Sports Groove

...As they mesmerize Police Baton on Match Day 5 of the abridged NBBF Men's Premier League  ...Police Baton lost third Consecutive match  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Benin City, Edo State           The Chairman Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Yussuf Alli on Thursday heaped praises on Hoops N' Read Basketball Club as they handcuffed and paralyzed Police Baton on the court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The Chairman who was in attendance during the match, commended the team for the, connection and teamwork displayed on and off the court, which gave them a sweet 77-52 points win. “I see one thing here, teamwork, you guys are together, nobody can beat you guys, with this attitude that is very good you will go places, it's a quality that is lacking in the country, that is vary rare, with team members not knowing themselves,” he said. Hoops N' Read made light walk out of the Police ...

...Meyiwa, Enaruna join CHAN Eagles Camp By Maxwell Kumoye with additional information by KO Media Team   "Forget about the defeat you suffered at home in the hands of Abia Warriors over the weekend and focus on your next encounter against Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure.” These are the words of the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Yussuf Alli when he alongside the management of Bendel Insurance Football Club visited the players and official on Wednesday. The Edo State Sports Commission boss said that the Match Day 10 against Sunshine Stars on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode is more important than the 1-0 defeat to Abia Warriors on Saturday in Benin. Yussuf Alli told the team that though management is not happy with their below par performance so far this season but will continue to encourage them to put in the right shift so that they can flourish. "I am here this afternoon to encourage you to put the thoughts of the home defeat behind you and have hund...

...Dedicates success in Kigali to their grand petron, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio  By Maxwell Kumoye       The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), has showered praises on the individuals, groups and corporate bodies that supported Team Nigeria to the just concluded 15th African Scrabble Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. The President of NSF, Engineer Toke Aka told journalists in Lagos on Tuesday that the Federation and the Scrabble family in Nigeria is grateful for the role played by the players, their friends, families, scrabble stakeholders and a few corporate bodies in ensuring that Team Nigeria make the trip to Kigali. “We value the financial support and assistance from the players, friends of the game of words and others who heard our cry for help and they rallied round us,” Toke Aka said. Since the inception of the Pan African Scrabble Championship some 30 years, the Federal Government of Nigeria hardly support Team Nigeria Scrabble to its bi-an...

...Becomes the youngest African champion at 24 ...Doko is unique, talented, gifted - CEO Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions, Olatunde Oduwole  By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria's scrabble enigma, Oluwatimilehin Doko has won the 15th edition of the African Scrabble Championship concluded in Kigali, Rwanda on the 27th of October . The 24 year old pharmacist who graduated from the University of Lagos won the championship with 1 game to spare, to become the youngest winner of the prestigious title of 'African Scrabble King' Oluwatimilehin Doko started his voyage to the zenith of African scrabble on Thursday at the Olympic Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda with a first round victory over Godwin Murungi of Uganda, 487-423. A 64 point margin win and he closed Day 1 with 7 wins from 8 games. He began Day 2 with a 497-420 defeat at the hands of Tournament's 5th seed, Abdulmumin Jimoh and from then onward, Doko climbed to table 1 in round 13 and that is where he lodged throug...

...Re-introduction of the National Sports Commission, the right step at the right time, congratulates Dikko - Chief Tonobok Okowa  By Maxwell Kumoye      The AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has showered praises on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-introducing the National Sports Commission as the all purpose vehicle to drive the development and growth of Sports in the country. The President of the AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, thanked President Tinubu for taking this bold, decisive and forward looking decision to bring back the National Sports Commission who's history of success in the development of sports dates back to the pre-independent years. “My President, the sporting fraternity in Nigeria and the rest of the world will forever remember this bold statement you have made with the National Sports Commission for good, and Nigeria sport with surely flou...

