunrase Secondary School the first port of call  ...We need corporate backing for this lofty, laudable initiative to blossom - Engineer Dipo Akanbi  By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye       The Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association (LASSMA), have begun the pilot project of it 'TAKE SCRABBLE TO SCHOOLS' with the introduction of the sport of words to Atunrase Senior High School, Owodele Street, Surulere, Lagos. The Chairman of Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association (LASSMA), Engineer Dipo Akanbi alongside the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Atunrase Senior High School Mr. Adewale Adelowo, the Principal of the School Alhaji Fatai Yussuf and top scrabble players like Hakeem Olaribigbe were all on ground as the first scrabble tile was placed on the board during the introduction. Atunrase Senior High School with over 330 students will benefit from the sport of scrabble so says, the School principal Alhaji Fatai ...

...WBLA final rounds tip off in Dakar next month  By Maxwell Kumoye       Customs Basketball Club of Abuja, have been awarded wild card for the final round of the FIBA Africa Women's Basketball League which dunks off next month in Dakar, Senegal. The governing body of the slamming and dunking game on the continent gave the Nigeria side wild card due to their track record in the Qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia last month as well as their fine outing in Egypt last year, where they came fifth. They will now join another Nigeria side Mountain of Fire & Miracle Basketball Club of Lagos in the finals scheduled to hold from the 6th to the 15th of December at the Dakar Arena. 12 Clubs from 8 countries, namely Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda and Senegal will be competing for honours at the event. Just like Nigeria, Egypt have two teams Al Ahly Club and Sporting Alexandria in the competition and so ...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel  The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, is elated with the honour and recognition accorded him by the Africa Military Games (AMGA), and the Local Organizing Committee of the Games in Abuja. Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu who is also a member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), was invited as one of the Special Guest at the Games and he was asked to do medal presentation at the event over the weekend. Ahmedu, a seasoned sports administrator, said, “It was indeed a great honour and privilege for me as a retired military personnel and product of the legendary Nigerian Armed Forces sporting system to be part of this prestigious event.” The retired Nigeria Army Officer, had some pleasant and thoughtful words for the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR), and members of the Organizing Committee, who deemed him worthy of such an honour. “Thank you so very much for putting up a m...

...This recognition and honour for Tobi Amusan will prod other young athIetes - Chief Tonobok Okowa  By Maxwell Kumoye, Trust Ittai with additional information by AFN Media Support Team  The AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is excited about the honour bestowed on Nigeria's World record holder in the women's 100 meters hurdle event Tobi Amusan by University of Texas, El Paso in America.   The AFN said, the honour will encourage other young and talented athIetes to go for glory and do more in their various disciplines. The President of the Federation Chief Tonobok Okowa, said, Tobi Amusan is a role model that a lot of young athIetes, male and female look up to and honouring her is the icing on the cake. “We are really, really elated that the University of Texas, El Paso in America is bestoring such honour on Tobi Amusan, she is a beacon and her light will continue to radiate beyond the shores of Africa and the track,” Okowa stated. The Nigerian track and ...

By Nick Webster               Two teams that know a little something about winning, Italian giants, Juventus, and the all-conquering All Blacks from New Zealand, are teaming up with sportswear giant, Adidas to merge the worlds of football, rugby, and fashion. The mighty All Blacks who once went a world record of 22 unbeaten tests are known for their dominance on the field, their pre-game signature Haka, and their black jerseys. The team embodies embody excellence, strength, and unity. With a legacy of over 100 years, they are synonymous with rugby greatness and are celebrated worldwide. Juventus, also have their own records having won the Serie A title 36 times in their 127-year history. With the Italians and Adidas closely associated with football the decision to team up with the All Blacks is to create the ‘All Black and White’ collection. This partnership connects Juventus’ global brand appeal with the All Blacks’ heritage, presenti...

By Nick Webster               Since their formation 9-years ago the Orlando Pride, have been something of a laughingstock in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), however, that ended on Saturday evening as they completed the double winning the Championship to add to the Shield they won a few weeks ago. Their 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium in front of a rocking crowd, gave Brazilian superstar, and women’s game icon, Marta, her first victory in a final since the 2011 win in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). Despite being outshot 26-9, the Pride got the all-important goal scored by Barbra Banda in the 37th minute, and then spent large periods of the game hanging on. For Marta, the game was especially sweet, as her mother got to see her daughter play live in the United States for the first time. Her teammates also made it their mission to win this title for one of the greatest players...

