Sports Groove

...Step on that track and take on the foreign-based athletes, she urges the home base track stars   A board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Fatima Yusuf Olukojo says the 2025 All Nigeria Athletics Championships which doubles are the National Trials for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan is not ordinary track meet. The legend quarter miler made this submission in a chat with AFN Media Hub on Thursday. The 1996 Olympic Games bronze medallist explained the the National Trials is the nest where the finest, bold and determined athletes congregate to show and prove their worth on and off the track. “This is no ordinary track meet. We’ve got a WORLD RECORD HOLDER in the house—Tobi Amusan—and a wave of NCAA finalists touching down in Nigeria who are ready to light up the trials.” She appeal to athletics lovers across the city of aquatic splendor to throng the Yaba Sports Complex and support the athletes. “Wishing every athlete a fierce, focus...

By Maxwell Kumoye    A current board member of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Mr. Jibril Saidu, says the welfare of players, coaches, officiating officials and the introduction of policies that will fast track and accelerate the growth of handball in Nigeria are key elements of his administration. Mr. Jibril Saidu, made this promise on Saturday in a chat with journalists, stating that when you give the much needed attention to these critical aspects of this sport that all Nigerians are passionate about, it will go a long way in attracting the right sponsors and corporate bodies.  Mr. Jibril Saidu, a Presidential candidate for the forthcoming election into the board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), said; ”So many past leaders have done so much and so much is still expected for handball.” “We know that Handball is now digitalized and technology plays a key role in the sport worldwide, the playing pattern has changed, new administrative mod...

...We are going to come with fire, have a lot of fun ...As Rwanda concludes final phase of Women's Afrobasket preparations  By Mishael Emmanuel             Rwanda star guard Destiney Promise Philoxy has assured that they will make their mark at the Women's Afrobasket scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.   Destiney Philoxy gave this assurance shortly after Team Rwanda completed closed camping in Egypt ahead of the competition starting on the 26th of this month, in the Ivorien capital.   “Everybody wants to be on top and we are going to come with some heat. We are going to come with fire. I just hope you're all ready to put it out, be ready to put the fire out.   “We'll have a lot of fun. It's all about having fun. Be ready, let's do it, let's have fun.”   Philoxy who averaged 17.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in the last edition of the Women's Afrobasket, on home soil is confident that ...

...As Kenza Falana celebrates silver in women's U-20 hammer, eyes LA 2028 Games  By Mishael Emmanuel who was in Abeokuta           One of Africa's most talented young athletes, Gabon's National hammer record holder and silver medalist at the just concluded CAA U-18/20 Championships, Kenza Falana, says Gabonese youths need sponsorship from corporate bodies, sporting institutions and more important the government to excel.   Kenza Falana who won silver at the just concluded CAA U-18/20 Championships in the women's U-20 hammer said young athletes of Gabonese yearn for the much needed incentives to train and compete effectively on the world stage.   Falana who claimed silver with a distance of 55.42 meters, stated that the Gabonese government promised to help her obtain a scholarship and a loan from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but they are still waiting for positive feedback from the Government and the Fédération G...

...They left work to watch me run ...Hope to be at LA 2028, World Youth Olympics in Senegal By Mishael Emmanuel who was in Abeokuta           Nigerian quarter-miler, Hafson Majekodunmi is beaming with joy and confidence about her fortune at the just concluded event, as she claimed a silver medal in the women's 400m event at the 5-day CAA U-18/20 Championships.   Hafson Majekodunmi who ran 54.43s said that the support she received from her family was invaluable and key in her outstanding performance.   “My parents came to cheer me on, so I didn't want to disappoint them, I don't because they left their office to watch my run.”   Majekodunmi who dedicated the past month to intensive preparations stated that she was happy the way things turned out.   “I was really happy because I wasn't expecting that performance but at the very least all thanks to God.”   Ethiopia's Bancharem Bikes in 3rd place was almost one second o...

 By Mishael Emmanuel         Gabon’s national hammer record holder, Kenza Falana, is certain that her time to rule the spotlight and make headlines is now. It’s a medal within reach for the young Gabonese hammer thrower who was selected to represent her country at the CAA U-18/20 Championship, holding in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria. The 18-year-old who broke into the international stage a year ago at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, added that she is looking to revive the spirit of unity, commitment and collaboration — to back rising athletes in Africa. Speaking before silver-finish at the biennial championship, Falana said she was ready to rule the continent as soon as possible. She said: “I think it finally my chance with what I’m doing this Championships. I’ve been thinking of it this past year, thinking it would be such an opportunity to travel to Nigeria and even win a gold medal,” Falana stated in an interview with First ZealMe...

...More secondary schools to participate at the championship By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Abeokuta           The Senior Manger Sponsorship and GTM, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Osaze Ebueku, on Sunday, stated that the Season 4 of the MTN Athletics Champs will breathtaking and phenomenal. He made this cheering news public in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, in Abeokuta during the Confederation of Africa Athletics, (CAA) U-18/U-20 Championship. Mr. Ebueku explained that the athletics event will be bigger and better than the previous Season 3 and will bring together many schools across Nigeria. “The 4th Season, is in it planning stage but I can tell you that, it's going to be full blown, it's going to be bigger, with a lot of schools, secondary schools in participation, with more energetic champions emerging,” he said. He emphasized that the MTN Athletics Champs was put together three yea...