...We're here to conquer and win - Clinton Best ...Abridged League to start October 27th in Benin City  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Hoops N' Read basketball club of Lagos State have started camping in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital ahead of the the abridged Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF) Men's Premier League. The club opened camp on Tuesday (today), with all players reporting for duty as Coach Victor Mensa has his eyes high. With 8 teams in two groups each, Atlantic Conference and Savanah Conference set to compete in the League, Hoops N' Read basketball Club are gunning for glory, their sixth this year. The team will have to shake off opposition from defending champions and bronze medalist at the 2024 BAL Championship Rivers Hoppers and the fierce cagers of Ilorin, Kwara Falcons, Ebun Comets of Lagos, Police Baton of Lagos, Lagos Legends, Oluyole Warriors of Oyo State and Delta Force of Delta State, to punch t...

...Head Coach Victor Mensah eyes podium finish  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           South West Basketball League showdown Championship winners, Hoops N' Read basketball club have commenced final preparations for the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF), Premier League.  Following their successful outing in Ibadan, Oyo State, winning the championship undefeated, the outstanding Hoops N' Read are heading to the ancient and historic city of Benin, the Edo State capital. Hoops N' Read basketball club that represented Lagos State in Ibadan for the South West League showdown, are aiming at a top place finish in the Premier League.   Head Coach of Hoops N' Read, Dossou Victor Mensah, in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel, FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, stated that he and his team are more than ready. Coach Mensah added that his team will draw lessons from the South West League, to improve the ...

...As ESEA highlights benefits of Games By Trust Ittai      In a bid to further popularize Esports in Edo State, and to encourage youths to embrace games in Edo State,the Edo Esports Association (ESEA) is organizing the first eSports EXPO in Benin City. The event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, beginning at 10:00 AM.  According to the Director of Publicity ESEA, Oviasuyi Cosmos, the EXPO 2024 is aimed at educating youths and participants in Edo state on the need for them to embrace and take advantage of the inherent benefits of esports, both for the gamers and investors, as well as letting the public know the distinctions between Esports and traditional gaming.  Oviasuyu said that participants will learn about various career opportunities in the esports industry, which extend beyond players, coaches, management teams and trainers, emphasizing the importance of the expo to include pr...

Music and football have always been interconnected. Think the Beatles and Liverpool FC and more recently, Oasis and Manchester City. Now British super-group Coldplay and Barcelona FC are getting in tune with each other in time for the El Clasico on October 26. As part of the Catalan giants €70 million partnership with Spotify, Coldplay, who hold the record as the most-streamed British band on the platform, will have their logo featured on the club jersey. The emblem, which takes its inspiration from the band’s latest album, Moon Music, will also make an appearance on Barcelona’s women’s team jersey when they play Elbar on November 2nd. Barcelona is also jumping into the apparel side of the collaboration with Spotify and the band by producing exclusive jerseys, hoodies, scarves and t-shirts featuring the artwork of Moon Music. A small number of jerseys will include unique detailing and signatures from the Barca team, creating a collectable like no other. The promoti...

Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner, Don Garber in London speaking at The Summit, Leaders Week this week, hyped up the 10-year, $2.5 billion-plus agreement with Apple that is about to conclude its second season. Garber, who recently celebrated his silver anniversary (25 years) as the commissioner of the league, said the partnership could be “one of the greatest deals in sports history”. One of the reasons Garber is so bullish on the deal was the arrival of the world’s greatest player, Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. Although the Argentine arrived after the contract with Apple had been signed, leading experts to speculate that Garber left money on the table, the commish isn’t fazed. “The Apple deal for us is quite simple. We weren’t getting enough in terms of exposure, schedule, and promotion from the linear networks, because we’re not just competing against the other leagues. We’re competing against every single football league that is selling their rights in the United Sta...

         The growth of non-domestic ownership of clubs in Europe’s Big 5 leagues is no longer a new phenomenon, but the skew towards US ownership in England’s Premier League and Italy’s Serie A has been a growing one. A report by Football Benchmark catalogues the number of US investors who now control 24 clubs in the Big 5 leagues, 10 of them in England and eight in Italy. Widening beyond the US, 27 clubs are now owned by North American shareholders. The report says the attractiveness of European clubs is driven “by two key factors: low acquisition costs and substantial growth potential”. Add to this the belief amongst US investors that there is unlocked revenue potential. The low cost of entry in comparison to US sports franchise ownership suggests that American investment is not about to dry up. The Football Benchmark highlights the Italy Serie A as particularly attractive for US investment because of the greater opportunity for revenue growth...