...To strengthen the team, to camp in Port Harcourt ...Showers praises on the Rivers State Government for their unflinching support  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye who was in Port Harcourt for the NBBF Men's Premier League Final 8       "Our goal and target for the 2025 Africa Basketball League (BAL), is to go a step higher and possibly win the prestigious honour." This is the submission of the Head Coach of the back to back Nigeria Basketball League winners Rivers Hoopers, Ogoh Oduadu in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG shortly after they were crowned champions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South, Nigeria.  Oduadu who once managed D'Tigers, Nigeria's senior men national team said Rivers Hoopers have what it takes to go beyond the third place finish it achieved some eight months ago in the 'Land of a thousand hills -- Rwanda. "Every time you undertake a project, you alwa...

By Ben Efe and Mishael Emmanuel     The 2024 edition of the Warri Effurun Peace Marathon has been put on hold. We gathered that the endurance race was put on hold due to various construction works in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun. Organisers of the WEPM said, “Athletes safety and security were paramount in the annual 10km race.” This year's race was scheduled to take place on the 30th of November.  "There are massive road construction and rehabilitation works by the Delta State government going on in most parts of Warri and Effurun," stated Mrs. Joyce Bozimo the head of the Local Organizing Committee of WEPM. "All the routes we have mapped out have been dug up and besides the Warri Town Stadium our finishing point is under renovation so are the roads leading to it.  "So we have taken the decision to postpone to a new date when we can have a conducive environment to run."  The WEPM has been on for eight years running and has become one of ...

...We will come back more prepared next year By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye who was in Port Harcourt for the NBBF Premier League Final 8              Head Coach of Hoops N' Read basketball club, Victor Mensah, has assured the teaming fans and supporters of the Lagos State based team that he and his team will come batter prepared next year to win the League. The Benin Republic born coach in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel, FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG stated that he has take lessons from the final loss to Rivers Hoopers, the defending champion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  The men from the Centre of Excellence lost to Rivers Hoopers, the bronze medalist at the 2024 Basketball Africa League, (BAL) 71-54 points in the final of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF) Men's Premier League. Hoops N' Read despite having possession of the ball throughout the first and second quarter failed t...

…Confirms host of Afrobasket men and women events  …Madagascar's Jean Michel appointed as Vice President of FIBA Africa By Maxwell Kumoye    The governing body of the game of basketball on the continent, FIBA Africa has given the seven zones under it structure more responsibilities and power as it seeks to reposition the slamming and dunking game on the continent. FIBA Africa Central Board at its meeting in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire between the 17th and 19th of this month said each of the Zones should take more interest in the various National Federations under their watch. The meeting which was the first to be attended by the new FIBA Africa Executive Member and President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, charged the Zone Presidents to carry our an audit of all the National Federations facilities under their watch to see which of them can host top class FIBA competitions.  This move is born out of the fact that among the 54 membes of FIB...

By Martyn Herman               Ange Postecoglou will bring up a half century of Premier League games in charge of Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday with the jury still very much out on the Australian's impact at the club.   His side are in 10th place in the table ahead of their trip to champions Manchester City and defeat would provoke further debate about Postecoglou's progress.   The 59-year-old led Tottenham to fifth place in his first season at the helm -- a solid improvement on their eighth-placed finish the season before. But after a spectacular start to his Tottenham reign when they bagged 26 points from their first 10 Premier League games, the subsequent period has been mired in inconsistency.   This season they have won five and lost five of their first 11 games with the latest setback coming before the international break when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Ipswich Town.   Speaking to reporters on Friday, the...

By Rohith Nair             Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has not found the back of the net for more than a month but manager Carlo Ancelotti believes it is only a matter of time before the French forward breaks his drought.   Mbappe has scored only one goal in his last seven games and has gone over 400 minutes without netting for Real Madrid in all competitions as he continues to struggle playing as a centre forward.   The 25-year-old was also not called up for France during the international break despite being the team captain but Ancelotti said Mbappe was in good spirits in training sessions ahead of Sunday's LaLiga trip to Leganes. "It happens to all great strikers, he can get frustrated but that's not his case. I see him motivated and happy to train with his teammates," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.   "Sooner or later he will break that streak of games in which he hasn't scored goals. Tomorrow he will have a great...