...We are thrilled to host this championship - Comrade Olamide Lawal ...Heaps praises on Governor Dapo Abiodun for commitment to sports in the state        Special Assistant to the Governor of Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Youth Development, Comrade Olamide Lawal, extended a warm welcome to the young athletes from across Africa, participating in the Confederation of Africa Athletics, U-18/20 Championship scheduled to take in the state. This prestigious event brings together 700 young athletes from various African countries to compete and showcase their talents. In an exclusive interview, Comrade Olamide Lawal expressed his excitement about the championship, highlighting the significance of such events in promoting sports development in the state. "We are thrilled to host this championship, which will undoubtedly bring together the best young athletes from Africa. This is a testament to our Governor's commitment to promo...

...Festival to be a weeklong celebration of basketball, entertainment, culture and community By Pius Ayinor Maxwell Kumoye          Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr has just been announced as a performer at the Closing Concert of the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival joining a powerhouse lineup that includes Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya.    Giants of Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, have announced additional talent for talent showpiece scheduled to in Kigali, the Rwandan capital from the 26th of July to the 2nd of August, 2025.    Rwandan artist Alyn Sano is also among the elite list of performers at the festival’s inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31.   Launching a week of unforgettable music moments, the festival’s exhilarating Opening Show on July 27 will feature performances by South African DJ phenome...

...To clear long-standing sign-on fee debts owed to players, staff of Kwara United Football Club By Maxwell Kumoye      The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will host a special 'Thank You' reception in honour of Team Kwara’s contingent to the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games held in the Rock City, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria. The ceremony will take place on Friday, the 18th of this month in the state capital, Ilorin. This heart warming news was made public Tuesday by Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission (KSSC). Sports Groove understands that all medalists who proudly represented the state will be specially rewarded by the Governor in appreciation for their outstanding performance and dedication. Kwara State contingent to Ogun State for the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games returned to Ilorin with 29 medals, 6 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals. ...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Ben Efe       In a bid to develop the female football in Nigeria, some former athletes are giving back to the community, organising programmes to discover and harness the huge talent base across the country. One such program was organised by the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation in partnership with the Lilly Legend Sports Academy, at the Umuchu Mini Stadium in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, South-East, Nigeria. The event which took place on Saturday the 12th of July, 2025 also featured a wellness programme for women, with former Olympics long jump champion, Chioma Ajunwa heading the exercise. Chioma Ajunwa expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, Mr. Chibueze Ofobuike for his continued support to the development of grassroot sports. The former long jumper stressed that with the support of kind-hearted individuals with deep pockets they can bridge the gap between what is obtainable in other part...

...Sets sight on representing the country at the Olympics By Mishael Emmanuel with additional agency reports            A week of world class sportsmanship at the 2025 World Boxing Cup witnessed the rise of an amazon who gave her all for country and continent. In a pool of over 400 boxers from 31 countries, 6 continents, we find Nigeria and Africa's sole representative battling it out for the first african medal in the inaugural edition of the Boxing World Cup. The Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Art Palace, was the perfect corridor for Nigeria's Patricia Mbata to find her rhythm and display her prowess as she gave pound for pound to win the historic bronze medal.    The Astana event was the third stage of the World Cup after Brazil and Czechia. And the British born Nigerian pugilist who won Gold in the 75kg category at the last Africa Games in Accra, Ghana, says getting bronze at the championships motivates her to keep pursuing her drea...

...South Africa arrives in Abeokuta eyeing historic hat-trick ...Teenage terror and reigning World U-20 100m champion Banda, spearheads South Africa's title defense with sub-10s seasons best ...Team Kenya ready to run for honours at the championships, due in Abeokuta on Tuesday By Mishael Emmanuel             The Republic of Congo's delegation to Africa biggest athletics feast at the Junior and Youth level were first amongst the set of early arrivals in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria. This is in a bid to ensure they acclimate and register the best possible showing at the Championships.   Team Congo that touched down four days ahead of the 5-day championships received a warm reception at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, South-West, Nigeria. The 28-member delegation who arrived in the early hours of Saturday were received by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Protocol Team. Head of Protocol, Arabirin...

...Seeks institutional support, professional advice of the NSC, FG  By Uzor Odigbo and Maxwell Kumoye            The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, is elated with the Sports Development Project of the Abia State Government, South-East of Nigeria. Dikko made this known after a very positive and fruitful discussion with the Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Oti in Umuahia, the State capital. The Abia State Sports Project is aimed at harnessing the potentials of sports economy in the State, the South-East region, and Nigeria as well as the continent. The thrust of the discussions centered around the overall development of sports in Abia State and grassroots engagements. Other issues discussed was the State’s preparations to host the 1st Abia International Para Badminton Championship scheduled for 30th September to 5th October 2025 and the 2025 All African Para Badminton Championship schedule for 6th to 12th October 2...