...To face league leaders Lagos State in the final ...As Ogun State claims first league win By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Ibadan           Oyo State basketball team on Wednesday punched their way into the final of the South West Basketball League taking place at the court of Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State.  The hosts secured the last ticket for final following Match Day 5 drubbing of lackluster Osun State.  The Oluyole Warriors turned the Osun Giants into school boys with a 40 point blow out 90-50, controlling every angle of the game.  Oyo State will on Friday battle League leaders, Lagos State in a much awaited, spine-tingling and equally unpredictable clash of legends.  Lagos State who are yet to drop a game, extended their winning streak with a easy victory over Ekiti State. The basketball greats from the city of aquatic splendor, turned the Ekiti State team into training session, winning 71-53 points. D...

...As Ondo, Osun State clinch first win in Ibadan ...Osun State to face hosts Oyo State on Match Day 5 By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Ibadan          Lagos State on Tuesday brought Oyo State's sterling run in the South West Basketball League to an end in competition.  It was a nervy and spine tingling match as Lagos State started the game on the wrong foot losing 8-11 in the first quarter.  The men from the City of Excellence failed to recover in the second quarter, receiving a 15-23 points blow from the fierce Oluyole Warriors. The following 10 minutes came with seasons of refreshments for Lagos State, as they cruised on 25-14 to win the third quarter.  With the scores tied in the final quarter, Lagos State pushed harder using fast break as they capitalized on Oyo State's defensive lapse, to clinch a narrow 64-60 victory. Head Coach of Osun State, Ogunleye Stephen, in an post match interview with your authoritative and a...

...Impressive Lagos State brush aside hapless Ogun State By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Ibadan           Hosts, Oyo State on Monday extended their unbeaten run at the ongoing South West Basketball League, with a slim victory over Ekiti State. The cagers from the Pace Setter State were faced with strong opposition from Ekiti State, to win 68-64. Ekiti State failed to keep their unbeaten streak untainted. In the second game of Match Day 3, Lagos State, topped the League table with an outstanding performance against Ogun State, who attributed their loss to a poor defence. The guys from Lagos cruised past, Ogun State, 99-43, further extending their seamless run in the ancient city of Ibadan. The Gateway state finished the first quarter, 25-21 but failed to hold steam as they fell woefully in the following three quarters, 15-7, 36-9, 22-6. Head coach of the Ogun State basketball team, Coach Dípò Fagbemi in an interview with your author...

...Oyo, Lagos State yet to drop a game at the championship By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Host, Oyo State basketball team are yet to drop a game at the South West Basketball Showdown ongoing at the alluring basketball courts of Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Oyo, Lagos State and Ekiti State are yet to taste the bitter pills of defeat, and are leading the championship table. Oyo and Lagos State are on two wins each from two games, while Ekiti State have a game in hand. Oyo and Ekiti State will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten run as they lock horns in the first encounter of match Day 3, while Lagos State has a date to keep with rock bottom, Ogun State. Ogun, Ondo and Osun State are yet to record a win, with Ogun State having a game to spare after their match was postponed. Osun State will battle with Ondo State in the final match of the Day to clinch their first victory in the ancient city of Ibadan. The ...

...Remain steadfast, hopeful in your noble quest to provide meaningful development, Retired Colonel Ahmedu tells Air Warriors boss By Maxwell Kumoye    The FIBA Africa Zone 3 sympathizes with the management, officials and players of Air Warriors Basketball Club of Abuja, over the team and officials, who were involved in a road accident on their way to Lagos, for the final 8 tournament of the 2024 Nigeria Premier Women’s Basketball League Final 8. The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu said, “I have just received the sad news that members of the Air Warriors Basketball Team were involved in a serious vehicle accident resulting in some injuries while travelling to Lagos for the Final Rounds of Female Basketball League about a week ago.” The seasoned sports administrator thanked the Almighty Allah for his mercies for sparing the lives of those involved in the accident.   “Please accept, on behalf of myself and the National Basketball F...