By Angelica Medina                 Paris St Germain maintained their unbeaten record in Ligue 1 with a 3-0 win over Toulouse on Friday, but coach Luis Enrique is wary of his side's level ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.   PSG are one of three teams in Europe's top five to remain unbeaten this season, along with Bundesliga leaders Bayern and Serie A sixth-placed Juventus, and while Luis Enrique recognises the quality of his players, he knows that their good run alone will not be enough to win the Champions League. "I think that we have numbers in Ligue 1 that are in line with our quality and in the Champions League we are far from our level. It's not logical," the manager told a press conference.   "It is clear that we have to improve our effectiveness, there is no doubt about it... A competition like the Champions League is different, is short, fewer games, it does not reward regularit...

By Graham Keeley               Three people were arrested for allegedly chanting racist insults at two Barcelona players during an El Clasico match against Real Madrid in October, Spanish police said on Saturday.   Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who is of Equatorial Guinean and Moroccan heritage, was among the players targeted with xenophobic and racist abuse during the game at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.   Barcelona beat arch rivals Real 4-0, with Yamal among the scorers. Spain's National Police said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday: "Three (people were) arrested for uttering racist insults against two football players during the El Clasico match played last October."   "Those arrested made xenophobic statements that violated the dignity and moral integrity of both footballers."   The Spanish Supreme Sports Council (CSD) and La Liga condemned the incidents.   "LaLiga will immed...

...We are leaving no stone on turn in order to deliver a world class event - Governor Dapo Abiodun  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      “The construction firms handling the renovation works at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto in Abeokuta, the Sports Complex in Ijeja and other venues to be used for the 2024 National Sports Festival will complete their various projects before the start of the event.” This is the assurance from the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG on Thursday. Honourable Wasiu explained that the State Government under the dynamic stewardship of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun is committed to deliver a National Sports Festival that will be remembered for a long time to come. The State Government is giving a facelift to the Moshood Abiola Stadium built over three decades ago. THE FACILITY UPGRADE: ★ Re-Grassing th...

...As two multiple national champions and African 'King' sign in for Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics By Maxwell Kumoye        The winner of the 2023 Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics, (JAMSC), and a key member of Team Akwa Ibom to the last Scrabble Festival, Ryan Jacob says he is ready for the defense of the title. He told FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, on Tuesday that he is putting finishing touches to his preparations and on the 16th and 17th of this month at the Chevron Recreational Club in Gbagada, Lagos, those premium words that gave him the crown last year will flow endlessly. Ryan Jacob a member of Team Nigeria who could not make the trip to Kigali, Rwanda for the 15th African Scrabble Championship due to lack of funds is hoping to use the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics to reassure his teaming fans, supporters and sponsors that he is jamming with some zest, vim and passion. However, the eagle eye Ryan Jacob, will have some 'behemo...

  ...As Bayelsa State Government issue two games ultimatum to Bosso, coaching crew ...Bayelsa United Chairman to swing the hammer on Bosso over reckless comments  By Maxwell Kumoye with additional information by HANJAC Media    Bayelsa State government has issued two match ultimatum to the coaching crew of Bayelsa United following their abysmal start to the 2024-2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season that is ten weeks old.  Commissioner for Sports Development Dr. Daniel Igali made this known at a meeting with coaches and management of Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, the State capital. Dr. Igali noted that the ultimatum became necessary due to the team's continuous inability to win matches, saying that government cannot continue to fold it's hands and allow things to go from bad to worse despite huge financial support from the government. According to him, the two games ultimatum would start this weekend in Port Harcourt against Rivers United and Kati...

...Coach Moses Aduku opt for 21 instead of 26 man Team ...To leave for Morocco on Thursday By Maxwell Kumoye    The Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Yussuf Alli, has urged players of Edo Queens, that will be representing Nigeria at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Morocco to be good ambassadors of the state and country. The ESSC Chief, gave this admonition to the team on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State as they put finishing touches to their preparation before leaving for the Kingdom of Morocco on Thursday. Yussuf Alli emphasized the need for team unity and determination while urging them to reflect on past victories and imploring the team to replicate their recent success in Cote D'Ivoire. "Everything is in place for us to go to Morocco and conquer, just like we did in Cote D'Ivoire," the Chairman stated.  He reassured the team of the state’s commitment, noting that arrangements for their travel and accommodation at the prestig...