      Spain forward Lamine Yamal will miss Tuesday’s Nations League Group A4 match against Serbia to avoid any risk of injury after suffering a muscle strain, the Spain national team said on Sunday. The 17-year-old was substituted in the 93rd minute during Spain's 1-0 win over Denmark in a Nations League Group A4 match on Saturday. Yamal endured several tackles from the Danish side and was spotted limping back to the team bus after the match. After undergoing an MRI scan in Madrid on Sunday, the Barcelona player was withdrawn from the Spain training camp and will return to his club. "The tests did not reveal any structural injury, and the medical staff of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed it is a case of muscle strain," the Spain national team said in a statement on Sunday. "Prioritising the player's health and to avoid any risk of injury ahead of the upcoming match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squa...

         The debate on which venue should host the 2030 World Cup final is still ongoing, with Morocco’s stadiums emerging as possible contenders against Spain’s Santiago Bernabéu, if Barcelona officials could choose. The Spanish media has recently cast doubts on the Santiago Bernabéu’s ability to host the 2030 World Cup final, while highlighting Morocco’s growing influence in the joint bid with Spain and Portugal. According to David Escudé, the Councilor of Sports for the Barcelona City Council, “The rival of Camp Nou for hosting the 2030 World Cup final is not the Bernabéu, but the new stadium being built in Casablanca (Morocco).” The Santiago Bernabéu stadium hosts Real Madrid, the hated rival of FC Barcelona. In an interview with Catalunya Ràdio’s ‘Tot Costa’ program, Escudé asserted that the Santiago Bernabéu would not meet FIFA’s capacity requirements for hosting a World Cup final, which stipulate a net seating capacity of 80,000 spectator...

      The Moroccan national football team concluded their match against the Central African Republic with a resounding 5-0 victory on Saturday, October 12, at the Stade d’Honneur in Oujda. The match, part of the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted by Morocco, saw the Atlas Lions dominate from start to finish. Abdel Samad Ezzalzouli opened the scoring for the national team in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after a cross from the right side by captain Achraf Hakimi was parried by the Central African Republic goalkeeper. Morocco doubled their lead in the 38th minute through a stunning strike from outside the box by Azzedine Ounahi, who curled the ball into the net. Just two minutes into first-half stoppage time, Ounahi scored his second and Morocco’s third goal, assisted by Ezzalzouli. Captain Achraf Hakimi capped off the first-half scoring with an individual effort, receiving the ball from Ou...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, (NWF), Honourable Daniel Igali, on Saturday heaped praises on the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, for unwavering support to the sport in Nigeria. Honourable Igali added that his efforts to host the maiden edition of Military-Para Military Wrestling Championships scheduled for October 18-24 is one to be celebrated. "On behalf of the board and entire wrestling community in Nigeria I want to appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for this innovation to host one of the biggest events the arm forces and other relevant securities have seen in recent times,” Igali explained. He went further to state that the tournament will foster working cohesion among the military and the paramilitary personnel. “This Championship is not merely an event; it is a manifestation of the Fed...

         Armed with their new global head of soccer Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull are poised to add a sixth club to their growing football ownership portfolio as the Austrian energy drink giants eye a position in Ligue 2 club Paris FC. Paris FC’s majority shareholder, Pierre Ferracci, will sell a controlling stake (55-56%) to the Arnault family, led by Bernard Arnault, while Red Bull will acquire approximately 15%, according to L’Equipe. Ferracci is expected to retain around 30% of the club. The deal reportedly values the club at €90 million. Though the deal is still pending completion, the agreement strengthens Red Bull’s expanding multi-club ownership model by adding a Ligue 2 team to its growing football portfolio. It is the Arnault family’s first venture into football club ownership. Having been quiet on the football front since acquiring Brazilian cub RB Bragantino in 2019, Red Bull’s football operations have burst into life in recent months, secu...

         After a gap in which FIFA was left without a major partner in the esports arena following the licensing fallout with EA Sports over the EA Sports long-running FIFA series, the world governing body has agreed a collaboration with Konami Digital Entertainment Co. Two editions of the FIFAe World Cup will be played on the Konami platform, utilising both mobile and gaming consoles. EA Sports and its rebranded EA FC game runs its own global championships. “We are incredibly excited to join forces with Konami. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to promote football globally and to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills,” said Romy Gai, FIFA Chief Business Officer. Qualifying for the FIFAe World Cup began yesterday. In the first year of the tournament, 18 nations have been invited with the participants selected on factors such as their player base and the previous performances of competitors from the respective...

By Reuters           Tomas Chory scored in each half to lead the Czech Republic to a 2-0 win over visitors Albania in the Nations League on Friday, as the home side dominated after taking the lead inside three minutes. Slavia Prague striker Chory put the Czechs ahead when he latched onto a pass from Vaclav Cerny and gave the Albanian keeper no chance with a precise finish. The Czechs continued to push forward while limiting chances for Albania and Chory doubled the lead in the 63rd minute when he found himself alone in the penalty area and headed home a cross from West Ham United defender Vladimir Coufal. The win puts the Czechs level on six points with Georgia at the top of Group B1 with Ukraine and Albania both on three points. The Czechs face Ukraine on Monday while Georgia host Albania.

         Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman will not call up a replacement for suspended captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of a vital trip to Germany on Monday, but was left perplexed by the defender's sending off in the 1-1 Nations League draw with Hungary. Van Dijk received two yellow cards in three minutes late in the second half, the first for dissent and the second a foul which was a straightforward booking. That first card has left Koeman puzzled as Van Dijk protested after Donyell Malen was brought down as he surged towards goal with the Dutch trailing their hosts 1-0. "That moment was frustrating," Koeman told the NOS. "I don't understand it. I think we agreed that a captain can protest to a referee. "That foul (on Malen) was good for a red card. There was no intention at all to play the ball. That Virgil then takes that second card is not convenient. He knows that himself." Koeman confirmed he will not add to his squad for the trip to Germ...

By Reuters  Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has undergone a corrective heart procedure after experiencing palpitations but is expected to be available to play in the next few weeks, according to team sources. Mazraoui withdrew on Monday from the Morocco squad for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Central African Republic on Saturday and Tuesday. The 26-year-old has started all seven of United's Premier League games this season and nine of the 10 matches he has been available for after arriving from Bayern Munich in August. He came off at halftime in United's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. United have a number of defenders currently absent with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined with injuries.

By Reuters Christopher Nkunku celebrated his return to the France team with a goal in a 4-1 victory over Israel in the Nations League as Les Bleus edged closer to A2 Group leaders Italy on Thursday. Nkunku's maiden goal for France, almost 10 months after his last cap, helped France to six points from three games, one behind Italy who were held to a 2-2 home draw by Belgium. The Chelsea forward struck midway through the first half after Omri Gandelman had cancelled out Eduardo Camavinga's early opener before Matteo Guendouzi and Bradley Barcola sealed the win in the closing stages. France were without regular captain Kylian Mbappe, who skipped the double header with Israel and Belgium, away on Monday, while fit to play with Real Madrid. "It's always good to win. The atmosphere around the squad is not exactly pleasant," coach Didier Deschamps said, referring to the criticism Mbappe faced for missing the games and a poor performance against Italy last mon...

By Reuters        Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday in Lionel Messi's return to international duty in the South America's World Cup qualifiers. Captain Messi, 37, fully recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia in July, was brilliant in setting up Otamendi on a drenched pitch to open the scoring 13 minutes after kick-off, which was delayed by half an hour due to heavy rain. Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, filling in for Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez, who is serving a two-match ban for offensive behaviour, produced a fine performance to keep out Salomon Rondon's first-half efforts. However, the determined Venezuelan striker equalised in the second half with an exceptional header from a Yeferson Soteldo's cross to temporarily move his team to sixth in the standings with 11 points. Argentina sought a winner after boss Lionel Scaloni introduced Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez five min...

 ...Algeria, Burkina Faso win big on MatchDay 3 ... Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo yet to drop a point after 3 matches ...Cape Verde, Namibia beaten at home

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland becomes Norway's all-time record goal scorer with his 34th goal in 36 appearances after scoring twice against Slovenia on Thursday night.